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The 4 Pillars
We follow the 4 pillars of natural horse care (nhc), which are based on the wild free-roaming horse model of the U.S Great Basin. All 4 of the pillars work together to support each other for the equine - healing and strengthening the horse's body, mind and soul.
What is a Paddock Paradise?
A Paddock Paradise or track system typically follows the perimeter of your field, making a fenced off area that forms a loop.
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Following Jaime Jackson's legendary studies, the Paddock Paradise was created to provide a domesticated horse with the benefits of a natural, species appropriate lifestyle; optimising their overall health physically and mentally. When a horse is on a Paddock Paradise rather than a paddock, they must move to fulfil their daily needs.
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'The principal goal of PP is to facilitate health and soundness – both physical and mental – in our horses. In fact, it is an ideal preventative to many of the illnesses and disorders plaguing domestic equines who are forced to live in stalls or other forms of close confinement or, equally hazardous, in lush, sugar-laden grass pastures. In fact, a genuine PP can virtually eliminate the risk of laminitis, colic, Navicular Syndrome, Cushings Syndrome, and other debilitating conditions caused by an unnatural lifestyle and diet. As well, it allows horses to eat as they do in nature – on the move!' - Paddock Paradise
The 4 Pillars of Natural Horse Care
Species Appropriate Diet
Providing a diet that is near to species appropriate and natural as possible - a low sugar, low potassium and high fibre diet with free access to hay and various bushes, trees and herbs. We do not allow our horses to graze lush, rich grass due to it's unsuitability.
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Environment (Paddock Paradise)
Understanding the nature of equines and providing them with a mixed herd to encourage natural behaviours and dynamics - no stables, restriction, isolation or paddocks. Wild and free-roaming horses travel up to 25 miles per day.
Natural Trim
To understand what a natural hoof is and trimming to replicate what nature would leave and what nature would take.
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Natural Horsemanship
Natural schooling, ridden work and ground work is based on what movements are natural to the horse; nothing is forced.
The Benefits
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Track systems are ideal for horses or ponies who cannot tolerate any grass, such as horses who suffer from Laminitis, EMS, grass affected behavioural issues, poor hoof health, head shaking, and so on.
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They're highly beneficial to horses or ponies who suffer from soft tissue injuries, arthritis or issues that would drastically worsen from lack of movement in stalls, stables, small paddocks etc.
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Many of the horses in our care have previously struggled with anxiety, crib biting, wind sucking and food guarding. Being in a stimulating environment amongst other horses, all with free choice, is not only mentally enriching but also contributes to the recovery of various management related issues.
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Track systems build and tone muscle - top lines, bottoms and shoulders strengthen naturally without ridden or in hand work.
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Weight management, loss or gain is much easier to facilitate with free movement and species appropriate forage at their disposal.
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More movement encourages new healthy hoof growth, ideal for horses with ongoing pathologies such as poor hoof growth, white line separation, poor hoof horn, contracted heels and more.
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Our horses have the freedom to do as they please - play, eat, drink, snooze, go paddling in the ponds, forage. They have access to everything they need but when they use it is completely up to them.
