Natural horse care symbolizes the implementation of concept to keep a horse consistently healthy in mind, body and spirit in order to achieve quality of life and longevity. There are variety of ways to provide an ecofriendly, calm, physically and mentally healthy environment to horses. The key step of horse care treatment involves the implementation of natural boarding system. Boarding system for horse care is categorized as Conventional boarding system and Natural boarding system. In conventional boarding system horses are compelled to live in solitude, confined to their box stalls and are isolated from other horses whereas in natural boarding, horses have physical access to other horses and live in herds. Natural boarding methods are designed to meet the basic physiological needs of horse and focuses on how they live in the wild. It emphasizes on the fact that horses are herd animals who need to interact with other horses just as we human beings need the company of other people to socialize. So, in order to keep horses physically and mentally healthy it is necessary to allow them to live in the herd because an alone horse is likely to be more stressed which can give rise to un-natural behaviors like cribbing, weaving, insufficient sleep and other digestive problems like ulcer and colic.
Horses are designed to be in motion, so the second key to natural horse care is movement. In conventional boarding horses are compelled to receive inadequate movement as well as unnatural movement during exercise period however in natural boarding they are allowed to live freely in the company of other horses and show natural movement. Paddock Paradise is a modern, ground-breaking natural boarding concept based on the research of Jaime Jackson. He was of the view that horse’s health can be improved by restricting its grass intake while encouraging more movement. This idea has many benefits such as it serves as a source of providing stimulating environment to horse to keep it active and fit, encouraging more movement in order to improve its overall health and enables easier grazing. This system also provide assistance for preventing conditions like laminitis by encouraging hoof health, exercise and limiting sugar rich grass. Paddock paradise track can be made on large as well as on small acre pastures to provide horses sufficient space for exercise and movement. The track can be designed by running an additional inside fence along the perimeter fence of the pasture and thus creating a narrow pathway for horses. The narrower the alleyway, the more the horses will tend to move through track. Few strategies for building a good track system includes placing hay stations throughout the track so as to encourage horses to keep moving towards the next food stop, providing adequate fresh water along the track, proper disposal of manure on daily basis on track to reduce flies and connecting the track to barn and corral areas for easy access . The availability of some natural features such as mud areas and hills for rolling and training, creek for hoof soaking, rocky areas to strengthen up hooves and trees for scratching and providing them shade can play a vital role in keeping horses healthy and active.
Horses are adaptable to fluctuating temperature or environmental conditions. Their own thermoregulatory system is fantastic and doesn’t need our interference as they are found at ambient temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees. They have the ability to store heat inside their bodies by growing a thick coat on their skin in winters. In conventional boarding horses are provided with the layer of sheets and blankets whereas in natural boarding they are left to experience the fluctuating climate conditions, living outdoors without horse clothing. In winters, it is better to feed mature horses with good quality hay and grains when poor quality hay is used whereas in summers it is healthier to provide them grains and diet rich in fats rather than hay in order to minimize their heat stress. Therefore, to provide your horses healthier environment it is advisable to allow them to regulate their body temperature.
The availability of fresh water and natural diets are the basic necessities that no horse should be deprived of. In conventional boarding they are restricted both in food intake and variety. They are bounded to consume a couple of plant species, daily intake of two to three times meal, left without meal overnight and are deprived from excess minerals which is against their natural eating patterns. However, they are provided continuous food supply such as hay, pasture, water and excess variety of minerals in natural boarding. Horses are designed to digest fiber and forage which helps to keep them warm in winter so it is advisable to avoid blanketing as it interrupts horse’s thermal physiology. You can also make feeding time fascinating and challenging for your horses by encouraging them to work for their food by incorporating slow feeders, multiple feeding or browsing options to allow your horse to search for his food. If your horse is hungry feed him with hay first instead of grain so that it might take the edge of his hunger and digest his food properly and thus avoiding the risks of ulcer and colic. Make sure that your horse has an access to shade and fresh clean water at all times. It is better to feed your horse little and often to approximate its natural tendency to graze constantly. Don’t leave your horses onto freshly cut hay paddock or pasture after rain because it can produce toxins that cause laminitis. Offer your horse trick feeders, tires, cones and small pools so that it might manipulate them for investigation and exploratory play.
Horses spend most of their time in grazing that is in low-head posture with forehands bearing most of their body weight. In conventional boarding they are fed from elevated feeders in unnatural position which results in respiratory problems and stress in ligaments and tendons whereas in natural boarding horses are fed at ground level in natural position with relaxed neck. So, it is advisable to feed them in natural position to prevent health issues. Sunburns in horses lead to sore crusty areas on skin which are painful and can result in cancer. In order to prevent them Filtabac can be used. It is a protective antibacterial cream which provides excellent treatment for cuts, abrasions and wounds that horses get.
Horses hooves play a vital role in their health and well-being. To keep the movement of hoof in natural way they should be kept barefoot, trimmed properly and in good condition. In conventional boarding hooves are shod whereas in natural boarding they are kept barefoot which encourages the blood flow and good quality hoof growth. Stalled horses suffer greatly from ammonia which is harmful for both their lungs and hooves therefore it is suitable to provide your horses an open shelter for protection against weather. If your horse has to travel distant places then train them well to drink any water and provide them water with addition of molasses which serves as a natural electrolyte. Besides, avoid putting rugs on travelling horses unless they need protection from rain.
Horses need freedom of movement, socializing, adequate amount of food, water and shelter therefore keeping your horse as naturally as possible helps them to attain good physical and mental health.