Using lessons from wild horses to create a better boarding experience

The vision for how I've designed Wild Meadows, came after I heard about the book, and method, "Paddock Paradise" by Jaime Jackson. He spent time in the U.S. Great Basin, observing the horses in their natural environment. His main interest being hoof quality. The wild horse hooves were far healthier than most domesticated horses, but how? Jaime studied all aspects of the wild horses' behavior and environment, wanting to see which ones contributed to the health and well-being of the horses. With this knowledge, he developed a boarding method for domesticated horses that would more accurately reflect the nature of the horse, therefore creating more well-balanced companions.

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"The Paddock Paradise method works to implement a natural lifestyle in a domestic environment...focusing on: how to stimulate natural movement, how to allow for natural herd behavior, and how to stay out of trouble with a reasonably "natural" diet."    

 -Jaime Jackson

That's exactly what we've created here at Wild Meadows. I feel like since the horses in our care will spend the majority of their time in the turn-out areas....that's where we should spend the majority of our focus and resources.

This is the "Sensory Bridge". The horses can either walk over the bridge or walk over the rocks. Variety in the terrain, along with the added movement, promotes healthier hooves and improves confidence in horses who may experience these terrains on trail rides or other outings. After heavy rains, water pools on one side of the bridge adding yet another element to the obstacle.

James Dean and Joey watch as Athena eats from one of the several hay stations.

The "straightaway" portion of the track encourages faster speeds due to the lack of obstacles and the narrower path.

Horses love to roll, both for grooming and enjoyment. Our sand pit is a popular stop along the track. Watching the horses roll and lie down reminds me how important it is to have an area like this available to them. Unfortunately, many horses don't have the luxury of a rolling pit.

Spreading out their resources (hay, water, shelter, sand pit, etc.) is another way to encourage movement throughout the day.

Lying down is vital for deep sleep. It doesn't take long for the horses to feel comfortable enough to take a good nap.

We encourage people to enjoy the peace and relaxation of the land; take a nap in a hammock, bring a book and watch the sunset. A little respite from the routine of daily life. 

Lots of places to hang out for grooming sessions.

You'll find lots of obstacles that are useful for training, while still having plenty of room for obstacle-free riding and groundwork. 

Trailer parking is available. We like to do trailer training frequently so we're always ready to travel.

James Dean is standing at alert at the top of the "straightaway". 

When the grass sugars aren't high (mainly during the winter), horses have open access from the track to some of the pastures. 

Unlike traditional boarding facilities, we provide access to hay 24/7. Horses thrive best on dry forage. All hay is fed in hay nets, keeping their intake slow and steady. 

When boarding in a track system, horses are encouraged to travel further, this adds additional exercise even while not being worked.

Being prey animals, horses do not like being confined. One of the main factors in the Paddock Paradise method is for the horses to live outside in their herd as much as possible. 

We use a minimum of supplements, only what is needed to round out their dry forage diet.

Our arena is 100 x 200 with a footing of M10 and river sand. Half of the arena is covered, allowing lots of places to ride in the shade or when it's raining. 

Have you ever heard of a reverse round pen? It's a great training tool for lunging off lead.

We also have lots of fun. 

This wider section of the track includes another hay station. You'll see the barn and arena in the background.

Several Drinking Post Waterers are installed on the property. These provide clean, cool,  fresh water at all times, never freezing in winter.

Sometimes the horses will break into groups, but more often than not, they will move as a herd through the track. Living in a herd is an important element for a horse's well-being. Read below the pictures to get additional information on herd living.

There are always more than enough hay nets for everyone.

Individual feed runs are used when giving supplements and other feed. Evelyn takes this opportunity to pick Athena's hooves.

The "hangout" area has more sand for rolling and sleeping as well as a run-in shed for shade and shelter.

Here is one of our run-in sheds. It also has room for storage, as well as an overhang in back for our equipment.

Even in harsher weather conditions, horses are much safer having room to travel. Here's a great article on the topic from Texas A&M University. 

Hot and cold outdoor spigots.

We offer training for individuals with their own horse. Options include trailering in or our in-house training program.

​Our woods will be used for part of the track as well as trail rides for boarders and visitors.

We will continually add to the length of the track, modify its layout, and add new elements.
​Visit our Boarding page  for details regarding our boarding services and pricing.
​Go to @WildMeadowsEquestrian on Facebook to see more pictures.

expanded information & resources

• Boarding in Herds
  ​Horses belong in herds; it is an ingrained part of their being.  Being in a herd provides them with the security that prey animals need to thrive. Even in domestic settings, they rely on others to keep watch while they lie down to sleep, groom each other, help swish away another's flies, gather together for warmth, play, run, and much more. As with any group of animals (humans included), there are natural friendships to be made, conflicts to resolve, and a very nuanced communication between the horses in the herd. And, while yes there may be conflicts that end with bite marks or injuries, these are all natural parts of living in a family structure. The benefit of herd life far outweighs the minor scraps and scratches that may appear. We will ensure that no one horse is "picked on", or that no one horse is a "bully" to everyone. We will access each member of the herd and determine what is best for each individual horse and what is best for the herd. We have the ability to separate into several herds should we find this necessary. 

• Minimal Stall Usage
  Modern horses spend a great deal of time in a stall. This is not good for either their physical or mental well-being. Owners feel like a stall is a safe place where their horse feels secure, and while that may be true for horses that are used to it, confinement in a stall on a regular or long-term basis is not in the best interest of a horse. Since movement is so vital to the overall health of a horse, stall use should be limited. You'll find several great resources that go into more detail regarding the use of stalls. 
  The Horse Magazine     
  ​CRK Training
  Equus Magazine
  
  
• Learn more about Jaime Jackson's Paddock Paradise method.
  Paddock Paradise website
  ​Jaime Jackson
  Natural Horse World explores topics related to Paddock Paradise
  "The Soul of the Horse" author Joe Camp shares his personal experience with his own Paddock Paradise, including an informative video
  Beautiful video from Beamish Paddock Paradise
  Horses playing in the American Horse Council's Paddock Paradise

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