Horse boarding, also known as horse livery, agistment, or stabling, is the practice of housing and caring for horses in a designated facility. While traditional boarding often focuses on convenience – keeping horses in stalls or stables or small paddocks with the scheduled turnout and feeding times – natural boarding takes a revolutionary approach by prioritizing the horse's innate behavioural needs. This shift in horse care can be the difference between a horse that merely survives and one that truly thrives, significantly impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and long-term soundness.
When I say natural boarding in this article, I mean as close as we can get to it for our domestic horses.
My Personal Journey to Natural Boarding
I thought I'd found the perfect livery yard – immaculate facilities, year-round turnout (a rare find in the UK where many yards restrict turnout, especially in winter), small herd arrangements, and a pristine all-weather arena. I was so convinced it was ideal that I bought a house right across the street. But despite these seemingly perfect conditions, my horse's health was deteriorating (not any fault of the facility).
Recurring lameness, eventually diagnosed as navicular in both front feet, led us down a path of increased stabling and isolation in the "sick note paddock." When he was out, he wanted to be back in his stable. His personality dimmed, and daily pain medication became our norm. When both our veterinarian and farrier suggested it might be time to say goodbye, I knew we needed a different solution.
In 2020, just as the first lockdown lifted, we found one of only three track systems operating in the country at the time. The transformation was remarkable. Today, my horse thrives in his new environment. He's eager to be outdoors, rarely needs pain medication, and his expensive therapeutic shoes are a thing of the past. Most importantly, his vibrant personality has returned. Even though the new boarding facility is now over an hour away – and will be even further when I move – I wouldn't dream of returning to traditional boarding. The results speak for themselves.
Two Very Different Wish Lists: What Horses Need vs. What We Want
If horses could browse horsebox livery ads, their "must-have" list would look quite different from ours! Let's peek at these contrasting priorities:
The Human's Dream Facility:
✨ Immaculate stables with automatic waterers
✨ All-weather arena with perfect surface
✨ Tack room with CCTV and heat lamps
✨ On-site horse walker
✨ Mirror-lined indoor school
✨ Warm washroom with hot water
✨ Tea room with wifi
✨ Competition standard jumps
✨ Secure trailer parking
✨ Direct hacking access
The Horse's Natural Needs:
🌿 24/7 turnout with constant movement options
🌿 Varied terrain for natural hoof wear
🌿 Multiple forage stations
🌿 Consistent herd companions
🌿 Natural shelter choices
🌿 Space to roll and play
🌿 Diverse grazing opportunities
🌿 Freedom to choose rest periods
🌿 Natural water sources
🌿 Room to run from perceived threats
While we dream of pristine facilities and modern amenities, our horses' needs are remarkably simple – yet often harder to find in traditional horse livery setups. Quality equestrian livery services don't always align with natural horse care principles. Many riding stables focus on convenience and appearance rather than creating environments that support equine mental health and physical development.
The good news? More facilities are beginning to bridge this gap, offering full livery packages that combine the amenities we love with the natural boarding environment our horses need.
Understanding the Natural Horse
Horses evolved as migratory herd animals, covering vast distances daily while grazing continuously. Today, many equines suffer from physical and behavioural issues stemming from management practices that conflict with their natural needs.
Today's approach to boarding horses often prioritizes human convenience over equine well-being, leading to:
- Restricted movement in stalls or small paddocks
- Limited social interaction
- Unnatural feeding patterns
- Lack of environmental enrichment
The Five Pillars of Natural Horse Boarding
Freedom of Movement
Wild horses typically travel 15-20 miles daily, a behaviour essential for:
- Maintaining healthy digestion and gut motility
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Promoting natural hoof wear
- Developing proper muscle tone and flexibility
- Reducing joint stiffness and arthritis risk
Natural Feeding Patterns
Research shows that horses naturally spend 16-17 hours daily grazing. This continuous feeding pattern is crucial because:
- The equine stomach produces acid continuously
- Small, frequent meals maintain gut health
- Constant foraging satisfies behavioural needs
- Various plant materials support dental wear
- Extended fasting periods increase ulcer risk
Social Interaction
Horses are highly social creatures that rely on herd dynamics for:
- Emotional security and stress reduction
- Learning appropriate behaviours
- Development of coping mechanisms
- Physical comfort through mutual grooming
- Protection from perceived threats
Environmental Enrichment
Natural boarding environments should provide:
- Varied terrain for hoof development
- Multiple shelter options
- Different forage types
- Scratching posts and rubbing trees
- Access to natural minerals
Choice and Control
Allowing horses to make decisions about their daily activities:
- Reduces stress
- Improves mental well-being
- Prevents learned helplessness
- Encourages natural behaviours
- Supports proper rest cycles
Implementing Natural Boarding Solutions
Track Systems
The Paddock Paradise concept revolutionizes traditional turnout by:
- Creating designated movement paths
- Encouraging natural migration patterns
- Maximizing limited space
- Preventing overgrazing
- Supporting herd dynamics
Design Elements:
1. Sturdy perimeter fencing
2. Inner track system
3. Multiple feeding stations
4. Strategic water placement
5. Various ground surfaces
6. Shelter options throughout
Feeding Solutions
Modern approaches to natural feeding include:
- Slow-feeding systems
- Multiple hay stations
- Track-side hay nets
- Grazing simulation tools
- Forage variety provision
Group Housing Solutions
Successful group housing requires:
- Appropriate space allocation
- Careful herd composition
- Multiple resource points
- Clear escape routes
- Proper introduction protocols
Health Benefits of Natural Boarding
Physical Advantages
- Reduced colic risk
- Better respiratory health
- Improved muscle development
- Enhanced cardiovascular fitness
- Natural hoof wear
- Healthier weight management
Behavioural Benefits
- Decreased stereotypies
- Lower anxiety levels
- Reduced aggression
- Better learning ability
- Improved handler relationships
Practical Considerations
Space Requirements
- Minimum space calculations per horse
- Track width recommendations
- Shelter size guidelines
- Resource point spacing
- Group size considerations
Safety Measures
- Appropriate fencing materials
- Surface maintenance
- Weather protection
- Emergency protocols
- Health monitoring systems
Paddock Paradise and Its Benefits
Paddock Paradise is a natural horse boarding system developed by Jaime Jackson and detailed in his book "Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding". It aims to encourage horses to move more by creating a track system within their pasture. This system involves setting up a series of interconnected tracks, rather than one large open field. Strategically placed feeding and watering points along the tracks encourage horses to stay active in their search for food and water. The varied terrain, including hills, water features, and different surfaces, further stimulates movement and provides mental and physical challenges.
Benefits of Paddock Paradise:
Promotes constant, natural movement, leading to improved hoof health, reduced risk of laminitis, and better weight management.
Simulates a natural environment, encouraging foraging behaviour, social interaction, and mental well-being.
Can be adapted to smaller acreage, making it suitable for a wider range of horse owners.
Challenges and Misconceptions of Natural Boarding
While natural horse boarding offers numerous benefits, it is important to address potential challenges and misconceptions:
Overgrazing and Weight Management: Some believe that horses will overgraze and become overweight if given constant access to pasture. However, this largely depends on the individual horse, the quality of the pasture, and management practices. Careful monitoring and adjustments, like rotational grazing or track systems, can help address this.
Toxic Plants: The presence of toxic plants is a valid concern. Responsible management includes identifying and removing dangerous plants, providing a variety of safe foraging options, and offering enough supplementary forage to prevent horses from seeking out potentially harmful plants.
Space Limitations and Resistance: Implementing natural boarding can be challenging in limited spaces or when dealing with landowners or yard managers who are resistant to change. Creative solutions, such as incorporating foraging walks and maximizing the use of available space, can help overcome these obstacles.
Transitioning: A sudden shift to natural boarding can lead to problems like flooding, colic, or laminitis. Gradual transitions are essential, allowing horses to adjust to changes in diet, exercise, and social dynamics.
Positive Impact of Natural Boarding on the Environment
Natural boarding practices can benefit both horses and the environment:
Biodiversity and Soil Health: Allowing diverse plant species to thrive encourages a healthy ecosystem. Practices like rotational grazing and leaving ungrazed areas promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and create habitats for wildlife.
Incorporating Natural Features: Integrating natural elements, such as hedges, trees, and water features, enhances the environment for horses and other species. These elements provide shelter and foraging opportunities and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Responsible Grazing: Carefully managed grazing practices, like those used in Equicentral systems and Paddock Paradise, prevent overgrazing, support soil health, and promote a more sustainable horse keeping approach.
Real-World Examples and Practical Advice
Here are some real-world examples and practical advice for implementing natural boarding:
Research Findings: Studies have shown that horses experience reduced stress and increased relaxation when housed in environments that allow physical contact with other horses. Even short periods of isolation in traditional stables can negatively impact their behaviour and well-being.
Success Stories: Many horse owners have successfully transitioned to natural boarding, observing improvements in their horses' health, behaviour, and overall happiness. Some examples include those using track systems, Equicentral systems, and rewilding approaches.
Practical Tips:
Foraging Walks: Incorporating regular foraging walks allows horses to explore a wider variety of plants and engage in natural browsing behaviour.
Enrichment Options: Providing diverse enrichment options, such as toys, different types of forage, and access to natural areas, keeps horses mentally stimulated and prevents boredom.
Co-grazing: Consider co-grazing with other animals, like sheep or cows, to help manage pasture and create a more diverse grazing environment.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your horses' health and behaviour to ensure the chosen system is working effectively. Adjust management practices as needed to address any emerging issues.
Additional resources:
Equicentral: More information and eLearning courses are available at www.equiculture.net.
Track systems: Learn more about Paddock Paradise in "Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding" by Jaime Jackson.
Rewilding: Explore example projects at www.rewildingeurope.com/rewilding-in-action.
Weight management and monitoring: Resources are available at https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/media/livacuk/equine/documents/Equine,Weight,Management.pdf.
Curious Equestrian Episodes:
Share this post