This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Horse Care » Horse Pasture, Fencing, Barns » Planning and Planting New Pasture »
  Discussion on "Paddock Paradise"
Author Message
Member:
dove2

Posted on Sunday, Mar 9, 2008 - 10:34 am:

In another discussion:

Posted by jos on Sunday, Mar 9, 2008 - 5:06 am:

Don't you all get tired from horses getting bored, fat etc? I wish I
could set up a gym for them were they could work of frustrations and
weight without giving me extra worries and work!
I did wonder about the small horsewalker where they are put on because
it is so small and can be put indoors so you don't have soil problems
but the results seem to be not to good, so of to clean repair and
lunge again
Jos

Actually, Jos, I just finished reading Jaime Jackson's (the famed barefoot hoof specialist) book, Paddock Paradise. I wasn't sure where to post this discussion because it is not only for establishing new pastures, but anyone can do this with their existing pastures as well. It doesn't matter how large or small your acreage is.

Jaime Jackson did some intensive studying of horses in the wild, tracked their movements, and found that they wear a path through varied terrain and natural elements (salt beds, eg.). Their constant movement, foraging and eating small amounts along the way, not only kept their hooves in condition and trimmed, but their bodies in top shape.

As a result of this study, Jackson devised a way to keep domestic horses which exercises them, keeps their hooves trimmed, and mimics the natural existence of their wild horse relatives. He suggests creating a "track", made practical with the readily available and affordable electric fences, at either the perimeter of one's property, or where possible on one's land. To motivate movement, he suggests DrOpping small amounts of hay along this track. There are, of course, other features of this track - areas built into the track to address the horses' needs for shelter, water, salt, etc. This model has been adopted by some people with success, one of which is explained in his book.

I am thrilled to say I am in the process of closing on a 20 acre piece of property where I would very much like to try this model. Of course, there will be pastures onto which my horses will occasionally be turned into, but only for short periods of time. I've discovered my horses are "way too easy keepers" and have become way too fat with free choice. I think Jackson's model definitely stimulates exercise for the horses and will lessen my guilt at not being able to exercise them daily.

It's a fascinating book and idea. You can see more examples of his proposed "track" at https://thenaturalhoof.homestead.com/PaddockParadise.html or just google Paddock Paradise Jaime Jackson and start checking it out.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Sunday, Mar 9, 2008 - 11:58 am:

I loved reading this idea and am going to amuse my self reading the book. How I will be able to mimick it in Normandie pastures I don't know but it immediately gave me the idea of sending them from time to time in the very steep piece of forest next to me which belongs to a nabour.
From 5 star luxury to Paddock Paradise I love that!
Jos
Member:
paardex

Posted on Sunday, Mar 9, 2008 - 11:59 am:

sorry neighbour?
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 - 10:57 am:

Dove,

Did you get your "tracks" done? I am in the process of researching this, and was going to start a new discussion on my findings as it plays out. I just today did a really easy "track" based on my current fence layouts, no money put out yet. The horses had a party racing around, loved it!

I'd love to know what you did for the gravel parts of the track, how wide areas are, etc.

I am not sure if my discussion will go under hoof care, horse care (I believe its benefical for the horse in many ways) or pastures.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC