The track
Eight hundred metres of movement.
We first read about track systems in Jaime Jackson's book Paddock Paradise. Unfortunately, it became a necessity rather than a dream when Blondie suffered an acute attack of laminitis back in 2019.
Over the years the track has grown to around 800 metres and makes use of the hills on our land, which has been a game changer for keeping the herd fit and well. Despite being non-ridden, they're muscular and in great condition simply from going up and down hills daily.
There's an area for water, three separate hay stations, woodland, hills, steps, breakout zones, natural and wooden shelters, an area that fills to provide a natural water source, a sandpit, a stretch of pea gravel and a willow-covered obstacle course. Every area is separate, so the horses have to move from one to another.
Since living on the track the horses are settled, and easier to handle because we never separate them. Their herd instincts are obvious, they are much healthier, and their hooves are stronger.
Forage and feeding
Getting the forage and diet right matters. We've seen clients struggle because they're feeding the wrong type of forage, or the horse's diet is too high in sugar, starch and inflammatory ingredients. We source hay cut from the same field each year, tested and suitable for even the most sensitive horses. It's fed in haynets at stations around the track so the horses eat together but are encouraged to move. Hay is available 24/7 and topped up as needed. We also feed a vitamin and mineral supplement, salt, and provide salt licks on the track. We've found keeping it simple works best.