Real Practices vs. Expert Guidance Feeding minerals to horses living outdoors comes with unique challenges. Horses kept in pens, group pastures, or run-in shelters can’t always be fed like stalled horses. Owners must balance convenience, herd dynamics, weather protection, and the horse’s nutritional needs. This article explores how real horse owners manage mineral and salt … Read more
Feeding a group of horses on pasture or in a shared paddock can be both rewarding and challenging. If you’re wondering “how do I feed a herd of horses and make sure they get the nutrition they need?” You are in the right spot. The Foundations: Forage First Forage is the foundation of every horse’s … Read more
Alfalfa is one of the most debated forages in the horse world — and for good reason. While it can support muscle, milk, and growth, it’s also been linked to laminitis, hoof sensitivity, kidney stress, and behavioral reactivity in sensitive horses. This guide will walk you through the nutritional science, risks, benefits, and best practices … Read more
What Is An “Easy Keeper”? Easy keepers are horses that maintain or gain weight easily—sometimes too easily. While that may sound like a blessing, it can be a real challenge to keep these horses healthy without overfeeding them. Improper feeding can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, laminitis, and other metabolic problems. Research shows that up … Read more
We have all had that horse that makes you feel that no matter how much it eats, it doesn’t seem to put on any weight. Let me help you with the most important things every horse owner should know when having a hard keeper. What Is a Hard Keeper? A “hard keeper,” also called a … Read more
What Are Ration Balancers? A ration balancer is a highly concentrated, protein-rich vitamin and mineral supplement in pelleted form, designed to balance forage-based diets—not provide extra calories. Let’s be clear: A ration balancer is not a complete feed. It’s not a performance feed. And it’s definitely not meant to be fed free-choice or by the … Read more
Analyzing your horse’s forage is one of the smartest things you can do to improve their nutrition and add or avoid adding supplements. Here’s a reliable, step-by-step breakdown. Why Analyze Hay? Even if it “looks nice” Horses are designed to live on forage. Hay and pasture should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet … Read more
If you’ve ever owned or cared for a horse, chances are you’ve heard about beet pulp. Maybe a barn mate swears by it, or you’ve seen all the buzz online. But is it actually worth feeding? And more importantly—is it right for your horse? Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of horses: … Read more
How to Start Planning Your Own Track System Designing a track system or paddock paradise is an opportunity to reconnect your horse with the environment it evolved in—while improving health, behavior, and welfare in profound ways. But successful implementation requires thoughtful planning. Every property and herd is different, so the ideal setup must be tailored … Read more
Summary: Paddock Paradise is a natural horsekeeping system designed by Jaime Jackson to mimic the movement, diet, and social behavior of wild horses. Using a looping track layout with forage stations, water, and varied terrain, it promotes hoof health, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing. Go to Part 2: How to Start Planning Your Own … Read more