Introduction To Paddock Paradise: Creating A Natural Horse Environment

What Is It, and How Did It Start?

Paddock Paradise is a natural boarding concept developed by Jaime Jackson, a former farrier turned natural hoof care advocate. Based on his four-year study of free-roaming wild horses in the Great Basin during the 1980s, Jackson observed that mustangs moved continuously across varied terrain, lived in structured social groups, foraged as they walked, and maintained healthy, resilient hooves without human intervention.

These findings led him to question traditional domestic horsekeeping systems, which he found to be more suitable for predatory species than prey animals like horses. Horses confined to stalls or small paddocks often suffer physical and mental decline due to lack of movement and stimulation.

“We have in our ignorance created systems of confinement that are actually suitable for animals of predation.” — Jaime Jackson

In response, Jackson developed Paddock Paradise: a track-based system designed to mimic the wild horse lifestyle and stimulate natural behaviors essential to equine health.

Inspired by the Wild: Jaime Jackson’s Mustang Research

If you’re interested in the full story behind how Paddock Paradise was developed—from wild mustang research to natural horsekeeping principles—you can explore it in Jaime Jackson’s original book.

Jackson’s study of mustangs revealed several critical lessons:

• Movement: Wild horses sometimes travel 20+ miles daily, driven by the search for food, water, and minerals. This constant movement shapes their bodies and hooves (Jackson, 2007).

• Tracks and paths: Horses establish well-defined trails or “tracks” through their home ranges, which guide daily movement and social interaction.

• Rolling and grooming: Dust baths and mutual grooming are routine and socially significant. Wild horses roll in mud, which helps repel biting insects and may contribute to the health and vibrance of their coats. These behaviors are not only important for social bonding and hygiene but also function as natural parasite control and coat maintenance strategies.

• Natural hoof wear: Wild horses’ hooves are conditioned not only by abrasive surfaces like lava beds and pumice fields, but also through consistent exposure to water, mud, and varied terrain. These elements work together to clean, soften, and then harden the hoof capsule, promoting durable, naturally shaped hooves through environmental stimulation and behavior-driven movement.

• Diet: Mustangs browse and nibble continuously on coarse grasses and mineral-rich plants, rarely overeating.

  There is anecdotal evidence and ecological theory suggesting that tree bark—especially from species like willow or aspen—may contribute antiparasitic compounds such as salicylates or tannins, though more research is needed in equine-specific studies.
  

• Social structure: Horses live in family bands with clear hierarchies, including an alpha mare who leads and an alpha stallion who drives the group.

Peer-reviewed studies support these observations. For example, research on free-ranging horses shows they walk an average of 15–25 km per day, which maintains musculoskeletal and metabolic health (Mejdell et al., 2020; Berger et al., 2001).

The Power of Environment

One of Jackson’s most telling stories involves a 14-year-old mare with clubfoot and chronic laminitis. After a few months living on a Paddock Paradise track at the AANHCP Field Headquarters, her stress rings and hoof splits vanished. Her hooves became naturally shaped and rock-hard, requiring minimal trimming. She moved soundly and confidently across challenging terrain, mimicking the conditions of wild horses.

What Is a Paddock Paradise?

Paddock Paradise is not just a layout; it’s an environmental simulation designed to:

• Stimulate natural movement

• Encourage constant foraging

• Support social interaction

• Expose horses to varied terrain and natural elements

At its core is a track system: a looping corridor enclosed by a perimeter fence and an inner electric fence, usually 10–15 feet apart. Along this track are placed:

• Hay feeding stations (using nets or slow feeders to simulate browsing)

• Water sources (ideally at ground level)

• Dusting areas for rolling

• Shade and shelter

• Strategic mineral licks or calcium deposits

This layout mimics the natural lifestyle and instincts of horses, resulting in healthier, more resilient animals.

Benefits of the Paddock Paradise Model

“Paddock Paradise aims to open the door to the missing freedom and lifestyle of their natural world.” — Jaime Jackson

Scientific evidence and field results show significant benefits:

Frequently Asked Questions

Coming Up Next: How to Plan Your Own Paddock Paradise

In the next article, we’ll cover the practical side:

• How many horses can your track accommodate?

• What size and shape work best?

• How do you adapt it to your land, shelter, and water access?

• What elements must be included for success?

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Sources:

• Duncan, P. (1992). Zebras, Asses, and Horses: An Action Plan for the Conservation of Wild Equids. IUCN.

• McDonnell, S.M. (2003). The Equid Ethogram: A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behavior. Eclipse Press.

• Jackson, J. (2007). Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding. Star Ridge Publishing.

• Mejdell, C.M., et al. (2020). “Free-ranging horse movement and behavior.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

• Berger, J. (2001). “Wild horses: The ecology and behavior of feral equids.” University of Chicago Press.

• Pollitt, C.C. (2004). “Equine laminitis: A revised pathophysiology.” Equine Veterinary Journal.

• van Heel, M.C.V., et al. (2005). “Natural loading patterns of the equine hoof.” Equine Veterinary Journal.

• Nadeau, J.A., et al. (2000). “Feeding practices and colic risk.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.