Return to Your Horses Roots with “Paddock Paradise”

by Lisa Kiley – published in the Saddle Up! August 2021 page 56

Horse care has come a long way over the years, and in many ways horse owners care more now than ever about the wellbeing of their animals. As we learn more about what’s best for our horses, we are finding that providing a more natural environment is one of the healthiest ways for them to thrive.  If you are looking for ways to think outside the box and explore different models of horse keeping, I encourage you to consider “Paddock Paradise”. I was intrigued by this brilliant concept that creates a much more natural way of pasturing for horses.  It provides an enriching environment while achieving a symbiotic relationship with the land.   

Jaime Jackson, the author of “Paddock Paradise – A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding” is an accomplished hoof care professional and currently the Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners. He advocates for a more natural way of caring for horses that was born from his observations of wild horses living in the Great Basin area in the 1980’s.  Over the years he has worked to create a system that brings the benefits of a more natural environment to horses all over the world that can be created by applying the designs of nature into your own back yard.  Application of these principles leads to horses that are healthier both physically and mentally. 

After continually seeing the negative affects of modern horse keeping that resulted in the compromise of hoof health and therefore overall health of the horse, Jackson first set out to introduce the concept of natural hoof care in earlier books he has published.  However, when speaking with him, he advised the idea that he wanted to share with the concept of “Paddock Paradise” was to look at horse management in a more holistic way.  The concept is to create a space for horses to move as they would in nature, a system that works as it would in the wild, but by design on your own property.       

For most domesticated horses, lack of movement has a negative impact on their health.  In the wild, horses are on the move for a significant part of the time, with stops along the way for different behaviors and activities.  Jacksons system introduces a track for horses to move through that encourages activity with a template of 19 different areas that can be added to mimic a natural environment.  Ideally, the track consists of a parameter loop around the property or pasture and an interior adjustable fence (typically electric, such as rope) that creates a track approximately 10 – 12 feet wide.  A space this narrow encourages movement, but for the safety of the horses you want to make sure that they can comfortably turn around in the track space. 

In his book, Jackson outlines all the different areas that can be added along the track that will provide activity and enrichment.  Some of these include: feeding areas – where it is suggested that slow feeders are hung for hay, shelter – such as a loafing shed for protection from the elements, and watering holes – which can be natural or manmade.  Along the way, they type of terrain can be altered to add texture to the track, rock piles, logs, and branches provide a course for the horses to work through which is good for the mind and the hooves.  Off shoots that allow the horses a dusty spot to roll or spot to lounge under the shade of trees are ideal.  Introducing herb beds and complementary browsers like goats will add to the natural landscape.  There are so many different options that create a great space for your horse to move and explore in ways they would never experience in a standard pasture setting. 

So, what goes on in the center of the track?  Jackson shared that this is dependent on the size and scope of the property, but there should be some pasture area where the horses can graze, play, and establish pecking orders.  This time should be limited to 2-3 sessions per day around a ½ an hour or so which will help prevent them from consuming too much lush grass at any one time.  The center space can also be used for hay fields, arenas for working your horse, and the barn yard. 

Depending on the size of the track and how many horses are utilizing the space, you will need to establish a routine for manure removal, replenishing of hay and minerals, and overall maintenance of the track fencing and footing.  However, Jackson emphasized that the space should keep handling to a minimum advising that this isn’t a track for working or riding your horse.  This is your horses home place, so make sure it is safe and secure, and then let your horse enjoy it. 

Horses can live on the track year-round, and it has benefits for horses in all life stages.  It is especially helpful for horses that are arthritic or prone to issues such as laminitis or colic.  A horse that is living on the track will essentially be ‘warmed-up’ so he can be pulled out and ready to ride and work, helping to reduce work related injury.  It will also increase their fitness and stamina without added training sessions.  Items found on the track can help naturally desensitize your horses leading to a more sure-footed mount. 

For more information about “Paddock Paradise” or to get a copy of Jacksons book, check out his website www.jaimejackson.com.  Jackson also urges people to check out farms where the track system is already in use.  He genuinely cares for these animals and wants to see people utilize his ideas to create a system that benefits their health and well-being, improving the daily lives of the horses we all love.