How We Keep Our Horses Happy, Healthy, and Thriving Into Their Senior Years
One of the compliments we hear most often from visitors, students, and families is how happy and well cared for our horses appear. That observation means a great deal to us because our horses are the heart of everything we do. Their long-term physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life are top priorities at WildeWood Farm. We believe that when horses are cared for properly, they not only perform better but also remain willing, kind partners well into their senior years.
Strong Nutrition Program
A strong nutrition program is the foundation of lifelong horse health. We feed a high-quality commercial feed, (Tribute Kalm and EZ), which provides balanced nutrition designed to support body condition, digestive health, and appropriate energy levels without creating unnecessary stress or excitability.
In addition to grain, our horses always have access to forage, which is essential for their digestive systems and mental well-being. During the growing season, horses have access to pasture grass, and during off-season, they are provided with quality hay. Horses are designed to graze and eat small amounts throughout the day, so maintaining a constant forage source helps support both physical health and natural behavior.
Our Horses Live in Open Spaces
Equally important to our management philosophy is allowing horses to live as naturally as possible. Our horses are kept in herds and live in open spaces to move freely, socialize, and establish natural herd dynamics. Horses are highly social animals, and herd living supports emotional stability, reduces stress, and encourages healthy movement. Regular turnout and freedom to move help maintain joint health, muscle strength, and overall soundness, which is especially important as horses age.
We are also very intentional about maintaining a balanced workload for each horse. Our horses are carefully scheduled so they are not overworked physically or mentally. Overuse can lead to soreness, burnout, and frustration, which can negatively impact both performance and attitude. By managing workloads thoughtfully, our horses remain willing, comfortable, and engaged in their work with riders. We want our horses to enjoy their jobs and continue to build positive relationships with the people they work with.
Preventative and Professional Care
Preventative and professional care is another critical part of keeping horses healthy long-term. Our horses receive regular chiropractic care, dentistry, farrier work, and veterinary care as needed. Proper dental care ensures horses can chew and digest feed efficiently. Skilled farrier care supports hoof balance and long-term soundness. Chiropractic, massage, and veterinary care help identify and address small issues before they become larger problems. This proactive approach allows our horses to stay comfortable and active well into their senior years.
Ultimately, we believe that excellent horse care is about combining proper nutrition, natural living conditions, thoughtful workload management, and high-quality professional care. By focusing on the horse as a whole – physically and emotionally – we are able to support long, happy, and productive lives for our equine partners. Our horses give so much to our riders and our program, and it is our responsibility and privilege to give them the very best care in return.
