Oct 18 2011
So, What is a Paddock Paradise, Anyway???
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It was only a few weeks ago that I first learned about Paddock Paradise. Jaime Jackson’s Paddock Paradise was inspired by wild horses and the way they live freely in a natural environment. “The premise of Paddock Paradise is to stimulate horses to behave and move naturally according to their instincts.” A Paddock Paradise encourages constant movement, which provides for better hoof health, minimizes the need for pre-ride warm-ups, promotes digestive and respiratory health, and helps address neurotic behavior.
About My Paddock Paradise:
I only had about an acre to work with, but I discovered my acre gave me just enough room to create a descent Paddock Paradise. I used many trees to mount hot wire on to, thus creating the track that is essential for any Paddock Paradise. The track is what keeps the horses moving, and I made mine vary between 10 and 15 feet in width around the perimeter of my acre.
Next, I chose my 6 feeding stations. I used hay nets (mounted on trees) rather than hay bags in order to slow the horses feeding down, since I have decided to allow free choice hay (rather than feeding 2-3 times a day, like you see in a typical, modern barn, my horses now have access to hay 24 hours a day). I also decided to invest in The Natural Feeder, an equine foraging system that allows horses to feed continuous, yet restricted amounts of hay. The Natural Feeder is designed so horses can eat with their heads down, which is how they naturally eat.
I chose two watering stations, one at either end of my Paddock Paradise, so the horses would be forced to travel in order to drink (just as in the wild). I also put up a 4-stall mare motel in the center of my paddock, so the horses would have some shelter from inclement weather. Lastly, I created a round-pen like area – the track opens up in a wide circle where the horses can roll and play.
My plans for the future of my Paddock Paradise include varying the terrain to keep the horses interested and also to promote healthy hooves. I have already put down a short wooden bridge that the horses cross on one spot of the track, but I would also like to place some pea gravel along another side of track. In addition, I am considering putting ground poles for the horses to step over somewhere along another side of track. Any more ideas for my Paddock Paradise????
Jaya that looks so cool. I bet your horses love it.
You did a great job with this, Jaya. I bet your horses are enjoying it. I love the concept in the book, good for you!
Looks great Jaya, glad it worked out for you.
My goal is to get my own property and build one (leasing now). My daughter has just gotten into endurance riding. Are your horses on a hay-only diet? Curious how you keep their weight up for races.
Hi Jennifer! My horses eat primarily grass hay, but I do add in about 10-20% alfalfa during competition season. We do also feed mashes during their time of heavy exercise. One small mash a day with grass pellets, beet pulp, rice bran, and CA Trace. Sometimes I will add in a probiotic during competition season too. The key is they are offered free-choice hay (in slow feeders) rather than being fed only twice a day. Hope this helps! I’m glad your daughter has discovered endurance riding! 🙂