Feeding
Our feeding program is based on the most current scientific research pertaining to equine nutrition. Horses are fed only high quality grains and forages, and feeding plans are created for each individual horse to ensure optimum health and performance. We use body-condition scoring to evaluate our horses and their current nutritional needs, and have a variety of feeds available to create a plan that works with your particular horse. In difficult cases, we consult directly with the horse owner as well as experienced professionals to come up with a plan that will keep the horse in top form.

We feed by weight, not volume, to ensure that your horses receives the same amount of food, every meal, no matter who feeds. All of our staff members are trained in the feedroom, all feeds and supplements are clearly marked, and all meals are written down so that nothing is left to chance. We are serious about proper nutrition!

Horse owners are welcome to provide supplements for their horses, but are encouraged to properly research the interaction of nutrients between the feed provided and any additional supplements before making an educated decision on what to feed. You can read our feed bag labels HERE for easy research and online comparison.

Turnout
Our philosophy on turnout is that horses are herd animals, and need social interaction to be happy, healthy, and well-adapted equines. To this end, turnout is usually set up in small groups so that the horses can establish a more natural herd environment. When new horses arrive, we typically turn them out alone or with a gentle horse for a few days until they adapt, then we introduce them to the group they will be turned out with. We maintain a flexible policy and mentality on turnout, realizing that certain horses just do not get along! Our job is to find the best mix of horses so that the horses are happy and the owners are happy...this typically entails groupings of same-sex horses who are close in age and activity level.

Turnout is a daily routine, with winter turnout hours from 8am to 5pm, and summer turnout from 5pm to 7am. Only in the case of extreme weather (cold freezing rain or hail for example) do we leave horses inside...and this is a very rare occurrence. Typically the weather breaks at some point during the day and the horses get at least a few hours of turnout. During the winter months, hay is provided in pastures, as well as heated water. We rotate groups through our pastures to provide the most even grazing opportunities, and take precautions with new horses going on to grass, and all horses going on to lush pasture in the spring.

We understand the needs of the natural horse and those of the performance horse, and we make every effort to create a healthy balance for each individual. In the case of the special-needs horse, stallions, dedicated show horses, or those recovering from injury or illness, we are prepared to provide special turnout accommodations which may include turnout in small paddocks, on sand, or individually.