EP 54: A New Kind of Turnout for Healthy Hooves

We know so much more about our horses needs today than we did 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Research, technology, and the internet have allowed us to learn and share information about horse care like never before. One of things we have learned of late is that healthy horses and hooves depend a lot not just on how much time horses are turned out, but what they do while out there.

Paddock Paradise, introduced to the horse world by Jamie Jackson back in 2007, and based on his extensive research of wild American horses, is gradually becoming a more common fixture in American horsekeeping plans. Europe has been on board with this paradigm shift for quite a while. Perhaps it’s time we Americans start re-thinking our property layouts, too. Listen in!

Feature photo: Rutjes (Netherlands)

*Paddock Paradise isn’t complicated, and it is appropriate for any geographic area of the world.*

Chestnut horse with blaze facing camera, on a dirt track in the woods. — *Harmony Horse Farm in Maine has portions of their track set up in a wooded area on their property.*

*From “The Essential Hoof Book“, the image that really got us thinking about going barefoot.*

For more information:

Luke Tanner / L & M Horseworks

Association for the Advancement of Natural Horse Care Practices

Jaime Jackson’s Paddock Paradise

Get his book here.

Paddock Paradise Europe (Great website for visuals and ideas!)

Design Ideas on Pinterest

Dutch Hollow Acres – (Definitely check this page out. The owner tracked her horses’ movements and speed while turned out on the track versus grazing field. So cool!)