Retirement

The horses can be observed from most of the house windows before stepping out in the morning. A head count is taken and assessments of how they are grazing, moving, or resting. The horses always have access to feed and water, so they aren't ever anxiously waiting to be fed, kicking over a dry bucket, or resorting to a restless habit. Rotational grazing supports healthy, abundant, living feed. Depending on the weather and time of the year, the horses do go into his or her stall daily. She will have access to grass hay grown on the farm and locally bought hay that is a combination of alfalfa and orchard grass.  Free choice mineral/vitamins and concentrates in some combination of Strategy and alfalfa pellets are soaked and fed by feed pail. The beds are layers of straw, grass hay, and shavings cleaned daily, so the stalls are fresh smelling and free of insects. The stall waste is recycled on the land by hand, so the condition of the grazing, weeds, and soil condition are observed regularly too. Water buckets are hand filled and hand heated in the winter, always with clean water daily. The drinking water in the house is what the horses drink in the barn.  

Living with the horses allows for observation throughout the day. Handling them in and out of the field every day provides another observation of soundness, behavior, and anything noteworthy with the eyes, legs, and body. Large fields help reduce injuries and living as a group inspires a lot of walking. I see how transforming it is for development of a healthy barefoot horse, streamlining of the bodies, and fluid travel pattern. The mixture of young and old works well for group dynamics--wisdom of the elder and movement of the younger. The stable horses help new horses to integrate and horses new to turn out how to find comfort in being a horse. 

A few of the horses are in work, but if possible, I like to regularly assess the horses for soundness and symmetry. The indoor arena provides a soft surface and sometimes a place to turn out if the weather doesn't allow. Practicing good land stewardship principles translates to healthy living surfaces for the horses. A track system for them to roam and move freely around the back 25 acres is being installed this fall. The outdoor can double as a dry lot, so overall, lots of living options. 

The farrier lives 15 minutes away and is very experienced with transitioning horses from wearing shoes and/or managing bare feet. The veterinarian is an equine specialist and focuses on sport horses and breeding. Another part of the team is a holistic practitioner with knowledge of herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractics. If something bigger is required, there are major veterinarian hospitals in Lexington. 

The schedule is according to what they need rather than what fits in a limited work day schedule. The barn is right out the back door, so day/night checks are easily part of the flow. The horses are part of the farm family. For the harmony to flow, attention to detail for a living, interactive being is the key. Fly masks and winter blankets are seasonal. Special medications are as needed. Routine dental care, health assessments, and worming/vaccinations are to be determined on the beliefs and needs. Grooming and hooves cleaned regularly. No mane pulling or clipping. Hair is a good protection.

Sue has a history of communicating well with owners about their horse's state of being. Arrangements are made according to the owner's preference for photos, videos, etc. 

Sue, " The land (woods and meadows) and horse management are a heartfelt privilege and labor of love."