Ontario - Palgrave

by Elaine Polny

Horses By Nature

At Horses by Nature we do more than keep horses outside 24/7. Our setup encompasses their whole well being including physical, emotional and spiritual necessities that come natural to their species. Since we regard horses like caring for a family member we constantly research and development new innovative ways to help our domesticated horses live a more natural life.





Some examples of what we implement in our Natural Boarding facility are:

• 24/7 turnout within a herd environment - since we know that horses are highly social creatures, being alone can create unbalances such as depression from loneliness or anxiety.
  
  
• Natural hoof care trimming methods - we do not advocate nailing iron to our horse's hooves since research has proven shoes inhibit proper hoof function as well as negatively affect the whole circulatory system, thus affecting overall health.
  
  
• Paddock Paradise - we provide an environment where the horses can participate in natural movement. This constitutes a way to encourage our horses to have a reason to move rather than just being in a paddock with no place to go and no reason to go there.
  
  
• Natural Nutrition - we strive to keep nutrition natural while satisfying all vitamin & mineral requirements rather than using store-bought sweet feeds. Horses have access to hay 24/7.

Our environment is filled with positive relationship-building energy rather than human egos needing confirmation in a sporting arena. We do not use our horses to achieve our own personal happiness. We strive to achieve the ultimate in bonding with these creatures through honesty, trust, respect and love. It is when we can truly place the well being of the animal before our own personal goals that we will know we have achieved greatness.

All training methods are based on humane, positive reinforcing exchanges. As a result of our extensive year's of experience and research we only endorse bitless bridles, barefoot trimming, treeless saddles, natural horsemanship (redefined) and clicker training. The use of bits, spurs, tie-downs etc are simply not allowed or used, ever. The first to finish is not the priority in training - communication and attaining ultimate trust is - so we always take the necessary time needed to establish this. We have proven that once trust is earned, training comes quickly as a result of a bilateral understanding.

A horse in our care is not looked upon as an animal that needs to be taught our way of living but a sentient being that deserves the same respect that all life forms long for: acceptance and belonging.

For more information visit us at:
www.training-horses-naturally.com