What is a Paddock Paradise?

What is a Paddock Paradise?

A Paddock Paradise or track system typically follows the perimeter of your field, making a fenced off area that forms a loop.

Following Jaime Jackson's legendary studies, the Paddock Paradise was created to provide a domesticated horse with the benefits of a natural, species appropriate lifestyle; optimising their overall health physically and mentally. When a horse is on a Paddock Paradise rather than a paddock, they must move to fulfil their daily needs.

'The principal goal of PP is to facilitate health and soundness – both physical and mental – in our horses. In fact, it is an ideal preventative to many of the illnesses and disorders plaguing domestic equines who are forced to live in stalls or other forms of close confinement or, equally hazardous, in lush, sugar-laden grass pastures. In fact, a genuine PP can virtually eliminate the risk of laminitis, colic, Navicular Syndrome, Cushings Syndrome, and other debilitating conditions caused by an unnatural lifestyle and diet. As well, it allows horses to eat as they do in nature – on the move!' - Paddock Paradise

The 4 Pillars

PB Livery follows The 4 Pillars of Natural Horse Care (NHC), which are the foundations and core beliefs of the Paddock Paradise. The pillars of natural horse care are based on the wild free-roaming horse model of the U.S Great Basin. All 4 of the pillars work together to support each other for the equine - healing and strengthening the horse's body, mind and soul.

Species Appropriate Diet

Providing a diet that is near to species appropriate and natural as possible - a low sugar, low potassium and high fibre diet with free access to hay and various bushes, trees and herbs. We do not allow our horses to graze lush, rich grass due to it's unsuitability.

Environment

Understanding the nature of equines and providing them with a mixed herd to encourage natural behaviours and dynamics - no stables, restriction, isolation or paddocks. Wild and free-roaming horses travel up to 25 miles per day.

Natural Trim

To understand what a natural hoof is and trimming to replicate what nature would leave and what nature would take.

Natural Horsemanship

Natural schooling, ridden work and ground work is based on what movements are natural to the horse; nothing is forced.

PB Barefoot Rehab and Retirement Livery is a Paddock Paradise livery for several reasons.

PP's are ideal for horses or ponies who cannot tolerate any grass, for example horses who suffer from bouts of Laminitis, explode under the saddle, skin conditions, head shaking, twitching etc.
They're highly beneficial to horses or ponies who suffer from injuries, tears or Arthritis - issues that would drastically worsen from lack of movement in stalls, stables, small paddocks etc.
They're mentally stimulating! Many horses walk through our doors who suffer from problems such as crib biting, wind sucking and food guarding. Being in a herd in as natural environment as possible allows them to thrive mentally, simply allowing them to be horses.
PP's build and tone muscle - top lines, bottoms and shoulders strengthen naturally without ridden or in hand work.
They're the perfect set up for losing weight or any unwanted fat pads! Track systems are ideal for horses with EMS, IRS and so on.
More movement encourages new healthy hoof growth, ideal for horses with Navicular, Laminitis, Thrush and so on.
Our horses have the freedom to do as they please - play, eat, drink, snooze, go paddling in the ponds, forage. They have access to everything they need but when they use it is completely up to them.