Setting up a track system for horses, often inspired by the "Paddock Paradise" concept, involves designing an environment that encourages natural movement, foraging, and social interaction, mimicking the way horses live in the wild. This innovative setup promotes physical health, mental well-being, and provides a dynamic living space for your equines.
Understanding the Paddock Paradise Concept
The Paddock Paradise concept, popularized by Jaime Jackson, is based on observing wild horses and aims to replicate their natural habitat within a confined area. Instead of a traditional square or rectangular paddock, a track system creates a narrow pathway around the perimeter of a property or a central area. This design inherently motivates horses to move continuously between various resources, enhancing their overall health and happiness.
Benefits of a Horse Track System:
- Increased Movement: Horses naturally move more as they travel between feed, water, and shelter.
- Improved Hoof Health: Consistent movement over varied surfaces strengthens hooves.
- Reduced Boredom & Stereotypies: Constant engagement with the environment minimizes stable vices.
- Optimized Foraging: Encourages slower eating and more natural grazing patterns.
- Better Social Dynamics: Promotes healthy herd behavior through shared space and movement.
Planning Your Horse Track System
Careful planning is crucial for a successful and safe track system.
Site Assessment
Before breaking ground, thoroughly evaluate your property:
- Space Requirements: While a track system can work in various sizes, consider the number of horses and their activity levels. A minimum of 1-2 acres is often recommended for a basic system, but larger is generally better.
- Terrain Considerations: Utilize existing slopes, trees, and natural features to your advantage. Varied terrain encourages different muscle use and hoof conditioning.
- Drainage: Identify areas prone to standing water and plan for proper drainage to prevent muddy, unhealthy conditions.
- Sun and Wind Exposure: Note prevailing winds and sun paths to strategically place shelters.
Design Principles
The design is the heart of your track system. Think about creating a flow that encourages constant, gentle movement.
- Path Width:
- Main Track: Typically 10-20 feet wide to allow horses to pass each other comfortably and turn.
- Narrower Sections: Can be incorporated (e.g., 6-8 feet) to encourage single-file movement in certain areas.
- Loops, Turns, and Obstacles: Avoid long, straight sections. Incorporate gentle curves, tighter turns, and even natural "obstacles" like small logs or varied ground to keep horses engaged.
- Strategic Placement of Resources: This is key. Incorporate numerous food and water sources, dispersed around the entire track. This strategic placement is vital to encourage natural foraging and roaming behavior. By having to travel between these necessities, horses will naturally increase their daily mileage.
Essential Components of a Horse Track System
A well-designed track system integrates several key elements to meet your horses' needs.
Fencing
Safety and durability are paramount for fencing.
- Types of Fencing:
- Electric Tape/Rope: Highly visible, relatively easy to install and modify. Ensure it's powered sufficiently.
- Non-Climb Wire Mesh: Durable and secure, often combined with a top rail.
- Wooden Rails/Posts: Traditional, sturdy, but can require more maintenance.
- Safety Considerations: Ensure fences are visible, properly tensioned, and free of sharp edges or protruding elements. Regularly inspect for damage. For more on safe fencing, consult resources like the Equine Land Conservation Resource.
Surfacing
Varying the track surface can improve hoof health and provide mental stimulation.
- Benefits of Different Materials:
- Gravel/Crushed Stone: Excellent for hoof conditioning and drainage, especially around high-traffic areas like gates and feeders.
- Sand: Provides cushioning and can be beneficial for specific hoof issues.
- Wood Chips/Mulch: Offers a softer surface, good for cushioning, but can decompose and require replenishment.
- Natural Earth: Keep well-drained and maintained.
- Drainage: Incorporate slight slopes or French drains in areas where water tends to collect to maintain a dry surface.
Water Sources
Adequate, fresh water is essential and should be placed strategically.
- Placement: Disperse numerous water sources around the entire track. This encourages horses to keep moving as they seek out hydration.
- Types:
- Water Troughs: Easy to clean, but require regular refilling.
- Automatic Waterers: Provide constant fresh water, but require plumbing and maintenance.
- Maintenance: Clean waterers regularly to prevent algae and bacterial growth.
Forage and Feeding Stations
Encourage continuous, slow feeding that mirrors natural grazing.
- Slow Feeders/Hay Nets: These extend feeding time, reduce waste, and prevent rapid consumption.
- Placement: Similar to water, incorporate numerous food sources, dispersed around the entire track. This encourages horses to move from one feeding station to another, promoting natural foraging behavior.
- Grazing Areas: If your track system allows, integrate small, controlled grazing areas accessible only through the track.
Shelter and Resting Areas
Horses need protection from the elements.
- Run-in Sheds/Natural Tree Cover: Ensure your track system offers plenty of shelter, defending against extreme hot or cold weather. Place sheds strategically to provide relief from prevailing winds, intense sun, or heavy rain.
- Placement for Protection: Consider multiple shelters if the track is very long, or a central one easily accessible from different points. Natural tree lines or groves can also serve as excellent windbreaks and sun shelters.
- Bedding Options: Provide dry, comfortable bedding (straw, shavings) in run-in sheds for resting.
Enrichment Features
Add elements that stimulate curiosity and engagement.
- Scratching Posts: Sturdy posts or natural tree trunks for horses to rub against.
- Varied Ground: Introduce small mounds, shallow ditches, or different textures beyond the main track surface.
- Obstacles: Low logs, large rocks (safely placed), or small, shallow water features can add interest.
| Component | Purpose | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fencing | Safety & containment | Visibility, durability, proper tension |
| Surfacing | Hoof health & drainage | Varied textures, good drainage |
| Waterers | Hydration | Numerous, dispersed, clean, easily accessible |
| Feeders | Foraging & nutrition | Slow-feed options, numerous, dispersed |
| Shelter | Protection from elements | Adequacy for weather, strategic placement |
| Enrichment | Mental stimulation & physical challenge | Safe obstacles, scratching posts, varied terrain |
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Setting up your track system can be a rewarding project.
Step 1: Map it Out
Draw a detailed plan of your track system, including fences, gates, waterers, feeders, and shelters. Use stakes and string to mark out the exact path on your property.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground
Clear any debris, large rocks, or unwanted vegetation from the track path. If significant grading is needed for drainage or varied terrain, now is the time to do it.
Step 3: Install Fencing
Erect your chosen fencing material according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring it's secure, visible, and safe. Install gates in convenient locations for access and maintenance.
Step 4: Add Surfacing
Lay down any chosen surfacing materials (gravel, sand, wood chips) in designated areas, particularly in high-traffic zones and any specific hoof conditioning sections.
Step 5: Place Amenities
Install water troughs or automatic waterers, slow feeders, and construct or place run-in shelters. Ensure all elements are stable and safe. Remember to disperse these widely around the track.
Step 6: Introduce Horses
Gradually introduce your horses to the new system. Supervise them closely initially to ensure they understand the boundaries and can navigate the track safely.
Maintenance and Management
Ongoing maintenance ensures the longevity and effectiveness of your track system.
- Daily Checks: Inspect fencing for damage, refill water, and check feeders.
- Poo Picking: Poo pick regularly in order to help manage parasites. This is essential for hygiene, parasite control, and maintaining good pasture health if you have integrated grazing.
- Track Repair: Address any areas of erosion, mud, or uneven surfacing promptly.
- Forage Management: Adjust hay amounts based on horse needs and weather. Rotate slow feeders to encourage varied movement.
By thoughtfully designing and diligently maintaining your horse track system, you can provide an enriching and healthy environment for your equine companions.
