Fine Print Farms

04/24/2025

A Paddock Is Not Turnout

This one really gets to me.

“I give my horse turnout every day,” they say—then show me a paddock about the same size as the stall.

I get it. Space can be limited. I live in one of those areas too. That’s exactly why I tracked my own small rental property—to create real turnout.

But here’s the hard truth: a paddock does not meet the physical or psychological needs of a 1,000+ lb prey animal. So how did this become normal?

Most people would never dream of keeping a dog in a kennel for 22–23 hours a day. Yet somehow, it’s acceptable for a horse?

So what can you do if you can’t change your horse’s boarding situation?

First: acknowledge that your horse’s needs aren’t being met. And that means adjusting your expectations. You can’t blame them for expressing discomfort, frustration, or unwanted behaviours in this environment.

Instead, focus on doing what is possible.

That might mean committing to getting your horse out every day—not to lunge them or chase them around a pen, but simply to allow them to move. Freely. Naturally. Like a normal animal going for a walk.

If true turnout or pasture time is available—great. If not, get creative. Every bit of movement matters.

Ensure they have access to 24/7 forage. Use small-hole hay nets if you’re managing weight, but don’t let them go hours without food. Long gaps between feedings create stress, and stress leads to dysfunction.

Offer enrichment. Provide novelty. Give them something to interact with—something that mimics natural exploration and problem-solving.

And if you can modify the paddock, even just a little? Do it. Move the water to the opposite side. Add visual barriers or structures to encourage more movement. Small changes add up.

But if none of this is possible—if the environment truly can’t meet your horse’s basic needs—then it’s time to re-evaluate. It may be inconvenient to move. But their welfare has to come first.

And finally: please don’t get another horse if you can’t meet these fundamental needs. This isn’t just about ownership, it is about ethical stewardship of a sentient being.

Yes, even if they’re a show horse.

04/23/2025

04/23/2025

Fantasy Horsemanship: Where ‘Doing Nothing’ is Marketed as Mastery 💸

“A safe space for humans. A weird time for horses.”

Once upon a time in a paddock not-so-far away, a horse dragged its owner across the arena to a hay bag.
And lo, the guru said:
“Did you see that? He’s finally feeling safe enough… to express his autonomy.”

And the crowd nodded.
For they were moved.
And the horse, dear reader, was not. 🙄

Welcome to Fantasy Horsemanship — where dragging, balking, spooking, and shutting down are framed as spiritual breakthroughs.
Where confusion is revered, clarity is oppressive, and stillness is sold as “deep integration.”
Where your horse is not trained — but interpreted. 🎭

Let’s take a closer look…

1. The Guru Speaks (And You Stop Thinking)
In this world, the guru is your translator.
You don’t learn to read your horse — you learn to believe his reading of your horse.

A tail swish becomes trauma. A head toss? “Reclaiming boundaries.”
And a shut-down horse staring into space?
That’s “sacred integration through parasympathetic recalibration.” ✨

It’s not horsemanship.
It’s interpretive spirituality with a rope halter. 🧘‍♀️🐴

Sprinkle in some polyvagal jargon, somatic buzzwords, and vaguely-academic pseudoscience, and suddenly everything makes sense… except your horse.

2. Feeling > Function
“I feel more connected.”
“My horse gave me a soft eye.”
“We just stood together and cried.” 😭

Lovely.

But did your horse stop spooking at the mounting block?
Can he walk forward when asked?
Did you learn anything… practical?

Of course not.
Because in Fantasy Horsemanship, progress is an emotional experience, not a behavioural outcome.

If you cried, it counted.
Even if your horse is still stuck, shut down, or silently screaming for guidance. 🐎💤

3. No Tools, No Plan, No Problem
“I could use a tool… but that would betray the trust.”
Translation:
I don’t know what to do, and I’ve built a philosophy around that.

No leadership? Enlightened.
No aids? Ethical restraint.
No plan? A bold rejection of the patriarchy. ✊

Doing nothing is rebranded as depth.
The guru has no method, no map, and no measurable outcomes — and that’s exactly how he likes it.

Where there’s no criteria, there’s no failure.
Only more feelings. 😌

4. The Guru Believes His Own Bull$h!t
And here’s the real kicker:
The guru isn’t running a con — he’s running a one-man theatre production he believes in deeply. 🎤🎭

You’ll see a horse lurching, lame, shut down, clearly miserable —
and he’ll whisper, misty-eyed:

“Wow. That was amazing.” 😍
He’s not evaluating the horse.
He’s performing a show.

And he’s too high on his own narrative to notice the horse is tragically unsound and about to file for emotional leave. 📋

5. Your Horse Is Not Your Life Coach
“I’m forever changed.”
“He unlocked something in me.”
“We breathed together under the stars.” 🌌

Lovely.
But your horse still won’t load on the float.

He’s not your therapist.
He’s not your mirror.
He’s not your trauma doula.

He’s just a horse — trying to survive a training session that’s turned into a TED Talk narrated by someone who’s read one too many somatic healing blogs. 💻🐴

He doesn’t want to co-regulate.
He wants clarity.
And maybe a carrot that doesn’t come with a full emotional disclosure. 🥕

6. Bonus Truth: When Fantasy Replaces Vet Checks
Here’s what Fantasy Horsemanship won’t tell you:

The only time horses aren’t easy… is when they’re unsound. 🚫🏇

Pain changes behaviour.
Discomfort makes horses emotional, evasive, or disengaged.

But instead of checking for pain, lameness, or imbalance, the fantasy reframes it all as “emotional blocks.”

And for women — especially those not feeling strong in their own bodies — this becomes a trap.
When movement feels hard, stillness feels safe.
When strength feels distant, softness becomes the story. 🧘‍♀️🕯️

And suddenly, both human and horse are stuck.
One in pain.
One in fear.
Both being told they’re “healing” — when really, they’re just avoiding.

7. And Still, the Horse Pays the Price
Behind the hashtags and healing mantras is a horse who didn’t ask for this.

He doesn’t get trained.
He doesn’t get listened to.
He gets filmed mid-meltdown while someone whispers,

“This… is integration.” 🎥😬
He’s confused.
He’s burdened.
He’s trying.

But nobody notices.
Because everyone’s too busy being deep.

8. Epilogue: The W**d That’s Spreading
This isn’t just one guru.
Fantasy Horsemanship is everywhere. 🌱🔥

It spreads through spiritual marketing, emotional manipulation, and the promise of transformation without accountability.

It appeals to those who want connection but fear discomfort.
It flatters women conditioned to be agreeable, self-doubting, and endlessly apologetic —
those trying to people-please their horse into loving them,
dreaming of a ba****ck beach ride with wind-blown hair and 100% safety. 🐎🌊💨

But your horse isn’t looking for magic.
He’s looking for someone who knows what they’re doing.
Not someone side-tracked down a rabbit hole to nowhere.

Final Thought
Horses are beautifully simple.
They don’t need make-believe — they need meaning.
They don’t want therapy — they want to be understood as horses, not projected humans.
They don’t care about your journey — they care if you can help them feel safe. 🧠❤️🐴

They are easy to train.
Easy to make feel secure.
Unless they’re unsound — or the human is untethered.

So if the fantasy is fading… if your horse is still wary, still stuck, still waiting…

That’s not failure.
That’s reality knocking. 🚪

Answer it.

Find someone who teaches real horse training and treats you with respect.
Learn to understand horses — and build the skills to influence them.

Because when the fog lifts and the narrative dies…

It won’t be the guru standing with you.

It’ll be your horse.
Still confused.
Still waiting.
Still hoping you’ve finally shown up —
not with a story…
but with a plan. 🐴✔️

If you’ve climbed out of the fantasy rabbit hole — or realised your horse biting you wasn’t over zealous engagement but frustration — you’re not alone. Tell your story. Let’s talk about it.❤

If this said what you’ve been thinking — share it. If it said what you wish you wrote, still… share it. With credit. You’re welcome. 🐴😉

04/23/2025

Turnout is one of the most polarizing topics in modern horse keeping. So, let’s skip the debate. We’ve gathered some results from veterinary science, peer-reviewed journals, and international welfare assessments. These are real numbers, from real studies, so you can make strategic decisions rooted in evidence, not tradition.

-A 25% reduction in soft tissue injuries was found in adult horses turned out for at least 12 hours daily, compared to those kept in stalls greater than 12 hours daily. (Reilly & Bryk-Lucy, 2021)

-Comparing turnout duration, a study found that horses with only 2 hours of turnout exhibited significantly higher energy levels, anxiety, and behaviors such as rearing, bucking, and fence running, whereas horses receiving over 12 hours of turnout were more likely to walk, graze, and remain calm. (Hockenhull & Creighton, 2010)

-Foals receiving inconsistent turnout (9 to 23 hours per day) had 4.6 times more musculoskeletal injuries than those with 24/7 access to turnout. Furthermore, for every extra acre of turnout, there was a 24% reduction in injury risk. (Brown-Douglas et al., 2022)

-A study on 2-year-old horses found that those kept in individual stalls required more time to get used to training activities and showed more unwanted behaviors, like resistance or agitation, than horses kept on pasture. The stalled horses needed an average of 26 minutes of training time, while the pastured horses needed only 19 minutes, to complete the same task. Additionally, the stalled horses were more likely to show unwanted behaviors during training (8 instances on average compared to just 2 for pastured horses). (Rivera et al., 2002)

-Stall-kept livestock experience a higher incidence of hoof-related issues, including uneven hoof growth and lameness, while those with access to turnout demonstrated healthier, more balanced hoof development. (Black, R.A. et al., 2017)

-A European welfare study using the AWIN protocol assessed 315 horses in group-housing turnout systems. Only 2.3% of these horses exhibited signs of lameness, compared to lameness rates as high as 33% in stalled horses across various studies. (AWIN Welfare Assessment, 2023)

-Within just one day of moving from group turnout to individual stalling, equine cortisol levels spike, and their white blood cell count shows significant changes, including a 25% increase in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and a decrease in infection-fighting cells like monocytes and T cells. Additionally, behaviors indicative of stress, such as oral manipulation, neighing, pawing, and apathy, became evident in most horses within a week. (Schmucker et al., 2022)

-Horses with regular turnout showed higher heart rate variability, indicating improved balance in their autonomic nervous system and greater stress resilience. (Rietmann et al., 2004)

-Welsh ponies who received daily pasture turnout in a herd exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors, were significantly calmer, less fearful, less reactive, more interactive with humans, and more adaptable in learning tasks compared to ponies housed in impoverished environments (stalls with limited turnout). Even three months after the study, ponies in the enriched group retained these positive behaviors and demonstrated higher curiosity and superior learning performance. (Lansade et al., 2014)

Can you find a single peer-reviewed study that shows horses kept stabled 24/7 are sounder, healthier, or happier than those with regular turnout? Even the most finely tuned, performance-focused horses are still horses. Just like any other, they require room to roam, stretch their legs, and engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and socializing.

It’s important to recognize that no horse truly dislikes turnout. If a horse resists going outside, it’s due to improper conditioning, previous negative experiences, or being overwhelmed by a sudden change in environment: what’s known as "flooding." Horses who’ve been confined for extended periods or who’ve never had proper exposure to outdoor spaces may react with anxiety or reluctance. These reactions stem from fear, not from an inherent dislike of turnout. With patience and gradual exposure, every horse can be reconditioned to embrace the outdoors. After all, instincts tell them to roam, graze, and move, it's in their nature.

Of course, there are times when limiting a horse's movement is necessary, such as during health issues or transportation. In these instances, it’s crucial to understand the physiological and psychological changes that occur so we can minimize stress and discomfort.

Turnout is a biological necessity. To support our horses’ overall health and well-being, we must prioritize their freedom to move. After all, a healthy, happy horse is one that has the opportunity to be just that: a horse.

04/15/2025

The more you know...

Gastric ulcer disease is a very common problem in equines, and it affects over 60% of adult horses (depending on age, performance, and evaluated populations). While Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is more prevalent in high performance horses, it's important to remember that any horse can be affected, as all equines suffer from stress (like traveling, stall confinement, changes in diet, etc.) which over time may result in gastric ulcers.

The signs of ulcers a horse might show are highly variable between individuals, but they usually include variations of "bad behavior" like general grumpiness, reluctance to perform, cribbing and teeth-grinding, tail-swishing and other behaviors suggesting restlessness and physical discomfort. Rough hair coat, weight loss and poor body condition are also common.

Has your horse ever expressed any of these signs that led to an ulcer diagnosis? Let us know below ⬇️

If your horse is exhibiting any of these signs, it may be time to consult your veterinarian rather than just chalk them off as behavioral or training issues. Proper diagnosis is crucial to get appropriate treatment started promptly, and your horse doctor will also be able to make recommendations for environmental and management changes that can you help prevent a relapse of ulcers in the future.

04/15/2025

LIMITED EXPERIENCE

People seem to have different ideas of what makes an experienced horse person. I am often told by new students about their level of experience and it always seems to be assessed by the number of years they have been riding.

Several years ago I was asked to go to a lady's property for help with her Andalusian mare. She had only had it a month and was already seriously questioning her decision to buy the mare. It was a very nice horse and I would not have complained if somebody had dropped off in my paddock. However, the lady asked, “What’s wrong with her? Why does she behave so crazy?”

I responded, “Nothing is wrong with her. She is a super nice-minded mare but needs a little help because you are not being very clear with what you are asking.”

“Well, I’ve had horses for over 30 years and I have never had a horse as difficult as this one,” she explained.

I asked, “How many horses have you trained in 30 years?”

Her answer was, “Three.”

She had worked three horses in thirty years and she thought she was a very experienced and accomplished horse person.

I’ve worked with maybe a couple of thousand horses in my career and I question my level of experience. I mean, I am very inexperienced when it comes to training polo horses, cow horses, or plow horses. Despite my years of working with horses and the number of horses I have ridden I would never consider myself experienced at anything more than using my horsemanship skills to resolve inner conflict between a horse and rider. I am not the bloke to go to for help in establishing the perfect piaffe or the most amazing sliding stop. But I am the bloke you go to for help getting your horse ready for the perfect piaffe or amazing sliding stop.

We are all experienced horse people in a limited way. And for most of us, it is more limited than we realize.

04/15/2025

Will have spots opening for mid May! By approval only!

We will have some boarding spots opening mid May!

Movement based facility and offer a fantastic forage based feeding program!

We offer clinics and lessons with clinicians and trainers that focus on proper biomechanics as functional movement.

Learning and being better for the horse is what we are all about!

Call/Text for further information (210)727-7752

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬

Knowing your horse’s normal vitals helps you catch illness or injury early—especially when something feels off.

𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬:
𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥: 97.0°F–100.5°F
→ Digital thermometer (re**al) with l**e.
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙚: 28–40 bpm
→ Fingers under jaw or front leg “armpit.” Count 15 sec x 4.
𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 8–16 breaths/min
→ Watch the flank or nostrils. 1 rise = 1 breath.
𝙈𝙈 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧: Pale pink and moist
→ Lift the lip and check gums.
𝘾𝙍𝙏: Under 2 seconds
→ Press the gums and release—color should return quickly.

𝐅𝗼𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭:
𝙏𝙚𝙢𝙥: 99.5°F–102.5°F
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙚: 80–120 bpm
𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣: 20–40 breaths/min
𝙈𝙈 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙧 & 𝘾𝙍𝙏: Same as adults — pink, moist gums with refill time under 2 seconds

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩!

A fever is often the first sign of something wrong—virus, infection, inflammation, etc. If your horse is acting “off,” take a temp before anything else.

Some horses run slightly hotter or cooler, so it helps to know what’s normal for your horse. Check vitals occasionally when they’re healthy and keep a record for reference.

𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐗 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞
xxequine.com | (940) 514-9500

04/11/2025

🌱 New at GG Equine: Spring Grazing Value Bundles! 🌱

We’ve bundled your favorite grazing essentials into curated sets—so you get everything you need and save while you’re at it. 🐴✨

Perfect for spring turnout, these limited-time bundles offer serious value on the products you trust.

👉 Shop now and graze smarter: https://buff.ly/eR1hNuA

04/02/2025

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CAUSES GRASS FOUNDER?

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, but it may be the beginning of some serious problems for horses vulnerable to grass founder — like horses that are over the age of 10, easy keepers, overweight or cresty-necked.

Laminitis or founder, as it is commonly called, is inflammation of the laminae of the horse’s foot. Laminae are the delicate, accordion-like tissues that attach the inner surface of the hoof wall to the coffin bone (the bone in the foot). A horse suffering from laminitis experiences a decrease in blood flow to the laminae, which in turn begin to die and separate. The final result is hoof wall separation, rotation of the coffin bone and extreme pain. In severe cases, the coffin bone will actually rotate through the sole of the horse’s hoof where it becomes infected and can ultimately lead to the horse having to be euthanized.

Laminitis can be triggered by different causes, like repeated concussion on hard ground (road founder), grain overload, retained placenta, hormonal imbalance (Cushing’s syndrome), obesity, and lush grass.

In cases of grass founder, the sugar fructans produced by rapidly growing grass stimulates an overgrowth of bacteria in the horse’s large intestine. The bacteria produce and release toxins (endotoxins) that are carried by the bloodstream to the foot where they cause damage to the laminae and small blood vessels.

The best way to deal with laminitis is preventing and managing the causes under your control. Consult your equine practitioner for further information and to formulate a plan tailored to your horse's individual situation. If you suspect laminitis, consider it a medical emergency and notify your veterinarian immediately.

03/28/2025

It dumped the inch of rainfall from Sunday night. 3 inches this week. Thankful 🙏🏻 but please keep horses on paths when you come out, no riding or walking in grass, and no driving to back paddocks.

Thank you ❤️

03/07/2025

02/27/2025

We love CoolStance as an additional fat source!

Why Cool Stance is best for your horses?

02/21/2025

02/20/2025

4-6 weeks no longer or you will have problems

People think this is normal but it sure should not be. If you don't want to have your farrier out more often, then you need to be adding more movement and hoof enrichment to your environment.

Horse owners need to understand

A 6-8 week (or more) trim cycle will very Rarely fix a problem.

If you've got a horse with flares, the cycle needs to be shortened under 6 weeks.

If you've got a horse with under run heels, you need to shorten that trim cycle.

If you've got a horse with folded bars, shorten your cycle.

If your horse is getting toe abscesses, you likely need to shorten your cycle.

If you have a laminitic horse with rotation, the cycle needs shortened. That coffin bone drops because the laminae are stretched and so very often the issue really began because the toes were allowed to get too long, which was the first insult, and then the metabolism changed which compounded things and tipped it over.

If things are not optimum, they cannot be put back into optimum without getting ahead of the issue instead of chasing it.

Shorten your trim cycle and put things back to Best instead of okay.

Optimum hooves make for disappointed dogs.