Equinox Horse Farm

06/28/2025

Every move you make, every step you take
I'll be watchin' you!

06/20/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HgZD6Wh9J/?mibextid=wwXIfr

As natural as possible?

When discussing behavioral issues with horses, most educated professionals with an understanding of behavioral science will look at the root cause.
I, personally, start with pain, and if pain is ruled out move on to
" unmet needs".
Unmet needs fall under the basic requirements ALL horses require to be happy and relaxed.
These are often referred to as the 3 F's
Friends, Forage and Freedom.

If a horse is stabled for excessive periods of time, and when turned out in isolation, behavioural issues are to be expected. Whether it is anxiety, aggression or shutdown, there will be a consequence.

I believe in the concept of keeping horses as naturally as possible. I used to refer to it as " As naturally as possible without negatively affecting the horses welfare'.
This is because some people take " as natural as possible" to mean chucking a horse out in a field with no feed, no hoofcare and no grooming.
This is not as Natural as possible.

Naturally, horses would be able to move to new areas to find nourishment. They have also been bred bigger by humans, and require more nutrition.
They would naturally wear their hooves over varied terrain while travelling miles every day. They would naturally cover far larger areas, avoiding the build up of skin and hoof damaging bacteria. So they would not need regular grooming.
The reality, however, is that " As Natural as possible" covers this.

I get it. Modern life means there are situations where a horse HAS to be stabled. To protect grazing where space is limited, in areas where predation is common or horse theft is a concern.

In those situations we should compromise from what is natural, to protect the horses welfare. That is where the " as possible' comes in. What we need to get away from is thinking stabling is the ideal. That idea has been disproven in a number of scientific papers.
Stabling negatively affects physical and mental well-being and should only be used when there is no other option.

When I post about this I am often met with arguments like " Well naturally horses would be left to be eaten by predators and starve through winter". These logical fallacies are common from people holding fast to tradition. We can protect horses from predation without taking away all their freedom, considering their captivity is our choice.
I know I am repeating myself here, but the idea that horses in fancy stables get " get the best care in world" keeps coming up.

05/24/2025

Peek-a-boo! Soleil is "hiding" in the grass. 😂

05/14/2025

Nothing says Mother's Day love like a Mom, her horse and her very understanding son. ❤️

05/07/2025

The things that shine are not silver or gold. Moose.

05/02/2025

COME RIDE WITH US!
Equinox has an opening for one (or two same owner) horse(s). Full care non-stall board includes large free access open barns with bedding and automatic water, mud controlled paddocks, 24/7 forage with hay and rotated pastures. Private trails, indoor and grass outdoor arenas, outdoor wash area with heated water and individual tack storage. Contact Dawn for more info. 716 307-2380

04/30/2025

❤️ Let her be wild.
Let her chase the wind through the back pasture.
Let her climb fences barefoot and braid manes with muddy hands.

Let her ride ba****ck on dreams too big for the barn.
Let her fall and get back up, cheeks dusty but eyes on fire.
Let her run with the horses...
and learn that freedom comes from grit.

Let her rope goals, saddle strength, and gallop through setbacks.
Let her dream out loud under star soaked skies,
where the world feels small and her heart feels huge.

Let her grow roots in the soil and wings in the storm.
Because girls like her?
They don’t just survive out here...
they rise.

Let her chase sunrises,
with a heart full of hope,
and the world at her feet,
knowing nothing is impossible when she’s willing to fight for it.

Let her laugh louder than the thunder,
and hold onto her dreams with both hands,
because she knows that storms only make her stronger.

Let her find strength in every struggle,
and let every setback shape her into the warrior she was meant to be.
Show her not to be afraid of the hard days...
because they’re the ones that will build her into the legend she’s becoming.

❤️Michelle Knutson | Born In The Barn

04/29/2025

YOU AND YOUR HORSE WILL LOVE IT HERE!!
Equinox has an opening for one (or two same owner) horse(s). Full care non-stall board includes large free access open barns with bedding and automatic water, mud controlled paddocks, 24/7 forage with hay and rotated pastures. Private trails, indoor and grass outdoor arenas, outdoor wash area with heated water and individual tack storage. Contact Dawn for more info. 716 307-2380

04/08/2025

12/29/2024