10/10/2025
Its definitely something that I will continue utilizing for my personal herd. The benefits have been well worth it.
‘Once you go track, you never go back’.
This saying no doubt resonates with a lot of you, as it does for myself and my family. Track systems are life changing, not just for the horse but for us as owners too.
I spoke to someone the other day who didn’t really know what paddock paradise track systems were but had friends who held strong opinions on the subject. Without going into too much detail, said friends didn’t have good things to say, in turn influencing that person’s perception on track systems.
I understand that there is often a complete shift in how we view horses when first endeavouring into track systems and I further understand that those people who view track systems negatively but have never had their horse on one, probably don’t fully grasp the idea behind the model and the benefits on offer. In fact, that makes complete sense to me. The equine world is riddled with tradition and human orientated management and so, if you’ve managed your horses a certain way all of your life, and someone comes along and says “Here, try this. It’s so much better for your horses!”, I appreciate there may be an immediate negative response to something that threatens all you know. In my opinion, this immediate reaction is understandable but shouldn’t then affect your decision-making abilities if it’s in the best interest of your horse.
What I always wonder about is those of us who have tried track systems and still favour traditional stable and paddocks instead of something that was created to fulfil our domestic horse’s every need, as a species, on a fundamental level.
Over the years, I have come to a few conclusions of my own as to why.
• I think like anything, people see a ‘trend’ and jump onto the bandwagon without giving it much thought. I absolutely would love more people to use track systems for their horses, but before anyone even thinks about putting so much as a fence post in, you must understand what it is and what it takes to work properly. Those that don’t read Jaime’s book or set up a track without any real consideration are going to struggle, potentially fail and then claim that tracks don’t work.
• Patience, time and the ability to adapt and admit mistakes will make or break your track system’s success. Like I stated above, tracks are absolutely lifechanging but they do require time to work, particularly if both owner and horse are unfamiliar with tracks prior to this. Tracks are no quick fix, and require a mental state that allows room for error and changes. If someone isn’t willing to trust the process and adapt as they go, the track itself is only going to take them so far. Additionally, some track set ups don’t work for some horses, but it doesn’t mean a different track system set up won’t work full stop.
• Excuses, ease and convenience. I know this from my own experience that many people want healthier, happier horses but aren’t willing to sacrifice the comfort and convenience of their current circumstances to make it actually happen. A half-attempted track, whilst still stabling their horse, isolating them or without eliminating inflammatory feed or forage isn’t going to work or give you the desired result. This is something I really struggle with when working with liveries or clients, because so often, a negative attitude towards tracks is fuelled by one’s own personal reasons, as opposed to the functionality of the track itself.
So, let me know what you think. What is your experience with this? I’m curious to know.
