Natural Boarding is far more than just keeping your horse outside 24/7. It encompasses their whole well being - physical, emotional and spiritual necessities that are natural to their species.

Here at Horses by Nature we strive to create an environment as close to the horse's natural living as possible. Through research and development, we continuously approach new innovative ways to help our domesticated horses live a more natural life.

Some examples of what we implement in our Natural Boarding facility are:

• 24/7 turnout within a herd environment. Since we know that horses are highly social creatures, being alone can create unbalances such as depression from loneliness or anxiety.
  
  
• Natural hoof care trimming methods – we do not advocate nailing iron to our horse's hooves since research has proven shoes inhibit proper hoof function as well as negatively affect the whole circulatory system, thus effecting overall health.
  
  
• We provide an environment where the horses can participate in natural movement through what is called "tracking". This constitutes a way to encourage our horses to have a reason to move rather than just being in a paddock with no place to go and no reason to get there.
  
  
• We strive to keep nutrition natural while satisfying all vitamin & mineral requirements. Rather than store bought sweet feed & extruded feeds we supply whole oats, black oil sunflower seeds, flax seeds, carrots and apples (and any other fruit or veggie they like). Free choice horse mineral, sea kelp, white salt and diatomaceous earth are always available.

With a thorough knowledge of the horse's thermo-regulatory system we will not interrupt the horse's heating system and function by using blankets. We support a non-competitive environment and do not mind when our horses grow a nice thick coat, in fact we encourage it. Often, a horse that cannot grow a winter coat indicates they may have a poor immune system.

Our environment is filled with positive relationship building energy rather than human egos needing confirmation in a sporting arena. We do not use our horses to achieve our own personal happiness. We strive to achieve the ultimate in bonding with these creatures through honesty, trust, respect and love. It is when we can truly place the well being of the animal before our own personal goals that we will know we have achieved greatness.

All training methods are based on humane, positive reinforcing exchanges. The use of bits, spurs, tie-downs etc. are simply not allowed or used ever. The first to finish is not the priority in training. Communication and attaining ultimate trust is, so we always take the necessary time needed to establish this. We have proven that once trust is earned, training comes quickly as a result of a bilateral understanding. Bribing or coercing is not a form of training, but instead we look upon mutual cooperation as success.

A horse in our care is not looked upon as an animal that needs to be taught our way of living, but a sentient being that deserves the same respect that all life forms long for, acceptance and belonging.

For further information or to be placed on our waiting list for boarding, please contact us.

Elaine Polny 905-936-1032 or use our contact page.