Feeding, Growing Out & Handling
At Winterwood we use whole food, herbs and local hays and pasture. It is important to replicate as much as possible a diverse diet of safe low GI forage and herbage, as well as allowing young horses to develop socially in small herds grazing over large paddocks.
Resilience in the body only comes from a natural hardiness created through exposure to the elements and environment as horses grow. The result of this is a well-balanced mind and a healthy metabolism that can cope with the challenges of life with humans.
Handling our young horses starts at an early age – however it is never forced. We visit the broodmares and foals daily, and over time the natural curiosity is fostered in each foal as they gain confidence in human contact.
By 6 months all the foals have been handled, had body work, wormed and had their feet trimmed. By 10 months they have all been led (though it’s more of a following- they love their humans!) , tied up and groomed, introduced to stables and small spaces, eventually moving up to float loading training in readiness for their new home.
Body Work & Hoof Balance
At Winterwood we use whole food, herbs and local hays and pasture. It is important to replicate as much as possible a diverse diet of safe low GI forage and herbage, as well as allowing young horses to develop socially in small herds grazing over large paddocks.
Resilience in the body only comes from a natural hardiness created through exposure to the elements and environment as horses grow. The result of this is a well-balanced mind and a healthy metabolism that can cope with the challenges of life with humans.
Handling our young horses starts at an early age – however it is never forced. We visit the broodmares and foals daily, and over time the natural curiosity is fostered in each foal as they gain confidence in human contact.
By 6 months all the foals have been handled, had body work, wormed and had their feet trimmed. By 10 months they have all been led (though it’s more of a following- they love their humans!) , tied up and groomed, introduced to stables and small spaces, eventually moving up to float loading training in readiness for their new home.