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Which Horse Boarding Option is Best for Your Equine Companion: Pasture or Stall?

Writer's picture: Jaclyn StoerzbachJaclyn Stoerzbach


Summertime at Borg Farms
Summertime at Borg Farms

The Benefits of Pasture Board: A Healthier Option for Horses

At our facility, we exclusively offer pasture board because it's the healthier and more natural option for horses. Here’s why pasture board is the superior choice for your horse’s health and well-being:

Health Benefits of Pasture Board

1. Significantly Reduced Risk of Colic:

  • Three Times Less Likely to Colic: Horses kept in stalls are three times more likely to suffer from colic compared to those kept on pasture. Pasture board allows for natural grazing patterns and reduces the risk of colic.

  • Natural Grazing Patterns: Our twice-daily hay feedings simulate natural feeding patterns, keeping the digestive system moving and healthy.

  • Consistent Forage: Regular hay feedings help maintain a healthy gut flora and reduce digestive upsets.

2. Improved Bone Density:

  • Natural Movement: Horses on pasture move freely, which is crucial for developing and maintaining strong bones. Young horses raised on pasture have greater bone density, reducing the risk of fractures.

  • Weight-Bearing Exercise: The varied surfaces of a pasture provide weight-bearing exercise that strengthens bones and joints.

3. Decreased Soft Tissue Injuries:

  • Continuous Exercise: Regular movement strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making them less susceptible to injuries. Horses kept on pasture have fewer soft tissue injuries.

  • Natural Surfaces: Pasture promotes healthy hoof and leg development, reducing the risk of injuries associated with repetitive motion on flat, hard surfaces.

4. Better Mental Health:

  • Social Interaction: Horses thrive on interaction with other horses. Pasture board allows them to form natural social bonds, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

  • Environmental Enrichment: The varied environment of a pasture provides mental stimulation, reducing boredom and associated behaviors such as cribbing and weaving.

Supporting Research:

  • Journal of Equine Veterinary Science: Study on Colic Incidence in Pasture vs. Stall-Housed Horses

  • Equine Veterinary Journal: Bone Density in Pasture-Raised Horses

  • University of Kentucky Study: Soft Tissue Injuries in Pasture vs. Stall-Housed Horses

  • Applied Animal Behaviour Science: Social Interactions and Mental Health in Horses

Conclusion

Our commitment to pasture board stems from a deep understanding of horse health and behavior. By providing a natural environment that promotes physical health and mental well-being, we ensure our horses are not just surviving but thriving. Choose pasture board for a happier, healthier horse.


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14150 Herring Rd

Colorado Springs, CO

80908

Address

Contact

309-351-4917

Borg Farms Equestrian Center & Horse Boarding in Colorado Springs CO

Mon - Sun

8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Hours

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