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Our Ranch
We have 48 acres dedicated to Texas Prison and Police Horse Rescue
We live on 48 beautiful acres with 4 separate pastures, trees and even a lake! Our home, front & back yard sits on 1 acre and the rest of the land is set up for the horses. On the property we have 3 run in shelters, a shop, large stalls for up to 12 horses, plus we have an awesome round open.
- Pasture 1 is to the right of the house where we can look out the window and see them anytime.
- Pasture 2 is like a triangle shape with access to pasture 3 & 4 if needed or can separate. Same goes for pastures 2&3 and 3 & 4,5.
- Pasture 3 is right behind our house, with a pipe fence separating our back yard and pastures! Pasture 3 has a lake in it that the horses love to play and swim in.
- Pastures 4 & 5 both have small tanks in them with water.
- They all have a 50 gallon water troughs in them, and some have 2. Fresh water is important to us!
- We have a large shop to the right & further down from house. We keep our tractor, tools, saddles, vet care, brushes, feed bins with feed, all the stuff the horses need or needed around a ranch.
- We have about a 40 ft round pen and an arena size space dug up with barrens on them.
Socialization
Socialization in herds is crucial for horses because they are prey animals with strong instincts to live in groups for safety, companionship, and learning, fulfilling their innate need for social order and reducing stress, boredom, and related behavioral problems like weaving and cribbing.
Herd life teaches essential survival and social skills, promotes physical and mental well-being, and allows for natural behaviors like mutual grooming and play, which are vital for a balanced life.
Key Benefits of Herd Socialization:
- Safety & Security: In the wild, a herd offers "safety in numbers," with some watching while others rest, fulfilling a deep-seated instinct for security.
- Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Social contact lowers anxiety, improves appetite, and prevents stress-induced behaviors (stereotypies) often seen in isolated horses.
- Skill Development: Foals learn balance, coordination, and how to navigate terrain by mimicking older horses, while all learn appropriate social cues and boundaries.
- Mental Stimulation: Group living provides constant interaction and mental engagement, preventing boredom and related destructive habits.
- Natural Behaviors: Herds allow for natural social interactions like mutual grooming (allogrooming), play, and establishing hierarchy, fostering stronger bonds.
- Better Performance & Health: Well-socialized horses tend to be happier, more relaxed, and perform better, as good welfare supports good health
Riding (if applicable)
Riding is important for horses because it provides essential physical exercise, mental stimulation , and strengthens the human-horse bond, keeping them fit, reducing boredom, and building trust through movement, new environments, and positive interaction, which supports their overall health. Consistent riding engages their bodies, improves muscle tone, cardiovascular health, and coordination, while also preventing stereotypical behaviors from lack of engagement.
Physical Benefits
- Muscle & Fitness: Riding uses and strengthens core, leg, and back muscles, improving overall strength, balance, and suppleness.
- Cardiovascular Health: It provides excellent cardiovascular exercise, essential for a horse's heart and respiratory system.
- Joint Health: Regular movement keeps joints and muscles from becoming stiff, aiding in overall mobility.
Mental & Emotional Benefits
- Boredom Prevention: New trails, arenas, or tasks keep their minds active, preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Bonding & Trust: The partnership built through riding fosters immense trust and a strong connection, making the horse feel valued as a partner.
- Confidence: Successfully navigating challenges with a rider builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Holistic Well-being
- Enrichment: Getting out of the pasture into different settings enriches their daily life.
- Systemic Health: Movement supports digestive, lymphatic, and neurological systems, making a horse healthier overall.
In essence, riding, when done correctly and with a focus on the horse's well-being, is a comprehensive activity that meets a horse's needs for movement, mental engagement, and social partnership