PHOTO : Jane Thery
PHOTO : WIB MIDDLETON
Barns and landscape were designed with optimal horse heath in mind .
grooming and other services such of the land , water flow and native as shoeing and veterinary care . plants and trees . For example , the These barns also follow a Blackburn principle to maximize natural of the pasture to create a space
fencing leaves a natural swale out
light and natural ventilation that is for low scrubs and grasses which healthy for the horses and keeps hold and filter the soil where the energy use as a minimum . The water runs downhill . The soil was number of horses per pasture is improved by spreading composted kept small to match the capacity of horse manure from its sister farm , the pasture grass to grazing needs and the blend of grass seeds was and avoid erosion . In addition , the carefully selected . High-quality soil “ heart of the farm ” has a farm office , storage buildings and facili- and is a great carbon fixer . The
is essential for healthy pastures
ties for horse owners and visitors grasses selected need to be palatable for the horses and include va- as well as a planned riding ring . The horse pastures are carefully laid out to respect the slope phases of the growing season .
rieties that thrive during different With the warming climate , some more warm season grass varieties are added to the mix . Underground water and electricity systems bring services to each of the small barns and pasture waterers .
The four-board fencing used in top horse farms was installed with financial assistance from the Montgomery Soil Conservation District , meeting National Resource Conservation Service standards which helps protect the land from erosion . This cost-share program is for fencing off streams and boggy areas . There are specific standards for the distance between the wet areas and the installed fence . The fence must also be sturdy and meet certain specifications .
Horses are , by nature , grazing herd animals ; their biomechanics and digestion are best suited to walking and eating grass for most of the day , while seeking protection from the heat and cold . Horses at Wyndham Oaks II benefit from their choice to be out in the fresh air in their pasture , under the shade of a large overhang next to the barn , or in a roomy stall outfitted with a fan , tack room space , and great views . This flexibility is ideal for most horses — from the retired old champion to a young one just getting started .
Wyndham Oaks II and horse farms like it , not only contribute to the quality and stewardship of the land and its animals , but the Montgomery County economy and rural living as well . Although there are many jokes about how costly it is to own and care for a horse , there are budget-friendly ways to ride in lesson programs and trail riding . Horse ownership , however ,
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