Dennis and Daphne Loftis Sexton believe retirement means a natural way of living the remainder of a horse's years in a pleasant, comfortable environment. Your horse will have 24-hour turnout with access to stalls and run-in sheds, and stall time will be limited to medical necessity only (unless you request otherwise). Our large pastures allow plenty of movement to keep joints more flexible, increase circulation, and improve digestion -- all factors for a healthier and happier horse!

Daphne's father, John Loftis, is the nutritional consultant and has more than 30 years experience in hay production and farm land management. He advises Painted Oaks on pasture management for excellent grazing. At Painted Oaks, your horse will have access to pasture and/or free-choice hay 24 hours a day. We feed only top quality hay, consisting of lespedeza, orchid grass, or fescue. Horses are foragers/grazers and will graze 18-20 hours per day in the wild, so the safest diet to feed a horse is grass or grass hay on a free-choice basis! If a horse's stomach is left empty for prolonged periods (as often happens with stabled horses), the stomach lining can become damaged, which can lead to other illnesses and diseases.

Your horse will also receive an appropriate amount of senior formula grain and/or supplements as needed, in the privacy of a stall or paddock area, to ensure each horse receives its share.

Horses are herd animals and prefer the company and interaction of other horses. At Painted Oaks Boarding, your horse will gradually be introduced to the herd within one week of arrival. Your horse's stress level will be minimal, since low stress helps maintain a healthy digestive and immune system, thereby decreasing the possibility of illness and disease.

Painted Oaks has varied natural terrain features: 2 ponds for hoof soaking and cooling off; areas of gravel and rock to stimulate and condition the hooves; hills for muscle and lung conditioning; trees for scratching and shade; and one mud area designated for rolling. Photos of these features can be seen throughout the website. We are surrounded by 1,000+ acres of undeveloped land, adding to our natural environment.

Our pastures are secured by 5 strands of vinyl-coated 5/16' wire from Ramm Fencing. This coating minimizes injuries, has better visibility, and 1,620 pounds of break strength per rail. In addition, this fencing works to restrict horses that are 'cribbers'. Ramm fencing has proven to be very safe and effective on the farm since it was installed 8 years ago.

Since we are personally involved with each horse on a daily basis, we will be aware of changes in physical condition, appetite, or mood, and will discuss these changes with you to determine the proper course of action.

Painted Oaks Boarding provides horse owners the peace of mind that their equine companion is safe, happy, healthy, and receiving lots of TLC.