Retirement
Program Philosophy -
The Painted Oaks Difference "Natural
Boarding for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit"
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.