The way we do it

Good environment gives better horses

At the Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck we give our babies a good childhood.
We think the contact with humans in the beginning is very important. Walking with halter, learning how to give feet, walking through water, being washed and brushed.... etc.
On the other hand, they have to learn from the other horses. Playing with their buddies, having respect for older horses which automatically teach them, at the same time, to have respect for humans.
The combination of these two contacts gives good minded and healthy horses.

   
After six months the foals are weaned away from the mares and will be put together in the company of a nanny.

The nanny teaches them how to stand on their own feet and not to get into trouble.

Until 1.5 years old, they only have to play, eat and learn from other horses.  But they keep contact with humans every day: they go to the ferrier every 10 weeks, every week they get tied up and brushed and frequently clipped and washed.

 In the winter when they become two years old they get to know the saddle, bridle and the rider. We prefer to start early and take it slow.

During summer all our horses stay outside day and night. The training horses come inside in the morning to be ridden and go back to the pasture after work.  In the winter they go outside every day for at least a couple of hours. In case the pastures are too wet drained paddocks are available. For extra exercise we have a walker.

The horses can eat hey day and night as much hay as they like, together with plenty of exercise you have a healthy and happy horse.