The 212 acres features 7.2 km of scenic forest trails for horse riding, hiking, biking or eco enthusiast activities like bird watching. Pockets of pristine rainforest include seasonal waterfalls. Property is adjacent to Border Ranges National Park. A biodiversity hotspot, the local wildlife includes rare and endangered species.

45 acres of this ranch property is improved pasture ideal for horses or cows, and includes 4 separately fenced paddocks. Rainwater storage tanks provide ample water for house and livestock year round. Feed your family with home grown fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh-caught fish.

Enjoy the views from a solidly constructed and comfortable 3 bedroom home; which includes a separate guest unit, 3 bay garage, and 2 stall barn.

World-renowned horse trainer, Frank Bell, is offering this unique property in New South Wales, Australia. Is it calling to you? Learn more at www.windrideridge.com

I’ve added a section to this website with that information.

See it here: http://www.tricknclick.com/paddock-paradise/

Photos: http://www.tricknclick.com/paddock-paradise/paddock-paradise-photos/

Map: http://www.tricknclick.com/paddock-paradise/paddock-paradise-map/

My new neighbor from New York is extremely concerned about sand colic in her Arabs. Wouldn’t you think Arabs would have some kind of hereditary predisposition to deal with sand?

But my neighbor’s concerns rubbed off on me and I got worried too.

Yesterday I decided to research this topic in earnest and learned to my delight the very best preventatives for sand colic are:

a. feeding off the ground in feeders and buckets
b. constant free feeding of hay which is much higher in fiber and more digestible than psyllium seed husks

I discovered a very good article by Sandi Lieb, PhD, Associate Professor Emeritus University of Florida regarding a study conducted by the University of Florida on sand colic in horses (http://www.ecmagazine.net/health_pdfs/preventing%20colic.pdf). Some excerpts -

“Studies have shown that traditional methods of preventing sand colic are no more effective than simply feeding an adequate amount of hay.”

“In some areas like Florida, it is almost impossible to keep a horse free from some sand intake. Therefore, the most effective and economical method for keeping sand moving through the horse’s GI tract and to prevent sand buildup is to make sure that their daily feed ration contains a minimum of 1.5% BW (body weight) hay intake (15 lbs/1000 lb horse). Feeding of 20+ lbs (2+% BW) is even more effective and free choice feeding of the forage (pasture or hay) is the best and most natural and has many behavior benefits. If you know that a horse has taken in and is carrying an excess sand load, then it is best to remove the horse from access to any sand and keep it on an ample hay diet for a period of a week to give the accumulated sand time to be evacuated. No advantage was found for applying the three common sand removal treatments tested (mineral oil, wheat bran or psyllium) over a diet of sufficient hay. So save your money trying to use these methods and put it into buying more hay!“

So, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing – free feeding in my hay feeder and from the net. In addition, I may purchase a rubber mat to put their feed buckets on so when they spill grain they can easily pick up from the mat instead of off the ground (will keep my eyes and ears open for sales on mats).

Here’s info about my feeder: http://www.tricknclick.com/hay-feeder-box/ for anyone who wants to try this less expensive, more natural and proven effective preventative for sand colic.

We hung it in a nearby oak. I’d like it farther out in the pasture and I’m worried this branch might break, but for observation purposes, this is a good spot. So far Jubee is a bit nervous around it because it swings like a punching bag. But it doesn’t bother big ol’ Beau!