Feeding and care

All horses are split up in groups based on nutritional needs.  With a few exceptions, the foaling and/or lactating mares go together with yearlings since those are the horses with the highest nutritional needs.   Older horses go together as a group, and stallions of course being separate.  The stallions roam in a very big pasture during the summer which is surrounded by double fencelines to keep them far away from other horses.

The broodmares are here in Holtsmúli all year long, and we keep them very close to the barn during foaling season so that we can keep a very close eye on them.  The extra surveillance mostly includes making sure that everything goes as planned with the foaling, and that the mare safely gets rid of the placenta.  We also of course make sure that the foal is doing well, getting up and nursing. 

Yearlings and older horses are fed here in Holtsmúli during the winter, but are transferred to huge summer pastures in the spring as soon as there is enough grass.  Lush grass, hills, rivers and diverse landscape characterizes these pastures.  The horses enjoy the freedom, and develop strength and stamina living in those fantastic pastures.  We take the horses back home to Holtsmúli ca in October each year, or timely enough so that they are back home well before winter weather is here, and it is necessary to feed them hay.  

Please note, that when the horses are in those summer pastures, it can be difficult or impossible for us to get them with short notice.   So, if you need to take your horses during the summer months, then let us know so that we can keep the horse closer to home.

Included in feeding costs

Included in the annual board is hay and pasture as needed, regular deworming, trimming of hooves and close surveillance.   The rate for pregnant mares is higher than for non pregnant ones both because they have larger nutritional needs, and the care of the foal is included after it is born and through the rest of the year.   Please note that we do not accept horses that are not halter broken.  If they are not halter broken, we do offer that service.  The price and a description of what we do can be viewed here.

Please note that any vet cost incurred which is not a part of the boarding routine, such as cost due to diseases or injuries, is the responsibility of the owner.