The Full Story
About
Horse Care with Compassion at Social Paddock
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At Social Paddock, our passion is your horse's well-being. We provide an agistment center designed to meet their natural needs, fostering a healthy and happy life.
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But we're more than just a paddock.
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We believe in a supportive community where horse lovers, ourselves included, can connect and learn from each other. Explore below to see if Social Paddock may be a fit for your equine companion and you.
Vision, Mission and Philosophy
Vision: At Social Paddock, we envision a supportive community of equestrians who share a passion for natural horsemanship. We welcome those who embrace gentle training methods and prioritise the well-being of their horses in an environment that mimics their natural state.
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Mission: We are dedicated to providing a place for horses, where their fundamental needs for friends, forage, and freedom are foremost in every decision we make.
Philosophy: We embrace relationship-based horsemanship, built on clear communication, cooperation, and compromise.
Core Values
Thriving Equine Companions: We prioritise the well-being of horses, ensuring they live healthy and fulfilling lives that mimic their natural state.
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Respectful Connection: We believe in fostering a compassionate bond between humans and horses, built on mutual trust and understanding.
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Empowering Community: We cultivate a supportive environment where horse lovers connect, learn from each other, and celebrate the joy of horses.
Guiding Principles
Effective Communication: We view equine behavior as a form of communication – their way of expressing their feelings and needs. Unwanted behavior is interpreted as a sign of an unmet need, and we take responsibility for discovering and fulfilling those needs.
Empowered Riders: We believe in being the best version of ourselves for our equine friends. Core strength serves as the foundation for safe and effective riding. We advocate for riders to develop their own physical and mental well-being while simultaneously working with their equine partners.
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Kindness & Compassion: We strive to be the kind and empathetic partners our horses deserve. This translates to patience, calmness, consistency, and respect in our training methods.
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Partnership not Dictatorship: We prioritise listening and understanding equine communication, understanding that we cannot punish fear and gain trust.
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Respecting Sentience: We recognise horses as sentient beings with a complex emotional spectrum. They experience a range of positive emotions like happiness and joy, as well as negative emotions like pain, fear, and frustration. This understanding is central to our interactions with them.