RAINBOW ACRE STABLES

OUR BOARDING PROGRAM

Our boarding program, based on over 35 years of experience with equine care, is as individual and natural as we can achieve.  We utilize natural grains typically along with a five part vitamin and mineral program by Dynamite. We custom mix our feeds on an individual basis daily in order to achieve the ultimate in individual attention and meet changing needs. Many horses improve visibly on this basic nutrition program, as their needs begin to balance. Individual needs, whether competitive, pleasure or retired horses, can be met very effectively with this program which allows nutrition to be separate from grain, rather than a "fortified" or pre-mixed feed with vitamins & minerals added that may not be in the correct amounts or balanced for that individual. It is impossible for any feed company to make prepared feeds that would meet all nutritional needs of both a fat, inactive horse who might only need a handful of feed (or possibly none) and one who works hard and needs several pounds daily in order to maintain proper weight. One would not get enough vitamins & minerals, while the other might get too much in order to get the volume of feed and calories they might need. Our custom natural grain mixes with vitamin/mineral supplements added daily as well as access to the "Free Choices" eliminates the guess work. Our Free Choices including, Loose Natural Salt, 2 different Calcium/Phosphorous Balancers and a 60+Trace Mineral in addition to the Concentrated Vit/Min we add with the feed, allow the horse to balance himself without force feeding excess nutrients he/she may not need at that time.  Our Dynamite minerals are a balance of properly chelated with some non-chelated so it can be flushed from the body rather than stored as toxins.  We try to use nothing with chemical preservatives as are in all fortified feeds for the same reasons.   Read about Free Choice Minerals.

We offer several different full board options for customization, with charges being based on a horse's individual requirements.  Board typically includes a stall and lots of turnout. We feed a minimum of twice daily at regular intervals in stalls, with free choice grass hay in the pasture whenever possible.  We generally use mainly grass hays with some legumes, although that can vary with availability.  We offer turnout with shelters wherever possible. We believe, through years of experience, that most horses are healthier with a mainly outside environment, unless a special circumstance dictates otherwise.  Free movement is known to improve circulation, respiratory and intestinal health.  We also promote barefoot horses, yet it is not a requirement.  We custom individualize our feed & nutrition program for each horse daily as needs may change.  Older and retired horses are welcome.   We also will custom design a program for your horse's specific needs whenever possible.

We offer 12x12 and 14x14 stalls, some with private paddocks, an outdoor ring, jumps, washrack, boarders' tack room, indoor arena, trailer parking, as well as an office with a restroom, refrigerator and microwave available. We live on the premises which adds to the quality of care and security for your horse.  Horses are checked daily for any changes or health related issues.  We clean water tubs & buckets, monitor feed containers and fences regularly. We have welded wire fencing with boards and electric wire, no barbed wire.

Since diet changes should be made gradually for the welfare of your horse, we ask that you please bring at least one week of the horses' current feed, both grain and hay, if a diet change is taking place.  We require a current negative coggins for all horses upon arrival.  We prefer it to be within 6 months of the arrival.  Our hours of operation are posted in the barn and are subject to change.  Please feel free to ask in advance if you have a special circumstance that might necessitate a change in our normal policies.  We do our best to accommodate with kind requests and advance notice.

RIDING LESSON PROGRAM

Our Riding Lesson Program is founded on english dressage principles and offered at all levels to both adults and children from about 7/8 years of age.  We will consider younger students if they are able to focus and follow directions well. Our instruction includes basic to advanced riding as well as learning all about horses, safe handling, grooming, tack, feeding, conformation, ground work, general care & maintenance, basic health, show essentials and more. 

We offer private half hour and hour lessons with a specialty in blending different disciplines or styles of riding, such as western, saddle seat, games or trail riding, with the basics of dressage. We recommend not less than a weekly lesson, although, more than once a week is more beneficial if scheduling allows.  To schedule lessons please call for available spaces, 803 684-2722.  We also offer a waiting list option should we not be able to accomodate your schedule at that moment.  

We offer lessons with our horses at our facility as well as coming to you, with all styles of riding welcomed.  You may also transport your horse to our facility for personalized horse and rider training sessions. We typically recommend a half hour lesson for the younger children as we feel it is the most beneficial and productive. For any student twice weekly lessons can be the most productive. We custom structure our lessons to your individual needs. If you have special requests for learning we can accommodate that more effectively in a private lesson format.

We also offer custom designed lessons or longer "mini-clinics" for family members learning to help your children or other family member with their horse.  Non-mounted hour lessons or "mini-workshops" may be either group or private for family members.  Mounted riding is done on a private lesson basis, with the exception being more advanced riders with their own equipment and horses.

For the safety of yourself or your child, we do require that all mounted riders have on properly fitted "hard hats" and riding boots. Proper fit is crucial to the safety effectiveness of these items. Hats must fit snugly and not "wiggle" on the head. Boots need to fit "normally" and not be several sizes too large as that will interfere with the proper positioning of the foot when riding. We are happy to assist you with locations to purchase based on your location. We occasionally have "used" hats and boots available here for purchase.

*We require a 24 Hour notice of cancellation, otherwise payment is expected.

TRAINING OF HORSE & RIDER

We selectively take horses for training with a format based on dressage principles and natural horsemanship techniques. One of our specialties is the blending of dressage principles with your chosen discipline for more effective communication and understanding between you and your horse. We also assist with addressing health related issues that can be related to riding. This improves your time with your horse whether you compete or pleasure ride.

Our assistance with training your horse can be directed to your specific needs which can include anything from simply improving you two as a pair or readying your horse for a show, competition or a sale.

CONSULTATION

We are available for consultation on most subjects related to horses. One of our most popular services is assisting with the purchase of your horse, a new horse or the selection of your first horse. We can assist with training and suitability issues as well as holistic health issues. Several of our holistic therapy services can greatly assist with the purchasing process. This is a perfect adjunct to a veterinary pre-purchase exam.

We are also available for consultation on your Equine Nutrition program. We do remote consultation by phone, email or fax. We work with all animals, pets as well as competitive animals, horses, dogs, cats.

803 684-2722 Contact Us
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