Christine's Horse Track System tour from horseback
The following is a transcript/summary of what I share in the video…but do join me for the ride around the property!
A Journey Through My Farm: How I designed my track system.
When I moved to my new farm in Brokenhead, Manitoba, on Halloween Day 2023, it was a whirlwind of activity—literally a race against time to put up fences before the ground froze. Now, approximately 12 months later, I’m thrilled to share a glimpse of life on my little slice of prairie paradise with you!
The driveway pasture is the first feature of my farm. It’s about 40 feet wide and 1,300 feet long, running parallel to my driveway. At the far end, there’s a blue mineral tub for my horses, filled with Equilix, a supplement I’ve had great success with. Of course every region’s grasses, soils mineral content differ, but this product has been a good fit for my horses here in Manitoba.
My barn is small but functional, with big plans for expansion. I’m envisioning a lean-to with a hitching post, a parking space for my tractor, and an extension for saddles and a cold room for tools and my hoof dissections. Plumbing water into the barn is high on my to-do list—the as farm didn’t come equipped with much water infrastructure, but we’re making do for now.
My 15-acre hayfield has been a blessing, thanks to my neighbor who offered to make my hay. I ended up with 33 small bales, perfect for my tractor to handle. Seeing those bales stacked up feels like a triumph and a promise of security for the horses this winter.
Central to my farm’s design is the track system, encouraging my horses to move naturally while grazing. The system connects pastures, the yard site, and the water source. The back pasture runs along the Brokenhead River, a narrow but vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife, from muskrats to bald eagles.
The previous owners had neglected the farm, leaving behind piles of manure, wire, and debris. With help from friends and a lot of tractor hours, I’ve cleared the land and am preparing to seed grass for new pastures. It’s been a labor of love, and every inch of progress feels like a victory!
Adjusting to life on the 'baldass prairie' 😅 has been a learning curve. Unlike my old forested property, there’s little to block the wind here. But my horses have adapted beautifully, using their natural processes to stay warm and healthy. Watching them thrive has been a reassurance that nature’s design is often the best.
My horse Maverick, (that I'm riding in the video), has taught me more than I could have imagined. Once deemed unsound due to severe thrush, his journey to recovery has been a testament to hoof care. Every horse here has a story, but Maverick’s is particularly close to my ❤️.
For those interested in creating a track system, tools like Google Earth and an iPad with an Apple Pencil have been invaluable, and quite fun actually. Planning gates, fences, and pathways digitally makes it easier to visualize the layout and make adjustments before breaking ground.
Life on the farm is a continuous adventure, filled with challenges and rewards. To all the horse enthusiasts and students who’ve supported me over the years, thank you. You inspire me to keep learning, sharing, and creating spaces where horses and humans can thrive together. May the 🐴 be with you!
~ 🙏 🥰 Christine
