Step-Down Retirement

A Structured Transition from Performance to Peace

We view retirement not as an end, but as a specialized decompression phase of life that requires the same care and attention to detail as any horse in our program.

Transitioning an equine athlete from the busy life of a performance horse to the tranquility they deserve as they age is a delicate process. Abrupt changes can lead to mental and physical stress. Our program is designed to manage the shift through a structured, multi-phase transition.

Our Four-Phase Approach

Each phase is carefully managed to ensure your horse's physical and mental well-being throughout the transition.

Individual Acclimation Plans

We evaluate each horse's current physical state, fitness levels, stall and turnout routines and habits, and medical history to create a custom step-down plan. No two horses transition the same way, and neither should their programs.

Active Retirement

We recognize that many horses are not physically or mentally ready for full retirement. We offer light exercise programs tailored to each horse's needs to help maintain their physical and mental well-being while not putting undue stress on them and allowing them to adjust to a slower lifestyle.

Graduated Turnout Integration

For horses accustomed to limited turnout, we gradually increase turnout time and size of turnouts as well as introducing appropriate companions so they can adjust to more time enjoying their golden years and allow their bodies to move around more freely.

Metabolic & Nutritional Rebalancing

With changing caloric and nutritional needs as our equine partners slow down and age, we adjust to their needs and closely monitor them for any metabolic changes common with senior horses, ensuring a smooth transition in body condition.

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Phase 1

Individual Acclimation Plans

We evaluate each horse's current physical state, fitness levels, stall and turnout routines and habits, and medical history to create a custom step down plan.

No two horses transition the same way. Our program is designed to manage the shift through a structured multi-phase transition, giving each horse the individual attention they need.

Phase 2

Active Retirement

We recognize that many horses are not physically or mentally ready for full retirement. We offer light exercise programs tailored to each horse's needs to help maintain their physical and mental well being while not putting undue stress on them and allowing them to adjust to a slower lifestyle.

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Phase 3

Graduated Turnout Integration

Phase 4

Metabolic & Nutritional Rebalancing

With changing caloric and nutritional needs as our equine partners slow down and age, we adjust to their needs and closely monitor them for any metabolic changes common with senior horses.

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A Bridge, Not a Cliff

Transitioning an equine athlete from the busy life of a performance horse to the tranquility they deserve as they age is a delicate process. Abrupt changes can lead to mental and physical stress. Our step-down program provides the structured, multi-phase transition your horse needs, honoring their past while guiding them toward the peace they've earned.

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Give Your Horse the Transition They Deserve

Every horse deserves a thoughtful path from competition to retirement. Let's build that plan together.