Winterwood Farm - Classical Sport Horses

01/09/2026

The human body is remarkably complex, yet some of the foundations of wellbeing are beautifully simple: nourishing food, movement, rest, fresh air and a little help from the plant world.

Herbs have been traditionally used for generations to support health and wellbeing, working alongside the body rather than asking it to work against itself.

Sometimes, looking after ourselves is simply about getting back to the basics nature has always provided 🌿💚

17/08/2026

💚 "Getting me back on the right track."

Managing horses with metabolic challenges is about more than just one change. It often comes down to the right nutrition, careful management and consistency.

Kieron has been using Metabolic-S long-term and shared this wonderful feedback:

"As a long-term user of Metabolic-S, I can vouch for its effectiveness... Special thanks to McDowells for getting me back on the right track regarding diet and fine-tuning health management."

Traditionally used to support endocrine and digestive balance, Metabolic-S is formulated to complement a balanced, low GI forage diet as part of a long-term nutritional management plan 🐴🌿

14/08/2026

28/07/2026

Australia won an absurd number of medals in the pool on night four of the Commonwealth Games, claiming seven gold, three silver and five bronze to take their overall tally to a somewhat comical 23 victories over England’s four at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

On the track, Rose Davies became the first Australian to win gold on the Commonwealth Games track on day one of the athletics in Glasgow, the first Australian woman to win a gold medal in this event.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/mvhm4jh9

27/07/2026

Jonathan Haidt, a leading voice in the “no phone” movement, has proposed strategies to help distance kids from their screens, including school-wide phone policies and encouraging outdoor play, Piper Benjamin, LCSW writes. This got me thinking—how do horses and time at the barn influence mental health? As it turns out, the effects are profoundly positive.

Nature has long been recognized as a powerful regulator of human emotions. According to Kaplan and Kaplan’s book The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective, humans are hardwired to respond positively to natural environments. They developed the Attention Restoration Theory (ART), which suggests that spending time in nature helps restore our ability to focus—especially after long periods of “directed attention” tasks like answering emails, taking notes in class, commuting, and of course, scrolling on our phones. These activities demand constant concentration and can leave us feeling mentally depleted.

In contrast, nature offers what Kaplan and Kaplan call “soft fascination”—an effortless kind of engagement that allows our brains to relax and recharge. ART outlines four key components of a restorative environment: Being Away, Extent, Fascination, and Compatibility.

The Four Elements of a Restorative Barn Environment

Being Away: A mental or physical escape from daily demands. The barn naturally provides this, whether it’s hacking your horse on a quiet afternoon or simply enjoying the slower pace of farm life. Many barns are also physically removed from the bustle of town, offering that much-needed geographical distance from the “real world.”

Extent: An immersive environment rich enough to engage the mind. Even routine barn activities, like brushing your horse, tacking up, or letting them graze, draw us into a world that feels vast and engaging without overwhelming us.

Fascination: The effortless pull of our attention. Horse lovers know this feeling well. We lose track of time while grazing horses, chatting with barn friends, or simply watching them roam in their paddocks. This gentle captivation allows our minds to wander and reset.

Compatibility: Alignment with our values and purpose. For equestrians, this comes naturally. A deep love for horses creates an environment that feels not just restorative, but essential.

📎 Continue reading this article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2025/07/22/why-psychologically-barn-time-is-better-for-kids-than-screen-time/
📸 © The Plaid Horse

27/07/2026

💚 "Thank you for saving him."

Stories like Linda's are why we do what we do.

"My 26-year-old mini pony was in a lot of pain, sitting down most of the time. He was on bute but couldn't stay on it long term, and he'd lost his cheeky personality. I'd tried natural products before, but they didn't work.

I was sadly thinking of having to put him to sleep when I saw the ad on Facebook and read the reviews, so I ordered it that day.

After two weeks, he's a different pony, back to his cheeky, naughty ways, hardly ever sits down anymore and is trotting down for his feeds. Thank you for saving him." 💚

Alleve8 is a fermented herbal tonic traditionally used to support comfort and mobility, while also supporting a healthy microbiota. Thank you, Linda, for sharing your beautiful story with us.

20/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/199JPjkH54/

"People think, 'He’s not a big enough mover, and I won’t win with that.' But learn the pedigree, and then you know what you’re getting, and then give it time," writes Grand Prix trainer Chrissa Hoffmann. "That’s training, and that’s what we should all be doing. That’s the fun of it for me. I love creating my own work of art. It’s my passion, and I especially love an underdog who got overlooked."

Read her full column at the link in our comments.

17/07/2026

🐎 Magnesium plays a role in many normal functions throughout the body, including muscle and nerve function.

Some horses may benefit from additional magnesium in their diet, particularly where pasture or forage may not provide optimal levels.

Mag-A-GG combines magnesium with traditionally used herbs including chamomile and dandelion in a convenient daily supplement designed to complement a balanced feeding program.

Not every horse needs the same nutritional support, which is why understanding the individual horse always comes first.