A Place to Heal

One woman's passion for learning creates a sanctuary for horses with special needs
By Nicole Lanphear

In the realm of holistic horse care, there are veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, farriers and more. One Montana woman looked to combine the breadth of knowledge into one central location to better serve horses and horse owners that have special needs.

In Bozeman, Montana, a woman named Judy Smaaland offers a retreat for horses who need more supervision or attention than most boarding barns can offer. She works with a handful of alternative practitioners, including chiropractors, acupuncturists, homeopaths, massage practitioners, and natural hoof care farriers to form a central location to treat various needs.

Smaaland had horses off and on since she was a child, and five years ago got back into the horse world with a vengeance. She had become involved with natural healthcare for herself and her small animals, and began to see more and more health issues in horses that could benefit from a similar kind of care.

“I’m seeing a lot of horses come through with digestive, chiropractic issues, or general health challenges,” says Smaaland.

She saw a need in her community for a place where horses with special needs could get the kind of care that regular boarding facilities couldn't offer.

This summer, she converted her barn and pastures to accommodate rehabilitation and a surgical recovery center. Along with a local vet, she works with horses from stall confinement through the healing process in different pens, corrals and pastures suited to their needs.

Each horse is unique, and Smaaland tailors her routine to each boarder’s needs and feeding schedule. One of her current horses foundered in the past, so he is turned out on a strictly timed schedule with a grazing muzzle. Another horse is a former dressage mount whose eye was kicked out by another horse. Smaaland watches him closely and works to build his trust.

Providing Peace of Mind
A hands-on approach and intensive supervision provide the horses at Smaaland's stable with the care they need, but it isn't just the horses who benefit. Owners, too, appreciate the time and attention spent on care, offering peace of mind to those who cannot provide full care themselves.

Whether it is soaking abscesses or administering medication, “It is fun to see what can be done,” says Smaaland. “Within the confines of what can be done, a prognosis can change.”

Building a Network
“I love seeing horses get better,” Smaaland says. “Their healing capabilities are amazing, given the right tools. I’ve seen them come around so quickly.”

Smaaland’s larger goal is to provide her services on more of a consultation basis, rather than at her physical location. She wants to bring together a network of people who have the desire to continue learning and meeting the needs of their horses through natural options. She loves being a constant student of horse care and recommends that anyone interested in starting up a facility like hers bring together as many human resources as possible.

“Networking is wonderful,” she says. “Bringing together people of like mind. It greatly increases the services we can all provide.”

For more information on Smaaland’s ranch, visit www.fourcatranch.com.