The Arcadia Project is a working farm effort. The Clydesdale horses are no exception. Angela taught herself to drive in order to take advantage of horse power for pulling in harvests, hauling the manure cart to the compost heap, and dragging the manure in the pastures if needed. Do we use an ATV ever? Absolutely. But hooking up a draft horse is much more fun, great exercise for the horse, and maintains the bond between human and animal.
As of 2024, we have four draft horses at the farm. They are for riding, light driving, and pasture maintenance. Their manure is "hot composted" and used in growing spaces. The drafts also rotationally graze with our ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and sheep.
Rescuing unwanted horses has become a cornerstone of our work here. We have successfully saved four horses from the auction or slaughter pipeline; a Clydesdale, two Percherons, and a Belgian. Though some of these horses are no longer with us and have passed on, it is our honor to give them a soft place to land and be loved, no matter how long or short their time with us may be. If you're interested in learning about rescuing, Angela created a free eBook here.
As of 2024, we have four draft horses at the farm. They are for riding, light driving, and pasture maintenance. Their manure is "hot composted" and used in growing spaces. The drafts also rotationally graze with our ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and sheep.
Rescuing unwanted horses has become a cornerstone of our work here. We have successfully saved four horses from the auction or slaughter pipeline; a Clydesdale, two Percherons, and a Belgian. Though some of these horses are no longer with us and have passed on, it is our honor to give them a soft place to land and be loved, no matter how long or short their time with us may be. If you're interested in learning about rescuing, Angela created a free eBook here.
Dozer
Clydesdale mare 14 years old |
Finnegan
Clydesdale gelding Saved from auction 7 years at A&R before his passing |
Nevin
Clydesdale gelding 5 years old |
Matisse
Percheron gelding Rescued Roughly 14 years old |
Odin
Belgian gelding Saved from auction Roughly 25+ years |
Sholto (center)
Percheron gelding Rescued 4 weeks at A&R before his passing |
Are those Budweiser horses?
No. "Budweiser" is not a breed of horse; but they are Clydesdale horses and this is the breed that often appears in Budweiser Beer commercials and advertisements.
How much do they weigh?
Finnegan, our gelded male Clydesdale, weighs around 2,200 pounds. Dozer, our mare, weighs in at about 1,800 pounds.
How much do those horses eat?
A lot! We feed them a combined amount of one bale of hay per day, plus their vitamin and fats/omega rations morning and night. This is all in addition to their 24/7/365 free range pasture-grazing.
Do you ride them?
Yes we do. Both horses are broke for riding and we try to work them personally under saddle at least three times per week each.
What do you do with all the manure?
The manure is piled and hot composted. We return the nutrients it contains to the soil by spreading the composted manure in our orchard and in our vegetable plots. Don't worry--the manure is fully broken down and returns to fresh soil before we use it.
Do you board horses for others?
Not currently. Right now we are a two-stall stable and plan to stay that way for some time. Dozer and Finnegan are all the horse we can handle at the moment!
Do you offer horseback riding lessons on your Clydesdales? Can I ride them?
At this time we are a private farm and residence. Our horses are strictly for our own riding pleasure and labor.
No. "Budweiser" is not a breed of horse; but they are Clydesdale horses and this is the breed that often appears in Budweiser Beer commercials and advertisements.
How much do they weigh?
Finnegan, our gelded male Clydesdale, weighs around 2,200 pounds. Dozer, our mare, weighs in at about 1,800 pounds.
How much do those horses eat?
A lot! We feed them a combined amount of one bale of hay per day, plus their vitamin and fats/omega rations morning and night. This is all in addition to their 24/7/365 free range pasture-grazing.
Do you ride them?
Yes we do. Both horses are broke for riding and we try to work them personally under saddle at least three times per week each.
What do you do with all the manure?
The manure is piled and hot composted. We return the nutrients it contains to the soil by spreading the composted manure in our orchard and in our vegetable plots. Don't worry--the manure is fully broken down and returns to fresh soil before we use it.
Do you board horses for others?
Not currently. Right now we are a two-stall stable and plan to stay that way for some time. Dozer and Finnegan are all the horse we can handle at the moment!
Do you offer horseback riding lessons on your Clydesdales? Can I ride them?
At this time we are a private farm and residence. Our horses are strictly for our own riding pleasure and labor.
