Horses
Horses at Grey Barn Farm are managed as pasture-based animals within systems designed to support sound movement, calm behavior, and long-term usability. The primary breeds maintained are American Paint, American Quarter Horse, and Morgan, each selected for traits that support riding, cattle work, and breeding within a low-intensity management approach.
All horses are maintained on pasture with ample space for movement and social interaction. Pasture access supports physical conditioning, hoof health, and natural behavior, while also reducing reliance on confinement or high-input feeding. Stocking levels and pasture use are adjusted seasonally to maintain forage condition and ground cover.
Use varies by breed and individual temperament. Quarter Horses and Paints are commonly used for cattle work and riding, reflecting their responsiveness and athletic build. Morgans are maintained for their versatility, soundness, and steady disposition. Horses are worked selectively, with attention to condition and recovery rather than continuous use.
Breeding is managed conservatively, emphasizing structural correctness, temperament, and adaptability to pasture-based systems. Selection favors animals that remain functional and reliable over time, rather than those optimized for short-term performance.
Horses are integrated into the broader farm system as working animals, breeding stock, and long-term companions, contributing to daily operations without dominating land or resource use.