Learn How We Tend To Our Equine Companions in Charleston
The heart of Charleston, South Carolina may not seem the likeliest home to dozens of beautiful horses, but Palmetto Carriage Works has turned equine-led city tours into an art form. As the real stars of the show, our horses must be in good shape and spirits before even being hitched to a carriage with actual guests.
Palmetto Carriage Works strives to provide the highest level of care for each and every animal we work with. For guests curious as to what goes on behind the scenes of the Big Red Barn, this ultimate guide to Palmetto Carriage Works’ horse care is a must-read. Here’s a breakdown of the living conditions, daily routines, and health care practices that we implement to prioritize the happiness of our horses.
What Even Is Horse Care?
Most pet owners can describe a situation that led to unexpected (and not always positive) revelations when providing for their animal. Caring for the Palmetto Carriage Works’ horses is no exception. In fact, horse welfare can be a multifaceted concept that includes meeting the basic physical needs of the animal while also attending to their mental and emotional well-being.
For us, ensuring that our horses are feeling well, socially engaged, and comfortable in their environment is business (and ethically) critical to our tours. The travel and tourism industry is not known for being particularly kind to non-humans in their care, which is why Palmetto Carriage Works places such a heavy emphasis on our procedures and processes.
A Cozy (Double) Home for Horses
The cornerstone of our operation is the Big Red Barn, a spacious, well-ventilated facility designed for maximum comfort to both guests and horses. Each horse has a private stall that is regularly cleaned to uphold high standards of hygiene. Nobody cares more about each of our furry friends than the staff who handle, care, and socialize with them.
Palmetto Carriage Works utilizes a farm located on Johns Island, roughly 20 miles from downtown Charleston, to care for its horses when they are not working downtown. Our horses are regularly rotated in and out of the urban environment for the chance to interact naturally, graze freely, and enjoy the fresh air of farm life. When temperatures soar during summer months, Palmetto Carriage Works monitors heat levels rigorously. Tours are immediately suspended if the temperature hits 95 degrees or the humidity index breaches 110. Both before and after tours, each horse’s temperature is checked to ensure it remains within normal range.
Feeding & Training Schedules
Beyond just providing a safe place to relax, the staff at Palmetto Carriage Works spend much of their day caring for our horses’ every need. At dawn, each horse is fed high-quality hay, grains, and supplements tailored to their specific dietary requirements. Routine feeding habits are crucial because it structures the animals’ days and lets them know when to expect food and rest.
For active carriage horses, physical health is critical and practiced through designated training and exercise. These practices keep animals a healthy weight and help prevent various ailments. Conducted by an experienced handler, these training sessions also focus on building trust between the horse and people in its vicinity. These bonds are beneficial to the emotional vitality of horses (and their humans!).
Grooming & Veterinary Care
Another key component of our horses’ daily routine is grooming. Each horse is groomed thoroughly to check for injuries and maintain a healthy coat. This activity is also a way for staff to bond with their equine friends, which makes the horses feel more comfortable and secure when handled.
When it comes to veterinary practices, Palmetto Carriage Works ensures that each of our horses receive a full check-up at least three times a year. On an annual basis, an equine dentist also visits individual horses to ensure their teeth and mouth are healthy. Preventive care is the name of our game, which is why we schedule these check-ups so frequently. It’s always better to keep horses healthy in the first place than it is to try to address health problems after they’ve occurred. Plus, it’s better for the horses’ overall welfare and emotional state.
Nutrition Management & Rest Breaks
When it comes to the food our horses enjoy, Palmetto Carriage Works adheres to a rigorous nutritional management program by crafting meal plans that suit each horse’s individual needs. This high level of personalization is crucial to maintaining the horse’s energy levels and overall health. Special dietary considerations ensure that horses receive the nutrients required for their work.
Just like humans, horses need break times from work too. Our policy mandates a minimum break of 15 minutes for horses between each tour. On especially hot days, breaks can extend to 45 minutes. This systematic approach to rest prevents over-exertion by allowing horses adequate time to cool off and recover.
Step into the “Horseshoes” of Our Animals
The relationships between Palmetto Carriage Works horses and their human caretakers are complex and powerful. The type of care described in this post merely scratches the surface of how our staff interact with our beloved horses.
The horses you’ll meet when touring with Palmetto Carriage Works each have fascinating backstories and distinctive personalities of their own. Visit the Big Red Barn today to see these magnificent animals in the flesh!