The Natural Feeder

Equestrian Facility in Ames, Iowa

(515) 290-45552230 229th Pl, Ste B, Ames, IA 50014View on Yelp
The Natural Feeder - equestrian in Ames, IA

About The Natural Feeder

The Natural Feeder is a horse boarding facility in Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University and a city with a notably active equestrian community. Horse owners in the Ames area benefit from a range of boarding options, and the name here points toward a philosophy centered on natural feeding practices and horse welfare. Ames sits in Story County, where agricultural knowledge runs deep and horse owners expect their animals to be cared for thoughtfully. If you're a horse owner in central Iowa looking for boarding with a focus on natural horse care, this facility is worth a close look.

Services

Horse Boarding

Services & Process

The Natural Feeder focuses on horse boarding, which means your horse lives at the facility and receives daily care from the staff. Boarding typically includes stall or pasture housing, regular feeding, fresh water, and basic health monitoring. Given the natural-care emphasis in the name, feeding practices here likely prioritize forage-forward nutrition, possibly with free-choice hay or pasture access rather than grain-heavy diets. Owners can usually arrange add-on services like blanket changes, administering medications, or coordination with farriers and veterinarians.

Service Area

The Natural Feeder serves horse owners in Ames and throughout Story County, Iowa. Owners from nearby communities like Huxley, Nevada, and Boone also bring their horses here given the facility's location along central Iowa's main corridors. Ames's position between Des Moines and Marshalltown makes it a convenient boarding option for owners across a wide stretch of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does natural feeding mean for a boarded horse?
Natural feeding typically refers to providing horses with constant access to forage, such as hay or pasture grass, rather than scheduled grain meals alone. This mimics how horses naturally graze and supports better digestive health. Facilities with this focus often use slow-feed hay nets or rotational grazing systems.
What's typically included in a standard horse boarding package?
Standard boarding usually covers housing, either a stall or pasture, daily feeding, fresh water, and basic wellness monitoring. Many facilities also include some level of turnout each day. Services like blanketing, fly spray application, or medication administration are often available as add-ons for an additional fee.
How do I know if a boarding facility is the right fit for my horse?
Visiting in person is the best way to assess a facility. Look at the condition of the horses already there, the cleanliness of the stalls and water buckets, and how the staff interacts with the animals. Asking about turnout hours, feeding schedules, and their emergency veterinary protocol tells you a lot about their priorities.
What health records does my horse need to board at a facility in Iowa?
Iowa facilities typically require a current negative Coggins test and proof of core vaccinations, including rabies, Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, and tetanus. Some facilities also require a rhinopneumonitis vaccine given the risk of respiratory illness spreading in group settings. Check with the specific barn for their exact requirements.
How often can I visit my horse at a boarding facility?
Most boarding facilities allow owners to visit during daylight hours and sometimes by appointment in the evenings. Policies vary, so it's worth clarifying this upfront, especially if you ride regularly and plan to be there several times a week. A good facility welcomes involved owners.
What should I ask about turnout when evaluating a boarding facility?
Ask how many hours per day horses get turnout, whether it's individual or group turnout, and what the pasture conditions are like. Also ask what happens to turnout in bad weather or frozen ground conditions. Adequate daily movement is one of the most important factors in a horse's physical and mental health.

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