BRONKEN CREEK
HORSE RETIREMENT
SERVICES
PADDOCK BOARD
$400/month
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Pasture and/or free choice hay (as appropriate)
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Diet individually balanced using FeedXL
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24 hour semi-private turnout
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Shelter at all times, fans in the summer
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Hooves trimmed and grooming every 8 weeks
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Deworming based on FEC
STALL BOARD
$500/month
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Pasture and/or free choice hay (as appropriate)
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Diet individually balanced using FeedXL
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Daily semi-private or private turnout
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Shelter at all times, fans in the summer
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Hooves trimmed and grooming every 8 weeks
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Deworming based on FEC
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Stalled daily
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Hay and water provided in the well-bedded stall
Other services are available, such as: weekly grooming, blanketing, additional feed and/or supplements. We work together to give your horse what he or she needs, yet be considerate of your budget.
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Chris and Nanette Osterhoudt own and manage the facility. Living on a small farm in a beautiful, rural area has been a dream come true for both of us. We both have a deep love for animals and are an unbeatable team.
We have worked with horses together for our 20+ years of marriage and been active in the horse world while living in Wisconsin, Minnesota, New York and Michigan. We have successfully raised and shown Shire horses in addition to owning and caring for many other breeds in various disciplines. Nan has years of successful experience training and showing dressage.
Nan has over 40 years experience with horses, has cared for large (and small) animals as a profession, and has over 15 years of managerial experience. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, with an Animal Science concentration. We welcome the opportunity to provide references to prospective clients.
OUR RESIDENTS
Friends we've made here at Bronken Creek
Our Current Residents
TOPPER
1994 Thoroughbred x Appaloosa Gelding
Topper is very special to his family. He was not only his Mom's show horse and companion, he also taught her sons how to ride. He's a very sweet guy who is in tune with his surroundings. He's settling in well with his new friends.
MAXIM (PUGSLEY)
1995 Swedish Warmblood Gelding
Pugsley's owner has enjoyed his companionship most of his life. He was a successful dressage partner in addition to being a truly wonderful horse to be around.
ALPHRETTA (AL)
1996 Dutch Warmblood Gelding
Al is the guy everyone greets first! He has been calm and cool from the time he stepped off the trailer, going so far as falling asleep in cross-ties :) There is nothing not to love about Al.
KATIE
1997 Morgan Mare
Katie is smart and adorable and impressive! She moves like a dressage horse twice her size and shows off her moves and her impeccable manners every chance she gets. We adore her!
INDI
1999 Dartmoor Pony Mare
Indi has lived a full life on 3 continents! She's extremely smart and a very sweet mare to work with.
MUSTY
1999 Mustang Gelding
Musty is a very handsome guy and struts his stuff for all his neighbors. He has lived in a herd and plays well with others. He's a great guy!
DEIGHTON JODIE (JODIE)
1999 Shire Mare
Jodie is one of Chris and Nan's Shire mares, retired from being a broodmare ... maintaining her status as beloved pasture pet. She's originally from England and has lived in Wisconsin since 2005. She's a great lady with just the right amount of attitude.
HARLEY
2000 Thoroughbred Cross Gelding
Harley and his mom have traveled a bit and lived in a busier area - now he's enjoying his time to settle down to a simple life. He is wonderful to work with and is healthy and personable. Enjoy yourself, Harley!
NEIKO
2000 Thoroughbred Gelding
Neiko stepped off the trailer the perfect gentleman, and has continued to set the bar high. He is handsome and friendly and well-mannered. We are lucky to have Neiko living with us!
SKITTLES
2001 Quarter Horse Mare
You can count on Skittles to be a good girl in any situation. She's wonderful to work with and we are lucky to know her!
BATMAN
2001 Tennessee Walker Gelding
Batman is a handsome and smart guy who enjoyed the trails with his owner for several years. We look forward to many years with him!
CODY
2002 Paint Gelding
Cody is a LOOKER! Best of all, he is wonderful to work with and gets along well with everyone. Can't ask for more!
TITO
2002 Thoroughbred Gelding
Tito was imported from South America and spent a decade on the track. He's sound, healthy, loves a good neck scratch ... but most of all loves to remind Robert how slow he is :D
JILLY
2003 Appendix Quarter Horse Mare
What a stunning mare! Jilly has been a wonderful addition to our group ♥
KAHLIA
2004 Thoroughbred Mare
We are so happy to have another mare in the herd! Kahlia is super-sweet, intelligent and full of expression. She's settling in wonderfully :)
FLOORED
2005 Morgan Gelding
Floored has an impressive résumé, with national championships under saddle. He's also got looks, personality and brains. Package deal!
CAPER
2005 Morgan Mare
This girl is beautiful and smart - she's always thinking and it's very rewarding to talk with her. We're happy to have Caper gracing our pasture!
TANTOR
2006 Belgian x Quarter Horse Gelding
Tantor is a well-loved show partner for both his owner and her mother! He's a big, lovable guy with great manners.
ISHTARAH
2007 Tennesse Walking Horse Mare
Ishtarah is a beautiful, sweet girl. Her blue roan coat changes with the seasons and she is wonderful to work with.
HUSH
2008 Morgan Mare
Hush is a smart, beautiful and fancy mare! She loves to show off and is your best friend if you talk 'horse':)
REGATTA (GRETTA)
2008 Oldenburg/ Thoroughbred Mare
Gretta is a classy lady. We are lucky to have her in our pasture!
AXEHOLME REMINISCE (EMMA)
2009 Shire Mare
Emma is Jodie's daughter - a beautiful, sweet and trusting girl. She has physical issues we are assuming came from a traumatic injury while under different ownership. With our great support team and Emma's wonderful personality, we have her stabilized and able to enjoy life.
BOSCO
2012 Holsteiner/TB Gelding
Bosco is a BIG, smart, sensitive guy. His trot is stunning and his manners are impeccable. We are lucky to be able to know him for years to come!
DONNIE & MARIE
2014 & 2008 Miniature Gelding & Mare
The Osmonds (as we affectionately know them) round out our cast of characters perfectly. They have maximum personality, are 100% photogenic and are there whenever you need therapy ♥
Former Friends
FRANKENPHON (FRANK)
1978-2012 Arabian Gelding
Frank had done everything. He hadn't lost much of his spunk either. He frequently galloped up for his breakfast and caused a big ruckus when things didn't go his way.
SILVER
1979 Arabian Gelding
Silver had been there and done that ... several times over! He was healthy, personable, handsome and he drew the lucky straw when his dad rescued him years ago. We were blessed to have Silver in our pastures!
FOX CREEK DONELLA (DONNY)
1986-2015 Morgan Mare
Donny was a very accomplished Driving mare - both in the show ring and out having fun for 2 generations of owners in MinneSota! She pistoned out a ground-covering and showy trot daily in her retirement and drew all the eyes to her. We loved her personality - she had many facial expressions, was a great problem-solver and we trusted her unconditionally. She was a lovely mare and we were lucky to have her here.
SCOOTER
1988 Morgan Gelding
Scooter is a handsome and intelligent guy who seems half his age! We were happy to have Scooter relaxing and enjoying life at our facility!
KAYCIE'S KENTUCKY GENTLEMAN (CASEY)
1989-2016 Missouri Fox Trotter Gelding
Casey was right there saying hello when we walked in the barn. He came to us to retire together with his buddy Chips! We are happy knowing we provided him a great retirement with a great companion, caring attention and lots of food!
COOPER
1989-2017 Quarter Horse Gelding
Cooper was smart and sensible with perfect manners. He was happy just relaxing at pasture :)
LEO
1990 Trakehner Gelding
Leo holds a special spot in our hearts. He was Marci's pasturemate and our first boarded retiree. Leo (or 'Nudge', as we often called him - for reasons you can deduce) was an upper level dressage horse in his day and it was obvious from the moment you first saw him. He was polite and you could not ignore his presence - what a personality! Leo left us to be near his 'Mom' when she moved elsewhere in Wisconsin - always a happy reason for leaving!
JANE DOE (MARCI)
1990-2011 Thoroughbred Mare
She was trained and shown successfully through second level dressage, schooling third. She was one of the sweetest horses you will ever meet - kind and caring to humans and other horses. She's our 'Princess Marcella'. Marci moved when Nan moved - from Minnesota to New York to Michigan and finally to Wisconsin.
WILLIAM
1990-2017 Westphalian Gelding
William still looked like a teenager, which is a compliment to the great care his owner has provided him through the years. He earned that top-level care, being a very accomplished jumper and a super-cool horse to boot.
CAMBRIDGE
1990-2021 Hanoverian Gelding
Cambridge competed as a hunter jumper in Massachusets before his retirement. He was originally from Germany, and spent some time in the Midwest as a youngster. Cambridge was a big guy - handsome and sweet and accommodating to the shorter humans that he encountered :) We discovered his itchy spots and made sure he had plenty of shavings for his roll every evening when he came back into his stall.
NICHOLS WORTH (NICKY)
1990-2021 Thoroughbred Gelding
Nicky came to us from Minnesota, where his owner met him and promoted him to a much improved life. Nicky was a great guy - greeting us politely (but not quietly!) for his meals and generally enjoying life.
FINAL GOLD (ANDY)
1991 Thoroughbred Gelding
Andy was a successful hunter jumper in Massachusets in his younger days. He still shows the style and movement he had in the show ring - with the added benefit of loving to roll where he will get the most dirt coverage now that he is retired! Andy has perfect manners and loves being groomed, turnout time and eating.
BENJAMIN MOORE
1991-2021 Dutch Warmblood Gelding
Benjamin spent his early career in the jumper ring in Mexico and when his current owner purchased him in Texas and changed his name he competed in the level 3's and 4's, taking very good care of her and jumping anything that was in front of him. His heart was as big as he is but he ironically could be afraid of his own shadow which can cause him to jump into your pocket. He never knew he wouldn't fit. Benjamin came to us from Illinois and enjoyed the retired life with us for over a decade.
SKJONNHET & SYLVIA
1992 & 1997 Norwegian Fjord Mares
Nan's 'Pasture Ornament' companions.
SWEET GEORGIA BROWN (GEORGIA)
1992 Standardbred Mare
Georgia is a delicate girl with a sweet disposition and excellent manners. She and her Mom have a wonderful bond, which is great to see. Georgia had a life in harness racing, then polo before getting her lucky break meeting her current owner. Miss Georgia lived with us for several months while her owner moved to a new area and found a perfect place for Georgia to live in Indiana. We look forward to updates on how they are doing in their new home.
HIDDEN TREASURE (HOMER)
1992-2018 Thoroughbred Gelding
Homer was super SWEET and super SMART! He instantly became Andy's best friend and was a wonderful horse to be around. He will be missed.
FOLLOW ME FRED (FRED)
1993 Dutch Warmblood Gelding
Fred is a charmer. He's easy to work with, friendly and has alot of personality! He is now living closer to his owner - always a good thing :)
NOW OR NEVER (OLIVER)
1994-2020 Dutch Warmblood Gelding
Oliver was a handsome and intelligent guy. He was a very successful hunter jumper in Illinois in his prime. Oliver enjoys the comforts of retired life - his current favorites were rolling, grazing, weekly grooming (don't forget extra time rubbing his forehead) and apple slices. He was one we counted on for not just a greeting, but a conversation as we bring hay out.
BEAR PAW CONFETTI (BEAR PAW)
1995 Appaloosa Gelding
Bear Paw has a huge presence, which is backed by him being a super-sweet and well-mannered guy. We enjoyed having him on our farm and were equally happy when he moved to be close to his Mom!
RAMAZOTTI
1995 Hanoverian Gelding
Ramazotti joined us from Massachusets, introducing himselfl as he walked off the trailer and fitting in instantly. He is handsome, affectionate and quite the talker!
LIBBY
1995-2021 Warmblood Mare
Libby was a big, beautiful mare with presence. I would have loved to see her in the show ring - she has that extra something! She enjoyed her days relaxing with her friend :)
CHIPS'S ZANE GREY (CHIPS)
1996-2021 Missouri Fox Trotter Gelding
Was one of the smartest and well mannered we have known. It was our honor to adopt Chips and provide him with a relaxing retirement.
DONOVAN
1997 Hanoverian Gelding
Donovan is a big, handsome, well-mannered guy who exudes sweetness :) He's wonderful to be around and we were happy to know him! Donovan moved to be very close to his Mom.
TY
1997 Paint Gelding
Ty was a successful eventer in his time, working with some well respected professionals! Now, he's enjoying life with a friend - eating, rolling and making his own plans for the day ☺
SUNNY
1998 Paint Gelding
Sunny not only turned heads with his good looks (I don't think I need to say more than 'Bay Medicine Hat Paint'...); he was also affectionate and had wonderful manners. We thoroughly enjoyed visits from his parents every few months and will miss them.
TUCSON
1999 Appaloosa Gelding
Tucson is a big, easy-going, good looking guy. He has wonderful manners and a "been there, done that" attitude. He left to be closer to his Mom :)
BELLA
1999-2022 Mustang Mare
Bella was a beautiful mare, but "sweet and cute" will probably always be the top way to describe her :) She was wonderful to work with and be around. We are very lucky she came to our facility!
INDY
2000 Paint Gelding
Indy is a handsome and sweet guy with parents who [understandably] love him to pieces.
FINE STYLE (FINEY)
2001 Oldenburg Gelding
We knew Finey as a foal, his Owner is a wonderful friend of ours! He has grown into a handsome, BIG guy with a loving personality and showstopping trot. He is loving retirement and are happy that Finey moved back home with his mom!
FLASH
2002 Morgan/Pony Gelding
Flash was mischevious in a good way :) He was bold and personable and popular with humans and his pasturemates.
SNICKERS
2002 Pony Gelding
There's nothing like a pony that reminds you of your childhood. Snickers was everything you could ask for!
IDA and QIWI
2004 & 1989 Swedish Warmblood Mares
Qiwi and Ida (Grandmother & Granddaughter) are fellow Wisconsin horses who lived with us temporarily. They are beautiful, healthy, wonderfully trained mares with personalities plus! We loved having them with us.
PABELLINA (PABBY)
2005 Oldenburg Mare
We cared for Pabby in her mid-late pregnancy. She is a stunning mare, bred to an amazing stallion - and she produced a healthy and beautiful filly!
ROBERT
2006 Warmblood Gelding
You couldn't find a sweeter guy in a BIG package! Robert had all the right moves and knew how to turn on the charm :)
OOFTA
2007 Appaloosa Gelding
Oofta is a great, Midwestern guy! He's sensible and quiet and easy to work with -- but he's also easy on the eyes! He moved to a facility where his Mom would be riding him :)
BRANDO
2009 Trakehner Gelding
Brando was handsome, smart and sensible. He was a pleasure to work with - we were very lucky to have him at our facility. He even posed for photos! :)
RUBY
2011 Percheron Mare
Ruby lived with us temporarily between her previous and new homes in Wisconsin. She is a young, sweet, pretty draft girl who is very inquisitive and, of course, loves any food she is offered.
RIPLEY
2015 Warmblood Mare
Ripley is a big, affectionate girl who takes everything in stride. She loves life and we adored her.
RIO & RENNY
2016 & 2008 Paint Gelding & Mini Gelding
These 2 are quite the duo. They are good boys who play hard! They are lucky to have a wonderful mom who turned their lives in the right direction ♥
REY
2016 Quarter Horse Gelding
Rey stayed with us temporarily until he went back to work. His owner is a fantastic trainer who has created a wonderful horse to work with.
KOBY
Andalusian X Gelding
What an exceptional guy! He is extremely personable, easy-going, smart and healthy. We are honored to care for Koby!
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What is a 'Retirement Facility'?We are a boarding facility specializing in care of retired, recuperating or other non-working horses. We provide individualized care at a reasonable price.
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What makes you different than a traditional boarding facility?The main difference is that we do not allow riding on our property. This keeps our insurance costs much lower. You are also not paying for the use and maintenance of riding facilities. Other potential differences may be: we have a strict quarantine policy to protect residents from exposure to new pathogens, we usually keep our horses outside in pairs with shelter in each paddock, and we happily offer many customization options. We follow the guidelines provided in 'AAEP Care Guidelines For Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities' published by The American Association of Equine Practitioners. Because it takes quite a bit of time and effort to settle a horse in to our facility, we prefer to have permanent rather than temporary boarders. To help cover some of these expenses, we do not refund your deposit if your horse resides here less than 6 months.
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Where are you located and when may I visit my horse?We are approximately 1.5 hours east of the Twin Cities, 15 miles off interstate 94. You may visit anytime. A courtesy call is appreciated but not required.
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How much area will my horse live in?Typically, compatible pairs will live in a 30' x 90' paddock with a run-in shelter. Each paddock has an attached 90' x 200-300' pasture which they are usually turned out in daily during pasture season. We can maintain horses in paddocks as dry lots as needed.
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Who will my horse be turned out with?We typically turn horses out in groups of two. We match them primarily in personality and energy level. Horses are fed concentrates separately.
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What type of hay do you feed?Our hay is purchased locally and is grass or mixed grass and legume. Each crop of our hay is forage tested and we use the analysis to formulate our horse's diets. All hay is stored in our pole barn, on pallets.
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What concentrates do you feed?We use FeedXL to formulate diets for the horses, and refer to an Equine Nutritionist when we have problems or questions. Our resident's diets range from an appropriate vitamin/mineral supplement in ground flax to quality senior feed to full forage replacement in mash form. We feed based on forage tests and horse requirements.
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What about water?We have heated automatic waterers in the paddocks. Stalled horses receive water in buckets (heated buckets in the winter).
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What is your deworming program?We deworm based on fecal egg counts (FECs) using a schedule based on consultation with Horsemen's Lab (horsemenslab.com).
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What types of fencing do you use?We primarily use Horseguard fence. Some areas have 2"x4" mesh horse fence with a strand of Horseguard along the top.
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Will you blanket my horse?We will blanket any horse who needs it for health reasons (they cannot maintain weight without blanketing, or they are not staying warm enough -as examples). We would ask you to provide well-fitting, waterproof medium weight and heavy weight turnout blankets. We do not use sheets, as all horses have shelter available at all time. We rely on them using it in wet and/or windy weather.
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Will you take horses that crib?Yes, we will board cribbers. We do not require they wear a collar, we will take steps toward dissuading them from cribbing.
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Do you have a veterinarian nearby?Our veterinary clinic makes farm calls regularly. They are available 24/7 and are just under an hour drive from our farm. We also have 2 Equine Hospitals and a Rehab Facility within 1.5 hours of our farm.
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What will you need sent with my horse?Your horse will need proof of a negative EIA test within the previous 12 months. If he/she is coming from outside Wisconsin, they will also need a current certificate of veterinary inspection. Equipment-wise, we prefer your horse just comes with a halter and lead. Contact us about any additional equipment your horse might need while here.
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What type of insurance is needed?Our facility has commercial liability and 'care, custody & control' insurance coverages. We require you have liability insurance to cover claims involving your horse.
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Will you haul my horse?No, we do not transport horses.
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What fly control do you provide?We utilize fly predators, so most flies are not an issue here. All horses have access to shelter at all times and in the summer months, we have fans running in shelters and stalls. We use good sanitation, manure and weed management.
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How often is someone around to watch over the horses?Chris and Nan live on-site. We check on each horse a minimum of twice daily.
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Will you send me updates on how my horse is doing?Certainly! Upon your request, we will send you photos and/or video of your horse as often as you would like.
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What horses do you take?We will work with you to accommodate nearly any size, breed, or personality of horse.
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How will you handle boarding rate increases?Our plan is to increase board by 5% each time the Annual US Inflation Rate cumulatively increases 5%, or if our major supply costs increase by an unusually large amount. You should expect an increase every 2-3 years, according to historical data. Pricing was last set in 2018.
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What are my options for End of Life arrangements for my horse?We will help you and your horse as much or as little as you would prefer during this difficult time. We ask that you make some presumptive plans when you decide your horse will live here. You will provide an 'End of Life' deposit to cover euthanasia and associated expenses. The 'End of Life' deposit will be applied at the time it is needed and you will be refunded any remaining balance.