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Bronken Creek

Full Care Retirement 
Boarding for Horses

Individualized feeding, low-stress turnout, and

attentive management in Colfax, Wisconsin.

SERVICES

Care Designed for Retired Horses

Each horse is managed as an individual, not a program.

Turnout & Environment

Turnout in compatible pairs with shelters designed for comfort, safety, and minimal stress.

Health Oversight

Fecal egg count–based deworming and coordination of veterinary, farrier, and other care services.

Individualized Feeding

Each horse receives a customized feeding plan based on age, condition, and needs using FeedXL.

Routine Care

Daily observation and consistent management.
Grooming every 8 weeks; weekly grooming available as an add-on.

All care is adjusted based on the individual horse—age, condition, and changing needs over time.

What This Means for Your Horse

  • Consistent feeding, not guesswork

  • Lower stress turnout

  • Ongoing observation, not reactive care

Pricing

Boarding Options & Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing with individualized care built in.

$500 / month

Stall Board

  • Stall + turnout

  • Individualized feeding

  • Daily care and observation

$400 / month

Paddock Board

  • Turnout with a compatible companion

  • Shelter access

  • Individualized feeding program

  • Daily monitoring

Contact us to discuss your horse’s needs and current availability.

What's Included

  • Turnout with a compatible companion and shelter

  • Individualized feeding with forage balancer (FeedXL-based)

  • Daily care and observation

  • Grooming every 8 weeks

  • Hoof trims every 8 weeks

  • Deworming based on fecal egg count results

Additional Services (as needed)

  • Weekly grooming

  • Supplements

  • Blanketing

  • Veterinary, farrier, and other services

 

Additional services are available as needed. Some are provided at no charge; others are billed at cost or separately.

Full boarding agreement available here.

About

About Bronken Creek

Bronken Creek is a small, private retirement facility focused on individualized care.

Each horse is managed based on age, condition, and changing needs over time.

Turnout is designed for compatibility, safety, and low stress, with shelter and space to move naturally.

Care is hands-on and consistent, with daily observation.

Feeding is individualized using FeedXL, with a forage balancer included.

Routine care includes grooming and hoof trims every 8 weeks, along with deworming based on fecal egg count results.

We work with trusted veterinarians, farriers, and other professionals to support each horse’s ongoing needs.

About the Owners

Chris and Nanette Osterhoudt own and manage Bronken Creek. Together they bring decades of hands-on experience working with horses across a range of breeds, ages, and disciplines. Nan has over 45 years of experience, along with a background in animal science and professional management.

FAQ

Questions About Care at Bronken Creek

Answers to common questions about care, management, and daily life at Bronken Creek.

What is a retirement facility?

A retirement facility is designed for horses that are no longer in active work and require consistent, individualized care focused on long-term comfort, health, and quality of life.

What makes Bronken Creek different from a traditional boarding facility?

Bronken Creek focuses on individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all program. Each horse is managed based on age, condition, and changing needs, with close daily observation and adjustments over time.

Where are you located and can I visit my horse?

We are located in a quiet rural setting designed for low-stress living. Visits are welcome by appointment to ensure a calm and consistent environment for all horses.

How much space will my horse have?

Horses are kept in turnout designed for movement, safety, and compatibility, with adequate space and access to shelter.

Who will my horse be turned out with?

Horses are paired with a compatible companion based on temperament and behavior to reduce stress and support natural social interaction.

What type of hay do you feed?

We feed quality forage selected for consistency and suitability. Hay is evaluated to support overall health and appropriate nutritional balance.

What concentrates do you feed?

Feeding is individualized using FeedXL, with a forage balancer included to ensure nutritional needs are met without unnecessary extras.

What about water?

Horses have access to clean water at all times, including heated automatic waterers in colder months.

Do you blanket horses?

Blanketing is available based on the horse’s needs and owner preference.

Do you accept cribbers or horses with habits?

Yes. We work with many types of horses and focus on management that reduces stress and supports overall well-being.

How is deworming handled?

Deworming is provided based on fecal egg count results to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.

Do you work with veterinarians and farriers?

Yes. We work with trusted veterinarians, farriers, and other professionals to support each horse’s ongoing needs.

What paperwork is required?

Current Coggins and any required health documentation must be provided prior to arrival.

What happens in an emergency?

If a situation requires immediate care, appropriate veterinary services will be contacted to ensure the horse’s safety and well-being.

How often are horses checked?

Horses are observed daily, with hands-on care and monitoring to catch changes early and adjust care as needed.

Do you provide updates?

Updates, including photos or videos, are available upon request.

What is included in board?

Board includes turnout with a compatible companion and shelter, individualized feeding with forage balancer, daily care and observation, grooming every 8 weeks, hoof trims every 8 weeks, and deworming based on fecal egg count results.

What additional services are available?

Additional services are available as needed, including weekly grooming, supplements, blanketing, and coordination of veterinary, farrier, and other care.

How are additional services handled?

Some services are provided at no charge, while others involve the cost of materials or outside providers.

Do you accept horses with special needs?

Yes. Care is adjusted based on each horse’s condition, including age-related or medical needs.

What is your deposit policy?

A deposit is required to reserve a space. Details are provided during the intake process.

Will board rates change?

Rates may be adjusted periodically based on costs and care requirements.

OUR RESIDENTS

OUR RESIDENTS

Friends we've made here at Bronken Creek

Our Current Residents

CLANCY

1994 Quarter Horse Gelding

Clancy traveled all the way from New Mexico and arrived in wonderful shape. He’s a sweet, handsome gelding, and we’re excited to welcome his family once they move to the area.

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. Calm, cool, and relaxed—he’ll even nap in the cross-ties.

KATIE

1997 Morgan Mare

Katie is as smart as she is adorable, and she impresses everyone she meets.

INDI

1999 Dartmoor Pony Mare

Indi has lived a full life on three continents! She's extremely smart and a very sweet mare to work with.

DEIGHTON JODIE (JODIE)

1999 Shire Mare

Jodie is our own sweet grandma mare, gentle with everyone yet carrying just a touch of attitude that makes her extra special. She is Emma's mom.

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 Walking Horse 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 striking gelding who’s wonderful to work with and gets along well with everyone.

TITO

2002 Thoroughbred Gelding

Tito is lively, playful, and always keeps us on our toes.

JILLY

2003 Appendix Quarter Horse Mare

Jilly is a stunning mare and a wonderful part of our group.

KAHLIA

2004 Thoroughbred Mare

Kahlia is a sweet, intelligent mare full of expression.

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

Caper is a beautiful, intelligent mare who’s always thinking and a joy to have in our pasture.

ZIPPY MONTE ROCKIN M (MONTY)

2006 Appaloosa Gelding

Monty is a very successful show horse now enjoying a well-earned retirement. Calm and unflappable, he’s a joy to have—and we love his mom’s frequent visits.

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 Tennessee Walking Horse Mare

Ishtarah is a beautiful, sweet mare. Her blue roan coat changes with the seasons, and she is wonderful to work with.

HUSH

2008 Morgan Mare

Hush is a smart, fancy mare who loves to show off and makes a loyal friend.

REGATTA (GRETTA)

2008 Oldenburg/Thoroughbred Mare

Gretta is a classy lady. We are lucky to have her in our pasture!

SASSY

2008 Pinto Pony Mare

Sassy isn’t sassy at all — she’s one of the sweetest mares we’ve met. Beautiful and gentle, she’s a joy to have with us. We’re thrilled she’s part of our herd, subtly reminding us that treats are optional… but always appreciated.

CALLAS LILY SUMMER (LILY)

2009 Saddlebred Mare

Lily is stunningly beautiful, smart, and social. We’re honored to care for her and the other horses love her mom’s thoughtful visits.

AXEHOLME REMINISCE (EMMA)

2009 Shire Mare

Emma is one of our beautiful homebred mares. She came back to us at age nine, had a lovely filly, and now enjoys life as a happy pasture puff.

MARK

2011 Clydesdale Gelding

Mark is as handsome and sweet as they come. From the moment he arrived, he was handing out hugs and ready to make friends. We love having this big guy on the farm.

BOSCO

2012 Holsteiner/Thoroughbred 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!

WIZOFWALLSTREET (WIZ)

2013 Thoroughbred Gelding

A true gentleman with looks, manners, and heart, Wiz has traded the fast lane for a peaceful life with his favorite pasture mate.

DONNIE & MARIE

2014 & 2008 Miniature Gelding & Mare

The Osmonds, as we call them, round out our herd perfectly. Full of personality and endlessly photogenic, they always brighten the day.

GHOST-MAN (GHOST)

Ghost Paint Gelding

Ghost is a handsome gray paint and the light of his mom’s life. We’re honored to care for him and love his mom’s frequent visits.

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

1979-2023 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 an accomplished driving mare in both the show ring and at home. She was expressive, clever, and full of personality—a lovely mare we were lucky to know.

SCOOTER

1988 Morgan Gelding

Scooter was a handsome and intelligent gelding who seemed half his age. We were happy to have him 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, happiest just relaxing at pasture.

LEO

1990 Trakehner Gelding

Leo was Marci’s pasture mate and our first boarded retiree. A former upper-level dressage horse with a big presence and a kind nature, he held a special place in our hearts.

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 was a handsome, sweet gelding who loved his evening roll in fresh shavings.

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.

BENJAMIN MOORE

1991-2021 Dutch Warmblood Gelding

Benjamin was a talented jumper with a big heart and a playful spirit. He spent over a decade with us in retirement and was deeply loved.

FINAL GOLD (ANDY)

1991-2022 Thoroughbred Gelding

Andy was a successful hunter jumper who carried himself with style. Gentle and well-mannered, he enjoyed grooming, turnout, and a good roll in the dirt.

SKJONNHET & SYLVIA

1992 & 1997 Norwegian Fjord Mares

Skjonnhet and Sylvia were beloved pasture companions—gentle, steady, and full of character. They brought a special presence to our herd.

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 was a charmer—easy to work with, friendly, and full of personality. He later moved closer to his owner, which made everyone happy.

NOW OR NEVER (OLIVER)

1994-2020 Dutch Warmblood Gelding

Oliver was a handsome and intelligent gelding, a very successful hunter-jumper in his prime. In retirement, he enjoyed rolling, grazing, weekly grooming (with extra time rubbing his forehead), and apple slices. He greeted us not just with a look but a conversation.

TOPPER

1994-2024 Thoroughbred X Appaloosa Gelding

Topper was 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 was a very sweet guy who was in tune with his surroundings. He had many friends here.

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!

LIBBY

1995-2021 Warmblood Mare

Libby was a big, beautiful mare with presence. We would have loved to see her in the show ring—she had that extra something! She enjoyed her days relaxing with her friend.

RAMAZOTTI

1995-2022 Hanoverian Gelding

Ramazotti joined us from Massachusetts, introducing himself as he walked off the trailer and fitting in instantly. He was handsome, affectionate, and quite the talker!

CHIPS'S ZANE GREY (CHIPS)

1996-2021 Missouri Fox Trotter Gelding

Chips was one of the smartest and most well-mannered horses we have known. It was our honor to adopt him and provide a relaxing retirement.

DONOVAN

1997 Hanoverian Gelding

Donovan was a big, handsome, well-mannered horse with a sweet nature. We were happy to have known him.

TY

1997-2024 Paint Gelding

Ty was a successful eventer who later enjoyed a relaxed life with friends—eating, rolling, and making his own plans for the day.

SUNNY

1998-2024 Paint Gelding

Sunny turned heads with his good looks and won hearts with his affectionate manners. We thoroughly enjoyed his family’s visits and will miss them.

TUCSON

1999 Appaloosa Gelding

Tucson was a big, easy-going, good-looking guy with 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, always sweet and full of charm. She was wonderful to be around and we were lucky she came to our farm.

MUSTY

1999-2025 Mustang Gelding

Musty was full of personality and loved showing off for his pasture mates.

INDY

2000 Paint Gelding

Indy was a handsome and sweet guy with parents who [understandably] loved him to pieces.

HARLEY

2000-2025 Thoroughbred Cross Gelding

Harley and his mom had traveled a bit and lived in a busier area, but he enjoyed settling into a simpler life. He was wonderful to work with and was very personable.

NEIKO

2000-2025 Thoroughbred Gelding

Neiko stepped off the trailer the perfect gentleman, and continued to set the bar high. He was handsome and friendly and well-mannered. We were lucky to have Neiko living with us!

FINE STYLE (FINEY)

2001 Oldenburg Gelding

We knew Finey as a foal, and he grew into a big, handsome gelding with a loving personality and a showstopping trot. He loved his retirement, and we were happy he moved back home with his mom.

SNICKERS

2002-2023 Pony Gelding

There's nothing like a pony that reminds you of your childhood. Snickers was everything you could ask for!

FLASH

2002-2024 Morgan/Pony Gelding

Flash was bold, personable, and full of fun—popular with both people and his pasture mates.

IDA & 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-to-late pregnancy. She is a stunning mare, bred to an amazing stallion - and she produced a healthy and beautiful filly!

ROBERT

2006-2024 Warmblood Gelding

Robert was a gentle giant with charm and presence. Sweet and kind, he had all the right moves.

OOFTA

2007 Appaloosa Gelding

Oofta was a sensible, quiet, and good-natured gelding—easy to work with and easy to love.

BRANDO

2009 Trakehner Gelding

Brando was handsome, smart, and sensible. He was a pleasure to work with, and we were very lucky to have him at our facility.

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 was a big, affectionate girl who took everything in stride. She loved life, and we adored her.

RIO & RENNY

2016 & 2008 Paint Gelding & Mini Gelding

Rio and Renny were quite the duo. Playful and full of life, they were lucky to have a 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!

CONTACT US

I respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. If you do not receive a reply, please contact me again — something likely went wrong.

E8431 1015th Avenue

Colfax, WI 54730

 

info@bronkencreek.com


Tel: 715-817-5558

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CONTACT

Bronken Creek

Colfax, Wisconsin

info@bronkencreek.com

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