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BRONKEN CREEK

HORSE RETIREMENT

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SERVICES

SERVICES

PADDOCK BOARD

$400/month

  • Pasture and/or free choice hay (as appropriate)

  • Diet individually balanced using FeedXL

  • 24 hour semi-private turnout

  • Shelter at all times, fans in the summer

  • Hooves trimmed and grooming every 8 weeks

  • Deworming based on FEC

STALL BOARD

$500/month

  • Pasture and/or free choice hay (as appropriate)

  • Diet individually balanced using FeedXL

  • Daily semi-private or private turnout

  • Shelter at all times, fans in the summer

  • Hooves trimmed and grooming every 8 weeks

  • Deworming based on FEC

  • Stalled daily

  • 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.

ABOUT US

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.

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Nan and Marci
Corva and Jodie
Fergie, Nan, Chris, Belle and Red
Nan & Donny
Ellie, Nan and Corva
Ellie and Nan
Nan and Corva
Bernie, Belle, Red, Sam & Fergie
Nan and Frank
Bernie, Chris, Nan, Red & Fergie
OUR RESIDENTS

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!

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What about water?
    We have heated automatic waterers in the paddocks. Stalled horses receive water in buckets (heated buckets in the winter).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Will you haul my horse?
    No, we do not transport horses.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What horses do you take?
    We will work with you to accommodate nearly any size, breed, or personality of horse.
  • 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.
  • 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.
FAQ

CONTACT US

E8431 1015th Avenue

Colfax, WI 54730

 

info@bronkencreek.com


Tel: 715-817-5558

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