PATH Equestrian

07/01/2025

Group Turnout Part 3: Keeping the Peace

Over the last two posts we talked about the risks and benefits of group turnout, the dangers of reduced turnout, the hidden costs of isolation, and how thoughtful introductions can make or break herd safety.

But managing a herd doesn’t stop once introductions are done. Keeping the peace long term is just as important.

We, as people who claim to love horses, have a responsibility to learn. To understand how resource guarding shapes herd interactions, how pain can turn into aggression, and how their social dynamics actually work. There isn’t some strict ladder or fixed pecking order. Research shows what we often call a “hierarchy” is far more fluid and shifts depending on the resource — food, water, shelter, their human, or their favourite horse.

Because of that, we need to set up their environment to support calm relationships and minimize conflict. Here’s how we keep our herd living peacefully together after introductions:

• Making sure there are more than enough resources for every horse on the track — multiple water stations, hay stations, and places for shelter or shade.

• Providing safe, quiet spots where each horse can have their supplements or grain without fear of it being taken.

• Being realistic about how much space we have so we don’t overcrowd and create tension.

• Watching closely for changes in behaviour. Pain often shows up as aggression, so if a horse starts acting differently, we may pull them temporarily until it’s managed.

And it’s also about patience. A herd doesn’t just stabilize overnight. Studies show most chasing and sorting happens in the first three days to two weeks, but real settling can take months. True peace is when you see less chasing, more mutual grooming, relaxed grazing together, and horses confidently sharing resources without pinned ears or rushed bites.

Even then, it’s fragile. Adding another horse too soon, changing where food or water is placed, or health issues like pain can disrupt that balance all over again.

Keeping a herd stable isn’t about micromanaging every move. It’s about setting up the right environment, paying attention, and giving them time so they can just be horses.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about staying curious, learning, and doing what we can to support their needs every day.

In Part 1, we looked at the real risks and benefits of group turnout, and how reduced turnout and isolation come with their own serious costs.

In Part 2, we explored how most injuries actually happen during introductions, and why thoughtful, gradual steps make all the difference.

Now in Part 3, we’ve dug into what it takes to keep the peace long term. From setting up the right environment to understanding how long it truly takes for a herd to settle, this is what real, day-to-day welfare looks like.

Because when we know better, we can do better.

Group turnout isn’t just about putting horses together. It’s about creating the conditions where they can truly thrive.

06/30/2025

Group Turnout Part 2: Safe Introductions

Yesterday we talked about the risks of group turnout, the overlooked dangers of reduced turnout, and the hidden costs of keeping horses isolated.

But here’s the truth. Studies have shown that when injuries occur it’s typically with new horses and herd introductions.

When I’ve had these conversations, one of the biggest hurdles that comes up is:

“The general public doesn’t know how to properly introduce horses or monitor herd behaviour.”

Or

“Most barns just throw new horses in as they arrive on the property.”

And honestly, that is fair. It is true, and it reflects the reality at many boarding facilities. Most of us didn’t grow up learning how to read subtle herd dynamics or plan introductions in ways that truly set horses up for long-term success.

But a lack of public education SHOULDN’T mean horses pay the price.

We, as people who claim to love horses, have a responsibility to learn how to properly introduce horses.

This is where thoughtful, gradual introductions matter so much. It is about reducing risk by making small, intentional choices like:

• Giving horses time to settle into their new environment before meeting the herd

• Observing and learning who these horses are as individuals and what signs when the horse is in pain

• Checking for any underlying health or behaviour issues that could cause problems within the herd

• Setting up the environment with enough space, safe fencing, and multiple resources to limit resource guarding

• Planning introductions in clear, gradual stages instead of just throwing them in all at once

• Most importantly TIME. This. Takes. Time.

These simple steps can mean the difference between chaos and a calm, stable herd.

In Part 1, we looked at the risks and benefits of group turnout, how reduced turnout can actually increase injury risk, the risks involved in group turnout and the hidden welfare costs of keeping horses isolated.

Now in Part 2, we’ve dug into how the biggest risk with group living often comes during introductions, and how thoughtful, gradual steps can make all the difference.

Up next, in Part 3, we’ll look at how to keep the peace long term. Setting up your space and daily management in ways that support a calm, healthy herd once the introductions are over.

06/29/2025

Group Turnout Part 1: Risks and Benefit

Guess I’m touching on another hot button subject.

When we talk about species-appropriate care, we’re not talking about luxury. We’re talking about proper welfare.

Horses are herd animals. They’re wired to graze, move, and live together. Social bonds help regulate their stress, digestion, rest, and even learning. Taking that away has serious consequences.

But I also hear the other side.

“ Group turnout is too dangerous. My horse could get hurt. I keep them alone for their own safety. “

And honestly, research does show injuries are more likely to happen during group turnout than solo turnout. A 2020 study found that a high percentage of those injuries were tied to fencing problems and space constraints.

Another overlooked factor: Turnout Time

Turnout time itself is a big factor in injury risk. Reduced turnout TIME is linked to an increase in herd-related injuries when horses do go out together but not 24/7. Short, restricted turnout builds up energy and social tension, making incidents more likely when they finally get out. Longer, consistent turnout supports stability, burns off excess energy, and helps prevent these issues.

There are people making these choices because they truly care about their horse's safety.

But there are also plenty more worried about their investment, the pristine coat, the resale value, the next show. For them, a bite mark can feel more important than a horse's mental health.

But lets look at what happens horses who are kept alone:

Lack of herd contact is linked to persistent stress, with effects like elevated immune markers, heart rate disturbances, and stereotypies. Studies have shown individually housed horses have elevated stress markers in their immune system, including higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, which suggest chronic stress and reduced disease resistance over time.

It might seem like keeping horses alone avoids the risk of bites or kicks, but it trades one kind of risk for another. It’s a risk that’s quieter, hidden, and rooted deep in their bodies and minds.

So yes, injuries can happen when horses live together.

But most of the time, it’s not just about IF they’re turned out together.

It’s about HOW.

Tomorrow, we’ll dive into the biggest piece of this conversation: Herd introductions because studies and research has shown a large majority of injures happen DURING herd introductions and the herd settling period after.

The way we set horses up to meet each other can make all the difference.

06/28/2025

It’s been a year since we shared our first aerial view of the track Balancing Whispers so here is our updated aerial shot!

Let’s take a look at what’s changed since 2024:

1. Planted trees:

We added willow trees in areas where water tends to pool in the spring. They help soak up excess moisture and will eventually provide natural shade (and some branches to snack on!) along the track.

2. Wood chips:

Our local arborist has been dropping off wood chips that we’ve spread on the track. They help with drainage and add more varied terrain.

3. Screenings and stone:

We reinforced one of our busiest areas with screenings and stone to improve footing and hold up better under heavy use and more varied terrain!

4. Automatic water posts, buffet, and sprinkler:

Hydration is key, so we’ve added several watering options, including a sprinkler to help keep horses cool on hot days.

5. Regraded near the top gate:

We cleaned up the area in front of this gate and installed a French drain to stop water from pooling during heavy rain or spring thaw.

6. Scratching post:

We put up a scratching post with multiple brush options so the horses can self-groom and scratch those hard-to-reach spots.

7. Permanent feeders:

We installed 27 metal flip-up feeders from Nag Bags all around the track. They make feeding quick and easy while still encouraging the horses to move.

A track system of this size always a work in progress, and we’ll keep making improvements as we grow and welfare science changes! ☺️

06/23/2025

Ribbons Don’t Justify Abuse 🥇

I’ve been reading a few threads lately about the noticeable drop in show attendance, both locally and beyond (that in itself is a whole other topic). One reason that keeps coming up? The fear of being labeled an “abuser” when all eyes are on you in the show ring.

Let’s lay it out plainly:

If you’re afraid to show or share your methods publicly because you might be labeled as abusive…

There’s a good chance what you don’t want to show IS abusive.

This isn’t about bullying or people being “too sensitive” about different training styles. It’s about legitimate, ongoing concerns. We’ve seen enough high-level competitors caught mistreating their horses, even with cameras rolling.

So the real question is:

If this is what we’re seeing, what aren’t we seeing?

And frankly, since we’re on the topic, I’m DISGUSTED by the number of shows and competitors who chose to go ahead this weekend despite the extreme heat, extreme heat warning and vet warnings.

It was over 35°C without the humidex.

Here’s what the University of Guelph has to say:

“It only takes 17 minutes of moderate intensity exercise in hot, humid weather to raise a horse’s temperature to dangerous levels. That’s three to 10 times faster than in humans. Horses feel the heat much worse than we do.”

MANY local vet pages put out warnings.

This raises the question again:

Do these people truly love the horse? Or do they love the sport?

Because when you knowingly put a horse at risk for ribbons or reputation, your priorities are clear.

At a certain point, saying “I love horses” while ignoring heat indexes, visible stress, or being concerned about your public image or being cancelled it doesn’t hold much weight.

It’s all connected. Whether it’s hiding harsh methods behind closed barn doors or pushing through dangerous heat for a show, too much of this industry still puts performance before welfare.

06/22/2025

DIY horse cooling!

This weather is brutal so this is our solution for our herd!

Just attached an old semi broken sprinkler to the fence with zip tied and ran it for 30 minutes

The area around the sprinkler dropped a few degrees even if they didn’t stand in the water they got a good misting.

The area around was SO cool by the time we turned the water off.

06/20/2025

I used to sit through anything.
Bucks. Bolts. Broncs.
I was the kid they called in when a horse had “problems.”

I was proud of that. It was something I advertised, something I was known for. Coaches and barn owners would hand me the horses that needed to be “put in their place,” and I’d stick it out. I was small enough for the ponies and firm enough to ride out most of what they threw at me.

And because I rarely got thrown, I was told it was a talent.
So I believed it.
I believed that sitting through the chaos meant I was helping them.
That I was making them better.

But I wasn’t listening.
I wasn’t asking why they were bucking. Or bolting. Or panicking.
My job was to ride until they stopped… until they gave up.

I look back at photos I used to be so proud of… and I see something different now.
Not a challenge to conquer. Not a seat to brag about.
I see horses in distress. Over threshold. Trying to communicate.

I don’t often talk about my past, but here’s the truth:
I was a harsh trainer. I punished “bad” behaviour. I relied on force and threats, and I completely overlooked pain, environment, and emotional welfare.

That version of me doesn’t exist anymore.
But I think it’s important to acknowledge where we came from, especially if we want to be honest about where we’re going.

Growth means letting go of the pride we had in survival and choosing to listen instead.

06/19/2025

It was lovely to have such a discussion with a room full of likeminded humans but it sadly does remind us that the wonderful conversations we had, are unfortunately not the norm.

I had the exact same feeling coming out of this conversation and felt exactly the same about what the “answer” is.

And it also reminds us to not take these conversations and connections for granted because us being able to connect with likeminded humans helps us keep going against the grain when there is pushback and bullying.

But for now, we just continue to be the change we want to see in the horse world ❤️

Recently, I sat with a University professor managing a small research program involving equine behaviour, welfare and management and several of her masters and PhD candidates to discuss the state of the horse industry as a whole.

It was a rich, layered conversation, one that’s still sitting with me days later.

I’ve always believed that education is the key to change.

That if we could just share evidence-based information, raise awareness, and teach better practices, we could shift the paradigm.

That once people know better, they’ll do better.

But during this conversation, a difficult question circulated: Maybe education alone isn’t enough?

Because the reality is, people don’t always change just because they’ve been given better information. Sometimes, they knowingly ignore what they’ve learned.

Not because they don’t care. But because implementing knowledge is hard.

It requires looking in the mirror and admitting:

“Maybe I was wrong”
“Maybe I missed the signs”
“Maybe there’s a better way and I haven’t been doing it”

That’s uncomfortable. It’s vulnerable.

So instead of making changes, many people stay stuck in cognitive dissonance. Rather than changing behaviour, the mind often tries to resolve this discomfort by justifying or denying the evidence.

“He’s just being difficult”
“It worked for my last horse”
“This is how we’ve always done it”

And so, despite the abundance of credible information, the suffering continues.
Our industry has deep-rooted problems.

Affording the care horses truly need can be overwhelming. The cost of adequate nutrition, bodywork, appropriate tack, responsible training, and appropriate living environments is high. As we raise standards, we also risk making the sport less accessible, particularly for newcomers. So people compromise. They rationalize. They do what they can afford or what feels easiest or most familiar.

So if education isn't enough … What is?
This question keeps me up at night.

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve seen incredible change through education. In our student community, in our graduates, in our clients and followers on social media, there are countless people who have welcomed the information and implemented it with courage.

They’ve done the hard work. They’ve looked in the mirror. They’ve stepped out of their comfort zones. And they’ve made things better for their horses.

But for those who resist, who know better but don’t do better, what will it take?
Maybe it’s not just education we need.

But where do we start?
Do we start by making space for discomfort and showing people they’re not alone in it?

By highlighting the why, not just the how, because transformation is always rooted in purpose, not pressure?

To those who’ve leaned in: we see you. We’re proud of you.
To those who are still resisting: we’re not giving up on you either.

For now, I don’t have the answers.

But I do know this: Change doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with awareness.
And the willingness to keep asking the hard questions.

06/18/2025

Needle training doesn’t have to be stressful.

This video shows a consent based needle training session with Pale, also known as cooperative care. We’re working on two way communication: Pale touches the syringe to signal he’s ready, and I only proceed when I have his consent.

But just as important as the behaviour is the option to opt out. If Pale chooses not to participate in the procedure, he still gets the treat. That’s a core part of how I approach cooperative care. I never want the horse to feel like they have to perform just to access something better. Their voice matters, whether they say yes or no.

Because this work involves pain and discomfort, it’s important that the reinforcement truly matters. I choose to use Clickees, a high value treat from a local Canadian company, for moments like these.

I’ve also been using the Clickees with great success in muzzle training, where I’m building positive associations around wearing a grazing muzzle. And sometimes, I give them just because!

Using the right treat isn’t about spoiling your horse. It’s about meeting them where they are. A high value reward says, “I know this is hard, and I see your effort.” These treats carry more emotional weight, which makes them especially powerful during training that involves discomfort, fear, or vulnerability, like medical procedures or introducing new equipment.

In reinforcement based training, treat value is a strategic tool. Low value treats help maintain focus and flow during everyday learning. They’re reinforcing without overstimulating. But when we’re asking for bravery, trust, or emotional regulation, high value treats become part of that communication.I choose to use high value treats in these moments because I believe it’s one way I can acknowledge the emotional effort I’m asking from my horse.

If you’re curious to try them, Clickees has given me a 15% discount code to share:

“PATH” or https://clickees.ca/discount/PATH

I don’t make any money from this all the value goes to you guys - just happy to support a local R+ company that I believe in ❤️

06/17/2025

OM NOM NOM ASMR 🤣

06/17/2025

Loved seeing all of my horses in the arena at once. Such a special moment for me.

I’ve also really been enjoying running small clinics for some truly wonderful people.

A few recent highlights:
• Grass training and using grass as a reward
• R+ steering and rein cues
• Stand and Stay with distance and duration
• Desensitization with new objects and obstacles
• Hoof stand duration and farrier prep

Feeling lucky to share this journey with so many thoughtful and curious learners, both human and equine ❤️

06/15/2025

Why is the dragon training world so much further ahead in training?

Seriously though, did you know dragons are trained with Positive Reinforcement and Fear- Free Training? Hiccup Horrendous Haddock lll, the dragon master, is a Positive Reinforcement trainer / Dragon Behaviourist.

Want to be like the dragon master himself?
Here’s how:

Hiccup spends a large amount of time doing a behavioural assessment of Toothless. Here are some of Hiccups techniques:

Systematic Desensitization:

Hiccup uses systematic desensitization (combined with some counterconditioning) to touch toothless for the first time. Hiccup begins to get Toothless habituated to his presence and slowly moves closer and closer until he can touch Toothless for the first time. Being sure not to use flooding or push him over threshold.

Finding the right reinforcement (reinforcement assessment):

Hiccup spends a lot of time trying to sort out what Toothless finds reinforcing. During this process he learns that:

•Toothless’ favourite fish, noting which ones he likes the best and which ones he hates (eels)
•Where he prefers to be scratched (behind the ears then under the chin)
•Learns he loves “Dragon Nip” (cat nip for dragons)

Counterconditioning:

Hiccup uses counterconditioning to train Toothless to wear a saddle and gear for flying. Eventually resulting in him being able to ride and fly with Toothless.

No punishment or force is involved with the training of Toothless despite the fact that it’s against viking tradition (sound familiar?). Not only is Toothless trained with Positive Reinforcement, Hiccup is able to generalize what he has gained from training Toothless and applied that knowledge across the many subspecies of dragons. In the end Hiccup shows his entire village that their previous methods, which had been used for centuries, is unneeded and the village becomes a Dragon Utopia.

We should take note from the Dragon Training world. In fact, dragons are arguably more dangerous than anything we could possibly train so if Dragons can be trained with Force Free Methods, so can your animals!

** I should remind everyone that this is a CHILDREN’S movie and this post is made in good fun.. please don’t take training advice from random cartoon characters**