PATH Equestrian

PATH Equestrian Transforming horsemanship with compassion, care, and connection. Equine behaviour modification, R+ and fear-free training!šŸ„• Welcome to PATH Equestrian!
(9)

Premium track system boarding, personalized lessons, and a vibrant Positive Reinforcement equine community. I'm Brie Simpson, founder and owner, with over 15 years of equine training experience. As an Equine Training Professional at The Pet Professional Guild and an Associate Trainer at The World Bitless Association, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. In 2021, I was honoured with the ā€œBe

st Equestrian / Riding Lessonā€ award in the Waterloo Region, prior to moving to Caledon East. My scientific publications include "9 DIY Enrichment Activities for Horses to Prevent Boredom" and "8 Common Stereotypic Behaviours in Horses and What They Mean." I've also been featured on the podcast "The Willing Equine," discussing LIMA for humans and supporting change in episodes 47 and 48. As a behavioural consultant recommended and trusted by local vets, my focus is on compassionate, humane, and science-based methods to enhance the bond between horse and rider. At PATH Equestrian, we offer a range of services designed to support both horses and their owners. Our premium track system boarding provides a natural and enriching environment for horses, ensuring they thrive while receiving top-tier care and comfort. We also offer specialized lessons through the PATH Institute, including Positive Reinforcement, Husbandry Care, Vet Skills, and Behaviour Modification lessons. These lessons are conducted with horses that are highly proficient in R+, making them excellent teachers for our clients. For those who cannot visit us in person, we offer virtual lessons, behavior consultations, and R+ online coaching to address a wide variety of situations. Additionally, our exclusive board and train programs are available on a highly selective basis, providing a comprehensive transformation for the horse's life and welfare. Beyond our services, PATH Equestrian is a welcoming space for the equine community. We share ongoing education, helpful information, and inspiration, striving to support and advance equine welfare. Our vibrant R+ community is a place for like-minded individuals to connect and grow together. Join us at PATH Equestrian and experience the difference compassionate, science-based training can make. For more information, visit https://pathequestrian.com/

DIY scratching post!Having a proper place for your horse to scratch can prevent damage to their mane and tail, help them...
11/03/2024

DIY scratching post!

Having a proper place for your horse to scratch can prevent damage to their mane and tail, help them deshed and helps prevent property damage from rubbing on unideal locations.

This post is set up at one of the most popular places on the track so it will get a lot of use!

Peekaboo for scale šŸ¤£

11/02/2024

It's amazing to see the power of choice in our horses every day. Each morning, after their grain, our hybrid horses can decide to head back outside or stay inside until theyā€™re ready to go out. Surprisingly, they often choose to linger indoorsā€”especially Coal, whoā€™s become a bit of a regular at choosing stall time on cooler days.

If you'd asked me a year ago if horses would actively choose stall time, I'd have been skeptical. Watching their clear communication about what they want has been both surprising and inspiring. Itā€™s a privilege to give them that voice and to learn from it every day.

No stirrup November:  Itā€™s such a catchy theme and many of us have participated in it. Unfortunately, those who would mo...
11/01/2024

No stirrup November:

Itā€™s such a catchy theme and many of us have participated in it. Unfortunately, those who would most benefit from ā€œNo Stirrup Novemberā€ are usually the ones who most likely shouldnā€™t be doing it and it results in the horses usually paying the price.

Why?:

šŸ‘‰Our horse's backs

Spending an entire month stirrup-less, especially as an unbalanced novice, will cause pain and damage.

How we avoid this:

Start and stay at a speed where you are balanced and confident and build from there. The key is moderation and short increments. Also, be sure to do your warm-up with your stirrups to start.

šŸ‘‰The horse's mouth:

Often times when we take away stirrups a young or novice rider can sometimes rely on the horse's face balance.

How we avoid this:

You can start to remove pressure from a horse's mouth by going bitless but even though switching to bitless will offload pressure on the horse's mouth, there will still be pressure across the noseband if you are using the reins to balance. Having someone walking next to you or being in control of your horse while you focus on balancing WITHOUT your hands is a great way to stay off your horse's face.

šŸ‘‰Overworked Lesson horses

In the month of November, school horses will have multiple stirrup-less riders on them throughout the day often with no relief or days off.

How we avoid this:

As always, give your lesson horses a break. Instead of doing a no stirrup month rotate throughout the year. Make sure the same horse isnā€™t constantly being used for no-stirrup work.

šŸ‘‰ Inconsistency:

While joining in on this no-stirrup-themed month is fun. We often forget to work on things throughout the rest of the year.

How we avoid this:

Work on no-stirrup work gradually throughout the year. Additionally, itā€™s always important for riders of all ages and skills to work on releasing their stirrups and retrieving them on a regular basis.

Learning to balance is a vital part of riding but, we need to be careful that itā€™s not at the expense of the horse.

10/24/2024

Honey leading outside of the field, away from her sister. From unhaltered and nervous to calm responsive and relaxed.

10/16/2024

Big day for Harriet and Honey!

Honey had her growth successfully removed (fingers crossed on the biopsy šŸ¤ž). Both girls got all their vaccines and were incredible for all their needles and oral medications! šŸ„¹

Here is a quick snippet of Harriet getting her second vaccine of the day!

A big thank you to McKee-Pownall Equine Services and Dr. Marisa Markey for their continued support in setting these wonderful mares up for success. Collaborating with veterinarians who zealously advocate for their patients' welfare (and fear-free training!) is such a rare privilege, and I appreciate them trusting us enough to recommend us taking on Harriet and Honey.

All our hard work and training has paid off šŸŽ‰

Can you believe this sky? Iā€™ve never seen the northern lights before have never run outside so quick šŸ¤£
10/11/2024

Can you believe this sky?

Iā€™ve never seen the northern lights before have never run outside so quick šŸ¤£

These are some pretty weird looking horses šŸ˜…
10/09/2024

These are some pretty weird looking horses šŸ˜…

MY BABY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED šŸ’I will be unavailable outside of emergencies for the next few days!Thank you for unde...
10/03/2024

MY BABY SISTER IS GETTING MARRIED šŸ’

I will be unavailable outside of emergencies for the next few days!

Thank you for understanding ā¤ļø

Our little slice of paradise ā¤ļø
09/26/2024

Our little slice of paradise ā¤ļø

Exciting Co-op Opportunity for Equine Enthusiasts!Are you passionate about horses and eager to dive deep into the equine...
09/24/2024

Exciting Co-op Opportunity for Equine Enthusiasts!

Are you passionate about horses and eager to dive deep into the equine industry? We are offering a unique co-op experience at our premium farm, unlike any traditional placement. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from industry professionals.

What makes us different?

Our farm offers more than just routine choresā€”we provide a rich learning environment focused on horse welfare and behavioral science. Hereā€™s what you can expect to learn:

Behaviour Modification: Gain an understanding of how to positively influence horse behavior, using humane, science-backed techniques. Learn how horses think and respond to various stimuli, and how to apply techniques to modify behavior in a way that promotes trust and calmness.

The Tellington TTouch Ā®: This method combines observations, philosophy, bodywork, ground exercises, and equipment to help horses achieve physical, mental, and emotional balance. It enhances communication, cooperation, and harmony between horses and humans. Tellington TTouchĀ® Training is a complete system for understanding, handling, and influencing animals, as well as ourselves.

Hands-on learning from experts: Work alongside skilled farriers, veterinarians, and bodyworkers to get firsthand experience in maintaining equine health and welfare.

Horse Welfare and Track System: Learn about ideal living environments for horses, including how to care for and maintain our cutting-edge track system designed to meet horsesā€™ daily needs.

Audit R+ Training Sessions: Observe and participate in positive reinforcement (R+) training methods that are rooted in kindness and respect, covering a range of essential skills, from veterinary and husbandry practices to gentling and starting horses under saddle.

This is not your typical co-op placement! We are looking for dedicated students who want to become knowledgeable equine advocates. Youā€™ll have the chance to grow your skills, learn about ethical training and care practices, and make meaningful contributions in the field.

If you're passionate about making a difference in the horse industry, this is the placement for you.

09/21/2024

We had an increased interest in our facility after one of our boarders posted a very positive review of her experience with us, thank you Julia!

Balancing Whispers in Caledon offers a unique boarding experience by combining track living, to keep our horses happy and healthy, with comfort for their humans: an indoor and outdoor arena with fibre footing, wash stalls with hot water, washroom, laundry facilities and foremost a very quiet environment to enjoy yourself.

But what is track living?

It means horses are outside, 24/7 on a 2,5 km sand track created over 15 acres to get the horses to live as biologically appropriate as possible. In other words: eat constantly, move and socialise with other horses.

Our services and hence pricing differ greatly from the average outdoor board. Here is why:

ā€¢ We do not feed round bales that make horses park. Every morning new squares are put out in our 20+ nets and feeders, making the horses move and ensuring there is always hay somewhere on the track.

ā€¢ Our slow feeders are strategically placed to ensure horses move and they can chose to eat in groups or alone. Wet hay is removed. Feeders are checked and cleaned.

ā€¢ We feed grass hay with low starch and sugar, testing every new batch that comes in. So we know the metabolic, overweight or laminitic ones are safe to eat ad lib.

ā€¢ There are 5 shelters with sawdust to chose from to get out of the rain, and plenty shady spots under trees.

ā€¢ Manure is removed from the track on a weekly basis, to keep their living space healthy and clean. We do not harrow it into the ground. Our track remains sandy with minimal mud.

ā€¢ During the growing season, the track gets harrowed to make sure that the horses that are grass affected do not gorge on that rich Caledon grass.

ā€¢ We don't just look at your horse from afar: we handle every horse each morning, we look them over, pick feet, fly spray or blanket. But even after that, there are always eyes on the horses, and as a result we catch issues quickly.

ā€¢ We are experienced in horse husbandry and behavior and cater to the individual, not one size fits all.

There is so much more to share, so please feel reach out or come meet us to see in real life what this all looks like!

09/17/2024

Please keep in mind that Mad Barn Canada is a ā€œEquine onlyā€ facility. There should be no risk of monensin exposure.

I know most of my clients are on Mad Barn products as per my suggestion and if you have any concerns over the post that was circulating please read the below information (including the lab report) or contact Mad Barn directly.

I will still continue to recommend these products and love that they are providing information and being transparent.

- Brie

09/10/2024

Did a "mini" clinic this weekend for some amazing humans and we made leaps and bounds with these fillies!

When she arrived last week, Honey (pink halter) was unhandled, unhaltered and very apprehensive of strangers. She has come out of her shell and is loving her training sessions and human scratches!

Harriet (black halter) had some basic handling skills but really struggled with wanting to be on top of the humans (if she could wear my skin she would). We worked on creating spatial boundaries and helped her learn a safer position to be handled in.

These girls have only been here a week and I enjoy working with them so much. I cannot wait to see them blossom ā¤ļø

Pretty stylish in that pink halter šŸŽ‰
09/06/2024

Pretty stylish in that pink halter šŸŽ‰

Very excited to have these two unhandled (but very friendly!) young fillyā€™s here for gentling. I havenā€™t done a ā€œboard a...
09/04/2024

Very excited to have these two unhandled (but very friendly!) young fillyā€™s here for gentling. I havenā€™t done a ā€œboard and trainā€ in a while as Iā€™ve been selective with what cases I take on but a lovely vet I work with reached out to see if I was willing to help these mares and once I read the intake form I knew I had to have them here ā¤ļø

Honey has to have a surgical excision so our main priority is getting her handling, husbandry and vet skills for this procedure. They are loved by a wonderful girl so we will also be getting them safe for her to brush and love on.

Please welcome Harriet (halter) & Honey (soon to be haltered) and feel free to follow along on their adventure here šŸ˜

My space manā€™s eye is all healed! āœ…Cannot stress how important it was to have stress-free PROPERLY done treatments which...
08/27/2024

My space manā€™s eye is all healed! āœ…

Cannot stress how important it was to have stress-free PROPERLY done treatments which allowed him heal as quickly as he did. Being confident with our injections made this healing process very easy.

Please prioritize training life skills. You will always be thankful you did ā¤ļø

08/26/2024

Teach and Practice Husbandry Skills Before You Need Them

Pale has always been notoriously difficult with vets. When I first started working with him, he was terrible with almost all aspects of husbandry. He hated the vets and was downright dangerous with needles. After a lot of training, weā€™ve reached the point where we can do consent-based injections.

I make it a priority to ensure all my horses are well-trained for husbandry care. This is something we practice regularly, long before itā€™s actually needed. I never want to be in a position where Iā€™m trying to teach eye care, or how to handle needles and syringes, when thereā€™s a time constraint or when the horse is already in distress. We focus on these skills before any issues arise.

At least once a month, each of my horses has a husbandry care session to practice:

ā€¢ Eye handling and drops
ā€¢ Syringe training
ā€¢ Needle training
ā€¢ Checking teeth
ā€¢ Temperature checking
ā€¢ Touch in sensitive areas (which differ for each horse)

If we encounter any issues or hesitation, I focus on that specific area until we achieve clean loops.

Before the vet arrived for Pale, we practiced our injection routine, which weā€™ve done many times beforeā€”but never while he was in pain and unable to see out of one eye. When the vet arrived, we used the same routine. It wasnā€™t perfect, but it was safe. Thankfully, because weā€™ve done a lot of eye care practice, his treatments for his corneal ulcer have been a breeze, and we didnā€™t even need to remove him from the field. I canā€™t imagine trying to teach these skills while he was uncomfortable.

Having these skills in advance has made vet care safe and treatments easy.

All horses should have these skills, and if they donā€™t, practicing them should be a training priority.

Click & TreatClick & TreatClick & TreatClick & TreatClick & TreatSometimes I ride ā¤ļøTank Top: gypsyequestrian.com
08/20/2024

Click & Treat
Click & Treat
Click & Treat
Click & Treat
Click & Treat

Sometimes I ride ā¤ļø

Tank Top: gypsyequestrian.com

GG Equine kept my horses from getting very sick before we were able to install the track system. All 3 of my horses had ...
08/18/2024

GG Equine kept my horses from getting very sick before we were able to install the track system.

All 3 of my horses had risk factors for lamanitis. All 3 were very overweight but Asher and Peekabooā€™s body scores were downright scary.

I found that for the first time in years Asher was losing weight thanks to the GG muzzle. Thankfully due to our track system my horses are able to be muzzle free as we are able to control all their forage intake and significantly increase their movement. Unfortunately, track systems are very scarce right now, especially in Canada and our last few grass growing seasons have been exceptionally dangerous for any at risk horses.

Itā€™s understandable that muzzles may seem less than ideal and I have seen people mention that they APPEAR barbaric. I cannot overstate how many opinions my horses have, they have say in everything that happens in their lives, and if they can confidently agree to wear these muzzles 24/7 without fail or argument I can say with complete confidence that they are not barbaric but a important and sometimes misunderstood tool. With a bit of R+ training muzzles became just part of our daily routine.

While I have seen some issues regarding horses ability to communicate with one another with the muzzles on - that risk greatly outweighs the danger of lamanitis, especially for at risk horses. Having a horse with a muzzle on is a drastically better situation than the rehab and recovery involved in a rotation.

Green Guard is a wonderful company with so much knowledge and expertise. Having properly fitted muzzles that had no rubbing and no comfort issues was the only reason I was able to get my boys consistently wearing something that restricted their intake. They will take the time to walk you through all parts of muzzle fitting and training, no company Iā€™ve worked with have ever been as engaged with comfort and fit as they have been.

If you have any questions regarding muzzles please reach out to the Green Guard team the support they have offered me and my clients over the last year and a half has been invaluable! ā¤ļø

šŸ˜¬šŸ˜¬šŸ˜¬
08/17/2024

šŸ˜¬šŸ˜¬šŸ˜¬

08/14/2024

Our horses really do live their best lives šŸ¤£

The Dreaded Grass Maintenance on Track Systems šŸ˜¬Keeping our track system as grass-free as possible this year has been a ...
08/11/2024

The Dreaded Grass Maintenance on Track Systems šŸ˜¬

Keeping our track system as grass-free as possible this year has been a full-time job. With the constant heat and wet weather, plants in Ontario have been growing like they're on steroids! Even with regular harrowing, we were barely keeping the grass under control.

Thankfully, after some skillful research, Martine found a tool that seems to have done the trickā€”a power rake! It helped remove the grass without disturbing the root system too much, which saved us from ending up in a muddy mess.

We're hopeful that after this treatment, we'll stay grass-free for a while. Itā€™ll be interesting to see how long this solution will hold off the grass and how much it will slow down its growth.

Maintaining this track system has been quite a journey, and we've enjoyed sharing it with everyone!

As always, we'll continue to update you and share our experiences. ā¤ļø

FREE Information Night and Tour of our Premium Track System! Curious about how an our track system will benefit your hor...
08/06/2024

FREE Information Night and Tour of our Premium Track System!

Curious about how an our track system will benefit your horse?

Curious to know about what ā€œpremium track systemā€ is?

Balancing whispers in partnership with PATH Equestrian is hosting a free information night and tour.

When: Wednesday August 14th, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00
Location: Caledon East Ontario
Cost: Free

Whether you are looking to upgrade your horses lifestyle, enjoy the peace and quiet of a private facility with luxury amenities or are looking to find a likeminded community, we are happy to have you!

There are 8 spots available and must be booked in advance.

Canā€™t wait to hear from you! šŸ˜

Let's talk about Charlotte Dujardin.While I am disappointed that this whistleblower held onto this information for four ...
07/23/2024

Let's talk about Charlotte Dujardin.

While I am disappointed that this whistleblower held onto this information for four years, one could argue that it has the most significant impact on welfare discussions now. If this had come to light when the video was recorded, it would have likely been swept under the rug and not talked about.

Because of the timing, this is now going to be an active discussion in the equestrian world, and that in itself allows us to address, once again, how poor welfare is in equestrian sport.

This is not an isolated incident. Horse abuse is continuously happening worldwide, both behind closed doors and in front of cameras. Letā€™s reflect on the welfare disaster that occurred during the Tokyo Olympics.

Please continue discussing this. Please continue to be critical of those who represent the equine community.

WE šŸ‘ CAN šŸ‘ DO šŸ‘ BETTER šŸ‘

Edit: Itā€™s been brought to my attention that the whistleblower was only 15 years old at the time of the video. Can we just take a pause and understand how brave this young woman was to come forward with this information? Kudos to her and Iā€™m so proud to hear someone so young speaking out about welfare.

I really hope her name stays out of the media but whoever she is, she has my utmost respect and admiration.

Had a wonderful weekend attending and helping out at a Tellington TTouch  clinic, taught by Linda herself, at our new lo...
06/27/2023

Had a wonderful weekend attending and helping out at a Tellington TTouch clinic, taught by Linda herself, at our new location! Always love a weekend full of learning new skills and meeting new people ā¤ļø

Address

Mountainview Road
Caledon East, ON
L7K2G2

Opening Hours

Monday 12:30pm - 6pm
Tuesday 12:30pm - 6pm
Wednesday 12:30pm - 6pm
Thursday 12:30pm - 6pm
Friday 12:30pm - 6pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PATH Equestrian posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to PATH Equestrian:

Videos

Share


Other Caledon East pet stores & pet services

Show All