Bodhi Horse Practice

12/27/2024

An idyllic home for horses and riders in the Athens-Oconee area!

12/23/2024

A mic drop article by one of our favorite farriers, Clancy Cowley!

12/20/2024

A thoughtful must-read that dispels common myths and helps us consider the benefits of whole grains.

Grain isn’t the enemy of horses! When fed responsibly, it can provide essential energy, support growth, and enhance performance. Learn how to feed grain safely and effectively while debunking common myths in equine nutrition.

12/18/2024

Please consider donating. Karie Vander Werf, founder of The Liberty Barn, is an equine vet and you’ll be funding a strong chance of success this holiday season 💛

12/16/2024

This week’s question on equine lameness was asked and co-answered by vet physio student, Alana Somerset. Feel free to DM your thoughts. We’d love to hear them!

Edited - link to the whole article:
https://equinebalancedsupport.com/blogs/news/everyday-ethology-why-are-so-many-domesticated-horses-lame

12/05/2024

We’re collaborating with Equine Balanced Support to answer reader questions, so message us and bring ‘em on!
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Explore the fascinating reasons behind stoic behavior in horses. Learn how personality, environment, and learned behavior influence equine expression, and discover how fostering trust and communication can lead to more fulfilling relationships with your horse.

12/04/2024

The only equine transport company we refer to for longer distances. Family owned, state of the art trailers and staff who your horses will consider family.

Chasing the Sun Stables. Full Care Equestrian facility, Broodmares under lights, Broodmare Care, Breeding assistance for all breeds, local breed shed transport for Thoroughbred clients or transport for AI clients, On site veterinary care, Foaling & Imprinting, Layups, Training, and Retirement.

12/03/2024

Please consider supporting this ridiculously amazing sanctuary who provide wonderful life opportunities for all creatures great and small. Liking and following their page is another way to send them your love 💛

11/19/2024

Thrilled to collaborate with Equine Balanced Support, a company truly dedicated to the well-being of horses and advancing thoughtful initiatives. Excited to share my latest article that reflects our shared passion for horse-focused care!

Explore the fascinating world of equine ethology and its impact on domestic horses. This article by Dr. Désirée Braganza dives into the natural behaviors of wild and semi-wild equines—like grazing, social bonds, and communication—and explains how understanding these instincts can help create h...

11/09/2024

It's here!!!! Message us for your copy of gift ideas handpicked by:

✨Catherine Bradley, Equine Podiatrist Fit For A Queenie
🐎Bonny Mealand, Touching Wild Touching Wild with Bonny Mealand
✨Kim Hallin, Unbridled
🐎Irene Perrett, International Equine Professionals
✨Annika O'Kane, Children's Book Author, The Pretty Pony Once Said
🐎Meg Eades, R+ Trainer Eades
✨Apalachee Meadows Apalachee Meadows
🐎David Gilpin, Saddler David Gilpin Custom Saddle Work & WOW Saddles
✨Jessie Sams, Equine Behaviorist Animal Behaviour and Trauma Recovery Service UK
🐎Chasing The Sun Equine Transport CTS Equine Transport
✨Our Bodhi Horse Practice Herd - Désirée Braganza, Abby Letteri, Azariah Taylor, Matt Bruno & Mike Parker, DVM
🐎Spotlighting The Liberty Barn The Liberty Barn

Photo by Azariah Taylor

11/07/2024

🎉 Just a few more days before The Fandabadaisy! Holiday Issue is here —packed with 🎁 horsey gift ideas and festive fun from equine professionals all over the world! 🌍🐴✨

Message us or email “subscribe” to [email protected] to get your free copy. 📬💌 Your email will only be used for our newsletter.🎄

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Photo by Abby Letteri

11/01/2024

🎁 Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for your horse and horse-loving friends? 🎄

Sign up for our free Fandabadaisy! newsletter to unwrap a curated list of one-of-a-kind gift ideas from equine experts around the world! From thoughtful treats to practical gear, we’ve gathered something special for everyone.

Simply message us to join! ✉️ Your privacy is important to us—emails are used exclusively for this newsletter.

10/21/2024

🐴 Introducing ‘Talk It Out Tuesday’ at Bodhi Horse Practice! 🐴

Every Tuesday, we’re here to help you and your horse with a free 15-minute phone or video consultation. Have a question or challenge? Message us with the details, and we’ll explore solutions together. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain expert advice and fresh insights.

🗓️ Available every Tuesday

📞 Free 15-minute consultation

💬 Message us with your horse-related question or challenge to get started

Don’t miss your chance—reach out today to reserve your spot, and let’s talk it out!

10/18/2024

Our post on semi-wild equines inspired others to share beautiful photos! For those in the Athens, GA area, Jordyn Marshall is a bodyworker and owner of Tiger Eye Massage and Wellness. She works with a range of human athletes, including riders. These photos are from her recent trip to Grand Turk, part of the Turks Islands.

Grand Turk is home to donkeys originally brought to the island in the 17th century to work in the salt industry. As that work became mechanized, the donkeys were set free and became feral—now living semi-wild.

The donkeys coexist with locals and visitors, and there are efforts to support and protect the population. Jordyn noted that people on the island seem to know, care for, and sometimes rely on these donkeys for transport.

If you’re traveling to areas with wild or semi-wild equines, please respect their space and avoid feeding them to prevent health issues.

10/14/2024

Thinking of investing in a new horse? As an applied equine ethologist, I provide a science-based psychological and welfare evaluation to help you make an informed choice. I assess a horse’s behavior, stress indicators, and adaptability to new environments, identifying any challenges or welfare concerns. This thorough ‘well-being check’ complements a vet’s physical soundness exam, ensuring a positive match for both horse and human while preparing the path for a smooth, stress-free partnership. Consultations are offered in-person and virtually.

10/06/2024

A big thank you again to Anthrozoology researcher Irene Perrett for sharing more of her stunning photos and insights about the semi-wild herds in Exmoor and Dartmoor, UK!

“The bay ponies under the bright blue sky are free-living Exmoor ponies. They live in a number of owned and managed herds on the moor, with each herd being kept separate by stone banks, hedges, or fences. They are gathered each year with youngsters and ponies who won't thrive being removed from the moor. Some female yearlings are returned to the moor in the spring, whilst the colts who aren't chosen to grow on as stallions and spare fillies are sold. Stallions usually stay with the mares for a few years. All free-living herds in the UK are managed to an extent, but Exmoor herds possibly more than some.”

“Dartmoor ponies are either registered purebred (whole coloured) or hill ponies (whole and mixed colours). The dynamics of the hill pony herds are more flexible because the areas they roam are less restricted. Hill ponies will also be brought in from the moor each year in October for the drift sales. They tend to be smaller and a little less stocky than the Exmoor ponies. The remaining photos show these Dartmoors.”

[For links to detailed information, please feel free to message us.]

10/02/2024

Reader Question: What is Applied Equine Ethology?

Ethology is the study of animal behavior in natural environments. While many may envision animals in the wild, there are very few truly wild herds of horses, ponies, donkeys, and other equines left today. Instead, semi-wild herds—those living with varying degrees of human intervention—are often studied. Years of research into how equines interact with their environments and each other provide invaluable insights. Applied equine ethology takes this research and applies it to better understand and support the behavior and well-being of domestic horses, helping them thrive in human care.

[Pictured – Taken by Anthrozoology researcher, Irene Perrett, while walking her dogs in Dartmoor, UK. We’ll be sharing more photos and a description of some of the semi-wild herds residing there in an upcoming post.]

09/27/2024

If you're in the Athens or Atlanta areas, we love Apalachee Meadows in Bogart, GA! This exceptional boarding facility is designed for horses to live naturally, with spacious pastures that promote grazing, socializing, and overall well-being. The knowledgeable owners and staff truly understand horses, making it a rare find and an ideal place for your horse to thrive, no matter your riding discipline.