Brighter Pastures

Brighter Pastures Changing Lives through Equine Assisted Growth & Learning, Horseback Riding Lessons and Life Coaching

This post resonates deeply with me.The more I learn, the more I have continued to evolve.This shift didn’t happen all at...
04/11/2025

This post resonates deeply with me.

The more I learn, the more I have continued to evolve.

This shift didn’t happen all at once—it’s been unfolding over time, shaped by experience, reflection, and a deepening respect for the beings I share space with.

I’ve come to understand that animals are sentient beings, capable of thought, emotion, and choice.

Over time, I’ve learned to slow down, to ask for consent, and to listen more closely—to honor the way they reach out and connect, rather than assume what they need.

It’s an ongoing journey… one I’m deeply grateful to be on.

What’s even more meaningful is how these shifts have carried into my human relationships.
Learning to recognize subtle signals, to respect boundaries, to pause before assuming, and to meet others where they are… it has deepened connection, trust, and mutual respect—whether with horses or humans.

As I’ve practiced attunement with animals, I’ve found myself becoming more attuned to myself and to others.

And that’s where real connection begins.

INAPPROPRIATE TOUCHING

I'm reading an amazing book called Amphibious Soul by Craig Foster, the Academy award winning documentary film maker of "My Octopus Teacher".

If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it, it is simply profound.

In the book he says "As a rule, I never touch an animal unless they touch me first".

In my work building relationship with horses, I do this too. Most times a horse will touch you with their nose/muzzle first, and matching that greeting (versus labelling the horse as a biter) is a game changer.

But there's a phenomenon I have noticed going on with people trying to build relationship with their horses that I have labelled "inappropriate touching", and it looks a bit like the photo below.

This picture was taken at a horse expo in Pennsylvania recently, where I worked with a demo horse who has a "biting issue". He would reaching out in a way that his owner was termed as nipping, whereas I interpreted as him saying hello, similar to reaching out to shake hands with someone.

When he reached out I would greet him with a flat hand that he is able to to nuzzle, lick or even scrape his teeth on. After doing this a while his snappy acting motions got less so, and he was no longer needing to say "hey, pay attention" , but was more "hey, how's it going". I was explaining to the audience that I was meeting him in the way that he was meeting me (with his muzzle) and that it's not an invitation to touch other parts (yet).

I then said that it's many people's default to reach up and rub a horse between the eyes, whether that's what they are offering or not, and that if you do, it's inappropriate touching and it gets in the way of connection. It doesn't meet their needs, and is all about yours.

With the horse in the picture, he'd been engaging me with his muzzle, and I said to the audience "watch what happens when I try to rub him between the eyes". As you can see in the photo, he has raised his head up and is clearly indicating "No, not there, on my muzzle".

We had a Connection And Attunement retreat here at the Journey On Ranch a week ago, and I used my wife Robyn to illustrate this point to the participants. I said "imagine I'm at a gathering and meeting Robyn for the first time". We walked up to each other in that way people do when they see someone new and they can tell an introduction is shaping up, Robyn reached out with her hand to say hello and instead of me reaching out to shake her hand, I gently reached up and lightly brushed a wisp of hair from her cheekbone and tucked it behind her ear.

The participants all gasped and the ick factor was high.

Even though it was caring, and gentle, it was inappropriate at that moment.

Now Im not saying you can't rub your horse on the forehead. I'm saying if your horse has a disregulated nervous system around humans because they don't feel seen (and safe), try to meet their needs first, before trying get get yours met.

I recently saw an instagram post from a University in the UK, and the professor was explaining that they were doing studies on horses to determine levels of stress. In the background a horse was standing with his head out over a Dutch door. While he was explaining their investigations on stress, a female student (or maybe another professor, I don't know which) walked up to the horse. The horse reached out with his muzzle to greet her.

She ignored this and reached up to rub the horse between the eyes.

He turned his head 90 degrees to the left to communicate that wasn't what he was offering.

Her hand followed him and kept rubbing.

he then turned his head 180 degrees to the right, saying "No, not like that".

Smiled, gave him another pet between the eyes, and walked of camera.

While the professor was saying that they are doing experiments determining the amounts of stress horses are under, someone in the background was actually creating stress, without either of them even knowing it.

Once you understand how sentient horses are, and how subtle their communication, you can't unsee it.

Riding outdoors here in Florida offers more than just movement—it’s an invitation to slow down and truly feel.There’s a ...
04/10/2025

Riding outdoors here in Florida offers more than just movement—it’s an invitation to slow down and truly feel.

There’s a rhythm to the natural world that welcomes us in when we take the time to notice. The warm sun on your back, the soft swish of a horse’s tail, the buzz of dragonflies skimming the grass. Birds call from the trees, frogs sing from hidden places, and the breeze carries the sweet scent of blooming flowers through the shade of ancient oaks. Occasionally a butterfly drifts by and lands softly, as if to remind you—there’s no rush.

This is where connection happens—where kids and adults alike can breathe, reset, and find a little more harmony within themselves and with the world around them.

Nature has so much to teach us… and horses help us listen.


🌟Welcome to the Herd🌟The second introduction in our weekly series is this spotted cutie, Punkin! 💜Having spent many year...
04/09/2025

🌟Welcome to the Herd🌟
The second introduction in our weekly series is this spotted cutie, Punkin! 💜

Having spent many years in the show ring with youth riders, Punkin has the incredible experience and skill to teach people of all ages to become strong and confident. Punkin is kind, intuitive, inquisitive and very bright. She loves to be groomed, have her mane brushed and braided, and she adores big hugs! She has a way of bringing joy to everyone she meets with her thoughtfulness and fun personality.

If you’ve ever shared hugs with Punkin and know her most favorite spot to be scratched, leave a 💜 and share in the comments!




𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡?Like your body is holding onto something your words can’t quite rea...
04/08/2025

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡?
Like your body is holding onto something your words can’t quite reach?

At Brighter Pastures, we offer something different: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚-𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠—where healing doesn’t always come from sitting in a chair and talking it out.

Here’s what makes this work so powerful:
Horses respond to what’s real. They don’t care what you say—they tune in to how you feel.
And that kind of feedback? It’s honest, gentle, and incredibly healing.

Whether it’s a child struggling with big emotions, a teen feeling overwhelmed, a young woman navigating life shifts, or an adult carrying pain that’s never had a place to land… this space is for you.

It’s quiet. It’s grounded. It’s real.
And sometimes, it’s the first place people actually feel safe enough to breathe again.

If that sounds like something you or someone you love might need, I’d love to share more about how this work supports growth, healing, and connection.




Today and everyday!-💙 Moose
04/07/2025

Today and everyday!
-💙 Moose

Did you know that horses can drink up to 10 gallons of water per day? That's like quenching their thirst with a small sw...
04/04/2025

Did you know that horses can drink up to 10 gallons of water per day? That's like quenching their thirst with a small swimming pool! 🌊💧
Horses have a robust water intake requirement to meet their physiological needs, especially considering their size and activity levels. Their bodies depend on an ample supply of water to support digestion, regulate body temperature, and maintain overall health and well-being. 💪🌡️

10 Ways Horses Can Transform Your Life1. Build Confidence: Interacting with horses can boost self-esteem and confidence ...
04/03/2025

10 Ways Horses Can Transform Your Life

1. Build Confidence: Interacting with horses can boost self-esteem and confidence as you learn to communicate effectively with these majestic animals.
2. Develop Patience: Horses teach patience as you learn to understand their behavior, build trust, and develop a bond over time.
3. Enhance Communication Skills: Working with horses requires clear and concise communication, helping you improve your verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
4. Learn Responsibility: Caring for a horse teaches responsibility, including feeding, grooming, and maintaining their living environment.
5. Manage Stress: Spending time with horses can be therapeutic, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation through their calming presence.
6. Increase Physical Fitness: Riding and caring for horses provide a full-body workout, improving balance, coordination, and strength.
7. Promote Mindfulness: Being around horses encourages mindfulness as you focus on the present moment and connect with nature.
8. Develop Trust: Building a relationship with a horse requires trust, teaching you the importance of trust in all areas of life.
9. Boost Empathy: Understanding a horse's needs and emotions fosters empathy, which can enhance your relationships with both humans and animals.
10. Inspire Leadership: Leading a horse requires confidence and assertiveness, helping you develop strong leadership skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.

🌟Welcome to the Herd🌟We are excited to introduce you to the members of our herd!  Every Wednesday for the next few month...
04/02/2025

🌟Welcome to the Herd🌟
We are excited to introduce you to the members of our herd! Every Wednesday for the next few months, we will spotlight a member of our team and showcase them throughout our daily stories 💛
First up, meet Candy 🧡
Candy has been with us since the inception of Brighter Pastures in 2005 and is truly the matriarch of our program. She is an exceptional mount for the beginner and has provided hundreds of students their first horseback ride. Candy, known for her gentle and old soul, is one of our most attuned, providing wonderful horse-human interactive sessions. She loves spending time with our clients and has provided endless support to people of all ages.
If you’ve ever had a chance to interact with Candy, leave a 🧡 in the comments!




🌟Thank you for sharing🌟
04/01/2025

🌟Thank you for sharing🌟

Every day, we are faced with countless challenges and opportunities. The difference between feeling overwhelmed and feel...
03/31/2025

Every day, we are faced with countless challenges and opportunities. The difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered begins with one thing: our thoughts.

💡 Imagine this: You wake up and the first thought in your mind is, "Today is going to be a great day." This simple, positive affirmation sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s not just wishful thinking—it's a powerful shift in perspective.

🌟 When you change your thoughts, you unlock new possibilities. Instead of seeing obstacles, you start seeing opportunities. Instead of feeling defeated, you feel determined.

💪 Remember, your mind is a powerful tool. By consciously choosing uplifting thoughts, you can transform your entire experience. It’s not always easy, but it's always worth it.

So, take a moment today to check in with your thoughts. Are they helping you build the life you want? If not, it’s time to make a change. Because when you change your thoughts, you change your world.

A whorl is a circular or spiral pattern of hair growth found on the horse's body, often located on the face, neck, or ot...
03/28/2025

A whorl is a circular or spiral pattern of hair growth found on the horse's body, often located on the face, neck, or other parts of their coat. Much like human fingerprints, no two whorls are exactly alike, making them a valuable tool for identifying individual horses. These patterns can range from simple and symmetrical to intricate and complex, adding a touch of beauty and uniqueness to each equine companion. 🌀🌟
Researchers and horse enthusiasts have discovered that whorls can be used to distinguish one horse from another, even if their physical appearances are similar. By examining the size, shape, and location of these whorls, experts can create a distinct profile for each horse, aiding in identification and record-keeping. It's like uncovering a secret code that nature has imprinted on these magnificent creatures! 🔍✨

Horses have an incredible ability to support nervous system regulation simply by being who they are. Their presence alon...
03/27/2025

Horses have an incredible ability to support nervous system regulation simply by being who they are. Their presence alone can create a sense of calm, as they naturally attune to our energy and emotions without judgment. They don’t rush to fix, analyze, or offer advice—they just hold space. In their company, we’re invited to slow down, connect with our breath, and become more aware of what’s happening within us. Their grounded nature and rhythmic movements help regulate our nervous system, offering a deep sense of safety and connection that words often can’t provide.

Last week, our spring break campers got hands-on with a fun project—designing custom browbands for some of our horses! T...
03/26/2025

Last week, our spring break campers got hands-on with a fun project—designing custom browbands for some of our horses! They carefully matched colors to each horse’s halter and lead rope, making sure every detail was just right. Now, Gemma and her friends are showing off their fresh new looks!

Drop a ❤️ for our campers’ creativity! Which horse should get a new browband next?

Life is an ever-evolving process of self-discovery—an ongoing search for clarity amid the noise and uncertainty. It’s ab...
03/25/2025

Life is an ever-evolving process of self-discovery—an ongoing search for clarity amid the noise and uncertainty. It’s about uncovering what truly matters—our desires, values, and beliefs—and making choices that reflect who we are at our core.

With each step, we move closer to authenticity, creating a life that feels genuine and aligned. Keep exploring, keep refining, and have the courage to build a life that speaks to your soul. When we embrace who we truly are, we step into our fullest potential and find deep, lasting fulfillment.

Ever heard the saying '𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨, 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨'? When you set your sights on goals, passions, and possi...
03/24/2025

Ever heard the saying '𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙘𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨, 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙨'?

When you set your sights on goals, passions, and possibilities, you naturally move toward them with motivation and purpose. But when your attention lingers on worries, doubts, and stress, it can leave you feeling stuck and drained.

Where you place your focus shapes your reality—choose to direct it toward what uplifts and empowers you.
~💙 Moose

💗
03/24/2025

💗

“Always be the girl who loves the horse more than the sport”

There’s something special about kids growing up in the barn. It’s more than just time with animals—it’s learning life.🐴 ...
03/21/2025

There’s something special about kids growing up in the barn. It’s more than just time with animals—it’s learning life.

🐴 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲—Caring for horses and other animals teaches commitment, hard work, and follow-through.
🌿 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞—Time outside builds awareness, patience, and appreciation for the world around them.
💪 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 & 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬—They learn to be strong enough to lead yet gentle enough to listen.
❤️ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠—Horses communicate without words, teaching kids to listen deeply, build trust, and form meaningful relationships.
🌟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞—Mastering new skills, facing challenges, and seeing progress builds belief in themselves.
🔥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞—The barn teaches that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the journey.

The lessons learned here go far beyond the arena. They shape who kids become—strong, capable, compassionate, and deeply connected to the world around them.

Brighter Pastures offers equine-assisted coaching and learning opportunities, alongside progressive horseback riding lessons with a curriculum focused on centered and balanced riding techniques. Our holistic approach is designed to foster personal development and emotional well-being through transfo...

Spring Break Camp at Brighter Pastures was all about hands-on learning! Campers jumped into the daily care of horses—scr...
03/20/2025

Spring Break Camp at Brighter Pastures was all about hands-on learning! Campers jumped into the daily care of horses—scrubbing buckets, braiding manes and tails, and experiencing firsthand how small acts of care build trust and connection.

But the lessons went beyond chores. Today, campers explored emotions—both theirs and the horses’. They learned to recognize and respond to equine body language, deepening their understanding of these incredible animals and themselves.

Hard work, fun, and meaningful moments made for an unforgettable day!

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11863 SW 180th Avenue
Brooker, FL
32622

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Brighter Pastures is for everybody!

Brighter Pastures uses proven, experience-based, horse-human interactions to foster behavioral, social, emotional, spiritual, physical, cognitive and psychological growth. The benefits of horse-human interaction are astounding and have become well-documented throughout the world. We are excited to now offer our unique services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families throughout north-central Florida!

Benefits include:


  • Self Reflection and Evaluation

  • Self Esteem and Confidence