Shadowed Behavior Equine, LLC

01/21/2025

We would like to take time today (especially today) to remind our followers about a few things.

Shadowed Behavior, LLC is a business I formed a few years ago named after my first horse, in which I have the chance to combine my two passions: behavior analysis and horse training. I created this platform on social media as an educational resource for other equestrians who might be interested in learning. I am hopeful that is the reason you have decided to follow my page.

My business, by its very nature, is scientific. Horse training is (or should be) scientific. Behavior analysis is a science. As a practicing behavior analyst, I am a scientist. I form hypotheses, I collect data, I analyze data, I develop treatment plans and implement them.

Additionally, as a practicing behavior analyst, I am bound by an ethics code. But even if I wasn’t, I would still go out of my way to treat the animals and people that I meet with the utmost respect and empathy. Not because I have to, but because it is the right thing to do.

Shadowed Behavior, LLC is pro science, pro books, pro education, and pro empathy. We work to be anti racist and anti sexist.

Shadowed Behavior, LLC has a voice in community activism. We regularly donate to benefit families who are victims of genocide across Africa and in Palestine. Last year, we were one of the sponsors of our local pride event.

Shadowed Behavior, LLC practices trauma-informed care for people and animals alike. Additionally, in our practices, we care about the “big four,” which, to us, is autonomy, independence, acceptance, and assent. We want those we are working with to be as autonomous as possible while we promote independence and acceptance and teach using assent-based practices.

This is who I am, and this is what my business is. For those who align with what I have posted, I am thankful. For those who don’t, I invite you to stay and open your mind to learning something new - this was designed to be an educational resource, after all.

-Beck

11/18/2024

The other day we stumbled upon a post describing reinforcement and punishment - which we love to see! But, there were a lot of questions in the comments of that post, which had us thinking that it might be helpful if we make one as well for our followers to reference and share as needed.

Hope this is helpful!

Confused? Got questions? Comment below! We will get to them ASAP!

Our goal is to educate & empower equestrians with knowledge & ethics. Thank you for being here!

- Beck

11/03/2024

Now booking clinics for the Summer of 2025. Pleased to offer clinics nationwide this summer!

Contact us to book! www.shadowedbehaviorequine.com | [email protected] | 215.298.1963

A bit about Shadowed Behavior, LLC –
I have over 23 years of equine experience, about 6 years of training experience, and 3 years as a BCBA and LBS. I specialize in horses with trauma/aggression and focus on willing participation in equines to cultivate a healthy relationship between you and your horse using the principles of behavior analysis. I have my MS in Applied Behavior Analysis and I am starting my PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis in January of 2025.

A bit about our clinics –
Our clinics are split into two parts – lecture based, and experience-based. In the morning, we begin with the lecture to foster open discussions on current training techniques, challenges, and new approaches while educating participants and auditors on behavior analysis and how it can be used with equines. In the afternoon we shift into the experience-based format which includes participants having the chance to practice the principles discussed in the lecture as well as myself modeling strategies and working with some of the horses. This section is completed in small groups or individually depending on the size of the clinic.

Contact us to book!
www.shadowedbehaviorequine.com
[email protected]
215.298.1963

Hope to hear from you soon!

-Beck

07/30/2024

We have immediate openings available for Bucks County, PA, the surrounding area, or virtual services!

Check out our website or send us a message to learn more or get started: www.shadowedbehaviorequine.com

We offer Clinics, Lectures, Behavior Evaluations, Behavior Training, Behavior Consultations, Training Plan Verifications, Professional Collabs, & (now) BCBA Supervision! We love what we do and we are passionate about it.

Why us? We are glad you asked! An equestrian since 2001 with a graduate degree in applied behavior analysis, a national certification as a behavior analyst, a state license as a behavioral specialist, and approximately seven years of training experience. We are a pressure & hassle free business with an open door policy. We use empathy and ethics in our training practices, including the use of positive reinforcement (R+).

Get in touch!
www.shadowedbehaviorequine.com
[email protected]
215.298.1963
Bucks County, PA & Virtual

-Beck

07/30/2024

but in all seriousness, imagine how uncomfortable it is being THIS insecure all the time that you think if an animal isn’t completely obedient they should be dead

07/30/2024

Flooding them is traumatizing them. Why do I need to convince people to be nice to their horses?

07/28/2024

Check out our first episode for our Empathetic Equestrians Series here!

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/qjlBuZQrBLb

An interview with Jessica Stringer from Viridian Hill Farm - the person who inspired the series! Follow to keep up with all of the upcoming Empathetic Equestrians.

Know an Empathetic Equestrian? Nominate them on our website!

07/28/2024

Episode 1!

07/27/2024

It is official! The first episode of the Empathetic Equestrians Series is out now! For our first episode, we interviewed the inspiration behind the series, Jessica Stringer from Viridian Hill Farm in Mississippi! We had a blast interviewing her, and cannot wait to interview her again.

Take a listen here!
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/5PpwXkESyLb

07/20/2024

Our podcast is BACK! With a new, brief episode just released to introduce you to the Empathetic Equestrians series and what the future of the podcast looks (or sounds) like.

Take a listen on Spotify!

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/DQJ5AfCvoLb

-Beck

07/18/2024

Empathetic Equestrians | Upcoming Episode

Jessica Stringer, Viridian Hill Farm
Join us as we speak to Jessica about her journey into empathetic equestrianism - and meet the person who inspired the “Empathetic Equestrians” series!

Release Date | 07.25.2024

Don't want to wait? Looking to find out more now? Follow her on TikTok!

https://www.tiktok.com/?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

-Beck

07/12/2024

Our new series, Empathetic Equestrians, is off to a great start! We already have quite a few interviews lined up for next week and they should start being released on our podcast, website, and social media platforms around the end of the month! BUT, prior to the interviews starting we want to know - what questions do you think we should ask? Is there something you have on your mind or a topic you want to know more about? Let us know by commenting below!

Psst - it isn't too late to get interviewed or nominated someone! Check out our website to set that up! https://shadowedbehaviorequine.com/empatheticequestrians

Cannot wait to share these with you all. Thank you!

-Beck

07/10/2024

We are thrilled to announce the start of a new series we will be running called Empathetic Equestrians! Currently accepting nominations via our website - see below for more information!

As we stumble upon fellow equestrians working with their horses in an ethical and empathetic way, we work to bring that style of horsemanship and equestrianism to light. Via our Empathetic Equestrians series, we interview those equestrians and outline their beliefs, practices, and reasoning for their ethical and empathetic behavior.

We hope that these stories will provide a platform for more equestrians to begin to practice with empathy, as well as highlight those that already do.

More information: https://shadowedbehaviorequine.com/empatheticequestrians

As we stumble upon fellow equestrians working with their horses in an ethical and empathetic way, we work to bring that style of horsemanship and equestrianism to light. Via our Empathetic Equestrians series, we interview those equestrians and outline their beliefs, practices, and reasoning for their ethical and empathetic behavior.

We hope that these stories will provide a platform for more equestrians to begin to practice with empathy, as well as highlight those that already do.

Read more: https://shadowedbehaviorequine.com/empatheticequestrians

07/10/2024

As we stumble upon fellow equestrians working with their horses in an ethical and empathetic way, we work to bring that style of horsemanship and equestrianism to light. Via our Empathetic Equestrians series, we interview those equestrians and outline their beliefs, practices, and reasoning for their ethical and empathetic behavior.

We hope that these stories will provide a platform for more equestrians to begin to practice with empathy, as well as highlight those that already do.

Read more: https://shadowedbehaviorequine.com/empatheticequestrians

07/02/2024

If you wouldn't want it done to you, don't do it to your horse.

Every time I do a clinic this point comes up. "What about people who do _____?" Or, "What are your thoughts on ______?" It really just boils down to empathy. The golden rule.

I always try, if and when I see horses being mistreated, to interject. I attempt to approach indirectly, offer options, and advocate for the horse. Almost every time I do, I am met with blatant apathy for the horse, for me, and for anyone who doesn't agree with them. I get called weak, soft, stupid, you name it.

Ultimately, I really don't care what they call me, I just hope they start treating the horse better.

I really don't know how or why I need to convince people to be nice to their horses.

Honestly, did you get into this field because you love horses, or because you love hurting them?

Just be nice.

-Beck

07/01/2024

Thank you to our outstanding hosts at Blue Moon Equestrian today! Our clinic was a great success, even with the searing heat and sticky humidity! We had a great group of auditors and participants that were very interested and engaged. Thank you to all who came! It was a great day!

Hope to be back again soon!

-Beck

06/29/2024

Tomorrow is the day of our clinic at Blue Moon Equestrian & we cannot wait - see you there!

Less than one month until our clinic at Blue Moon Equestrian & we cannot wait! Still time to RSVP!

Hope to see you there!

-Beck

06/22/2024

We are now accepting new clients throughout southeastern PA and virtually!

Shadowed Behavior, LLC is where equestrianism meets applied behavior analysis and is run by Beck Simon, who is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst © (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). An avid equestrian for over two decades, Beck has approximately six years of training experience, three of which as a BCBA. Through combining her graduate degree, certification, and license with her equine and training experience, they created Shadowed Behavior, LLC to bring a new light to horse training through the lens of applied behavior analysis.

All practices we employ are backed by scientific literature and are implemented with an ethical empathetic approach. We specialize in horses with trauma, usually presenting with anxiety or aggression, but are open to all equines (of course!). We offer lectures, clinics, behavior evaluations, behavior training sessions (mounted or unmounted), behavior consultations, training plan verifications, and collaborations with other equine professionals.

We are open-minded, patient, and have a sense of humor. We welcome (and encourage) interviews by perspective clients and are happy to answer any questions. Feel free to comment, share, and/or contact us to get started.

A happier, healthier, and more confident horse starts here.

Hope to hear from you soon!

https://shadowedbehaviorequine.com/

-Beck