Barn Life

3 Ways to a Stronger Bond

3 Ways to a Stronger Bond

How to Bond with Your Horse 3 Do's and Dont's for a Better Relationship After many successful rehab experiences with horses that had 'people problems', and 7 years of working...

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude

5 Ways to Practice Gratitude

...In the Barn & Beyond Gratitude. It's been quite a few years that this powerful concept - thousands of years in the making - has moved into the spotlight of...

The Power of 'BE-time': Healing and Building trust

The Power of 'BE-time': Healing and Building trust

We humans are amazing animals. With our consciousness, drive, intelligence and stamina, as well as our ability to conceptualize and plan, we accomplish great things and have thus made our...

Barn Life FAQ

What is "BE-time" with my horse?

BE-time is time spent with your horse without an agenda. Examples:

  • Walks in hand
  • Slow, attentive grooming that lets the horse guide you
  • Standing together while you chat with a barn friend
  • Very slow, soft body exercises

Leave food and snacks out of it. BE-time helps you read your horse's body language, notice signs of discomfort, and build trust in both directions.

Should I reward my horse with treats?

In general, let good behavior be its own reward: praise in a soft voice, stroke a favorite spot, and be a calm presence. Offer snacks outside the context of reward, just to socialize. The exception is high-value treats used to establish a specific behavior, such as lining up at the mounting block.

How can I build a stronger bond with my horse?

Three things to practice:

  • Don't hand out treats constantly as rewards.
  • Step in when other horses or people crowd your horse, so he feels safe with you.
  • Treat every interaction as a conversation rather than demanding obedience at all costs.

The exception is dangerous behavior, which must stop immediately.

How can I show gratitude in the barn?

Say "thank you" so you mean it. Leave a little note. Share something you have extra of. Send a photo of someone's horse. Or pass on a book you bought twice, with a thank-you written inside the cover.