Spirit Farm Blog
Welcome to the Spirit Farm blog, the home of all things Gypsy Cob! This space will be a forum for us to provide regular information on the care and maintenance of Gypsy Cobs, training tips, interviews with equine service providers and a monthly mindfulness and human-animal connection column. We are continually expanding and evolving this space so please contact us with your feedback and ideas!
Voice Cues
By Claire Sandercock Horse people talk to their horses. We praise them, cajole them, complain to them, tell them our cares and worries, and sometimes even shout at them. Many of us believe our tone of voice, if not the words, affect our horse’s behaviour. Heleski et al conducted a study in 2014 to find out to what extent soothing voice cues versus harsh ones assist in training. Their hypothesis
Horse Preferences
By Claire Sandercock Horses have preferences, which they appear motivated to communicate with us when given the opportunity. Some horses enjoy firm brushing while others prefer limited grooming, and handlers well-versed in equine body language can often determine what a horse is enjoying or wanting more of. Researchers recently trained horses to use symbols to communicate their preferences in a much less ambiguous way! It took all 23 horses used
A personal reflection on diversity in the equestrian community
I recently shared an article on social media which described the lived experience of select African American female equestrians in the USA. “It’s time for more diversity!” I heralded. I was humbled by the support the post received by both equestrians and non-equestrians alike. What was even more poignant were the private messages I received. People described being drawn to horses but then feeling intimidated or being excluded for being
Stephanie Dewes Q&A
Q & A with guest contributor Stephanie Dewes Stephanie Dewes, of Miracle Mile Equine Center, is a certified equine therapist, trainer and coach. Specializing in peak equine performance, Stephanie seeks to provide a complete program for horse and rider. She works closely with the physical and mental ability of the horse, while coaching riders to find success in their riding journey. As a world level rider herself, Stephanie focuses on
Q&A with guest contributor Nancy Christy-Moore
Arizona artist Nancy Christy-Moore, an internationally collected and award winning painter, brings the joy of color, energy and movement to her contemporary abstract mixed media and alcohol inks work. Educated at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles led her to teaching and exhibiting her work for the past forty years. Classes with highly acclaimed water media
The Impact of Equine Assisted Interventions on Measures of Social and Emotional Wellbeing in Adolescents (Updated)
By Dr. Shreyasi Brodhecker, MD, FRCP(C) Psychiatry Introduction There is limited empiric understanding of the emotional and social benefits of equine assisted interventions. This literature review asks, “What is the impact of equine assisted interventions on measures of social and emotional wellbeing in adolescents?” The rationale for selecting this topic lies in the intention of the author to partner with equines, in a nature based setting, to provide life skills
