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PATH Equestrian

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Cale, ON
PATH Equestrian

Transforming horsemanship with compassion, care, and connection. Equine behaviour modification, R+ and fear-free training!🥕 Welcome to PATH Equestrian!

Premium track system boarding, personalized lessons, and a vibrant Positive Reinforcement equine community. I'm Brie Simpson, founder and owner, with over 15 years of equine training experience. As an Equine Training Professional at The Pet Professional Guild and an Associate Trainer at The World Bitless Association, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. In 2021, I was honoured with the “Be

st Equestrian / Riding Lesson” award in the Waterloo Region, prior to moving to Caledon East. My scientific publications include "9 DIY Enrichment Activities for Horses to Prevent Boredom" and "8 Common Stereotypic Behaviours in Horses and What They Mean." I've also been featured on the podcast "The Willing Equine," discussing LIMA for humans and supporting change in episodes 47 and 48. As a behavioural consultant recommended and trusted by local vets, my focus is on compassionate, humane, and science-based methods to enhance the bond between horse and rider. At PATH Equestrian, we offer a range of services designed to support both horses and their owners. Our premium track system boarding provides a natural and enriching environment for horses, ensuring they thrive while receiving top-tier care and comfort. We also offer specialized lessons through the PATH Institute, including Positive Reinforcement, Husbandry Care, Vet Skills, and Behaviour Modification lessons. These lessons are conducted with horses that are highly proficient in R+, making them excellent teachers for our clients. For those who cannot visit us in person, we offer virtual lessons, behavior consultations, and R+ online coaching to address a wide variety of situations. Additionally, our exclusive board and train programs are available on a highly selective basis, providing a comprehensive transformation for the horse's life and welfare. Beyond our services, PATH Equestrian is a welcoming space for the equine community. We share ongoing education, helpful information, and inspiration, striving to support and advance equine welfare. Our vibrant R+ community is a place for like-minded individuals to connect and grow together. Join us at PATH Equestrian and experience the difference compassionate, science-based training can make. For more information, visit https://pathequestrian.com/

07/15/2025

Trust me, I know how unhinged my passion can seem 🥴

07/14/2025

The bigger picture: Why Enrichment Matters

It might be easy to see enrichment as just a nice “extra” for stalled horses, but it’s far more essential than that.

Because confinement isn’t species-appropriate. Horses are built to move, graze, and live socially. When we stall them, even temporarily, it changes everything about how their bodies and minds are meant to function.

The research is clear: enrichment changes everything!

✅ French ENVA study on hospitalized horses (Le Moal, 2018):

Compared two groups of hospitalized horses:

1) Standard stalls: minimal stimulation

2) Enriched stalls: included toys, hanging, forage, sensory enrichment, and more frequent small feedings

RESULTS SHOWED THE ENRICHED HORSES:

• Spent just 1 minute per day on stereotypic behaviors vs 27 minutes in standard stalls

• Had lower pain scores during wound care and daily exams

• Showed less reactivity to manipulations (handling was easier and calmer)

• Had fewer complications in healing and overall recovery was smoother

Full thesis (in French):

https://theses.vet-alfort.fr/telecharger.php?id=1820

⸻

✅ 2024 Brauns, Ali & McLean comparative trial (ISES Conference):

Tested the impact of three enrichment types on stalled horses:

• Hay feeders (slow feed and multi-point nets)
• Activity balls
• Mirrors

KEY FINDINGS:

• All enrichments increased time spent foraging, stretching, and exploring compared to baseline

• Idle time and frustration behaviors (like pawing or weaving) were reduced across the board

• The hay feeder produced behavior patterns most similar to wild horses, with frequent small bouts of feeding broken up by short rest or movement

Full study:

https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6wc24448

⸻

Digging deeper into why it matters;

If you’d like to explore this even further, I’ve written two detailed articles for Mad Barn that pull together research on enrichment, gut health, stress reduction, and the science behind stereotypic behaviors. They’re a great resource if you want practical ideas backed by solid studies and lots of research:

https://madbarn.ca/horse-enrichment-activities/

https://madbarn.ca/stereotypic-behaviour-in-horses/

⸻

Because it’s never really about toys or treats.
It’s about giving horses back something of what they’re missing. It’s about making an inherently unnatural situation more closely aligned with their true species needs, and protecting both their bodies and their minds even when turnout isn’t possible.

07/12/2025

DIY horse cooling!

This weather is brutal so this is our solution for our herd!

Just attached an old semi broken sprinkler to the fence with zip tied and ran it for 30 minutes

The area around the sprinkler dropped a few degrees even if they didn’t stand in the water they got a good misting.

The area around was SO cool by the time we turned the water off.

Resharing this due to this awful heat wave 🥵

07/12/2025

Monitored enrichment: more than just feeding

Some of the most satisfying enrichment options are also the ones that work best when I’m nearby. Not because they’re unsafe by default, but because they’re meant to be offered thoughtfully, supervised, and often cleaned up when the horse is done.

These are the little extras that bring out foraging, problem-solving, exploring, and even playful moments. I like to think of them as hands-on enrichment, and they’re some of my favourite tools for keeping a stalled horse’s brain busy.

⸻

✅ Carrot and veggie strings (and sometimes in pumpkins!)

I’ll braid carrots, celery, or other safe veggies onto ropes and hang them. Horses have to nibble, tug, and use a bit more finesse than simply diving into a pile of hay. I always make sure the ropes are safely tied and only offered when I’m around. The horses are always bare-faced so there’s nothing to catch.

Kids love to make these!

⸻

✅ Cardboard boxes (or squishy water mats):

stuffed with hay, veggies, or both
Super simple enrichment that’s incredibly satisfying for horses. They get to nose, tear, and root through to find their snack. I always clean up leftover bits right after. I monitor to make sure they do not eat the cardboard (looking at you Peekaboo).

Also gives you a use for those extra Mad Barn boxes 🎉

⸻

✅ Lick mats

I made these with front door mats (very cheap) and I use carrot paste or apple paste. Sometimes for horses that can tolerate sugar - molasses is VERY fun to put on the mat as it’s sticky and takes alot of work to lick off.

I do like to offer this one supervised because I don’t want to risk them trying to eat the mat when it’s left behind (again, peekaboo).

⸻

✅ Hay balls stuffed with small amounts of fresh forage or herbs:

Adding a handful of fresh grass, dandelions, or mint can change the entire experience. But because fresh greens can spoil (and sometimes quickly) or cause issues if gulped too fast, I only do this in small amounts and when I’m there to remove any leftovers.

⸻

✅ Jolly ball wrapped with a hay net or fresh forage:

This turns a basic toy into a rolling, edible puzzle. They push it, paw it, and explore. Because it’s a bit more interactive (and could make a mess), I use this when I’m around to watch and pick up leftovers.

⸻

Why supervised enrichment matters:

These ideas give horses more to explore and think about than standard feeding ever could. They help break up boredom, reduce stress, and let natural foraging and investigation shine through. Being there simply ensures it stays fun, safe, and positive.

Also it’s always very fun to watch them engage with these toys ☺️

⸻

📸 P.S. I’ll be sharing a big photo dump of these monitored enrichment ideas next. If you want more details, like how I tie the veggie strings, what I stuff in the boxes, or how I clean the lick mats, drop a comment on that photo and I’ll happily break it down for you.

07/10/2025

Hanging forage & forage toys: more than just feeding

When horses are stalled, whether for necessary stall rest or because we’ve hauled them to shows and clinics, I want their environment to do more than just feed them. We want it to engage them.

That’s why I rely on hanging forage options and forage-based toys.
These aren’t just slow feeders. They’re enrichment that taps into natural grazing and foraging instincts.

✅ Multiple hay nets hung at different spots and heights:

This encourages gentle turning, shifting, and reaching. Even small changes in posture keep muscles active and minds engaged.

You’ll notice in some photos I’ve set the enrichment higher. That was done on purpose for specific rehab plans that required certain neck postures. It’s always tailored to the horse.

✅ Hay balls and hanging feeders that sway or roll:

These turn eating into a little puzzle. Instead of standing over one pile, they work a bit for each bite. It’s simple mental stimulation that also slows intake and supports gut health.

I’ll sometimes mix in higher-value snacks right into the hay. If the horse can have sugar, carrots are an easy, cheap option. For horses with EMS who still deserve a satisfying crunch, celery works great too.

⚠️How I hang safely:

• I’ve used PVC-covered chains to hang hay toys. The pipe protects from snagging skin or catching a halter.

• I also repurpose old lead ropes.

• I’ll use baler twine loops with clips (or eye pad plate with a ring), sometimes wrapping the clips in vet wrap, or simply ensuring horses are bare-faced with no halters so there’s nothing to catch.

❗️A few more notes:

• I rotate the toys’ positions around the stall or paddock to keep things interesting.

• Ground forage toys like rolling hay balls encourage gentle pushing, problem-solving, and mimic grazing.

• For the first two weeks of Peekaboo’s rehab, we avoided rolling toys entirely and instead focused on setups that encouraged stretching. Always following the vet’s plan.

• Some setups you’ll see are photographed outside the stall. Sometimes that’s just where I snapped the clearest photo or where it best showed off the DIY.

⸻

📸 P.S. I’m about to do a big photo dump of all the different enrichment options using forage. So if you’re curious about anything you see, or want to know exactly how I hang or set these up, or if it might work for your horse, just comment on that photo. Always happy to break it down.

And stay tuned. My next post will be all about monitored enrichment toys. These are the slightly different, higher value setups that need a watchful eye but offer amazing benefits when done thoughtfully.

Because while stall confinement isn’t species-appropriate, we can still do our best to make it as close to a horse’s natural needs as possible!

Please note these are old photos of Peekaboo from 2022 and he has made a full and complete recovery from his accident ❤️

07/09/2025

Stalls aren’t ideal, but sometimes they happen.

I’m a firm believer that horses belong out moving, grazing, and living with other horses. Stalls simply can’t replicate that.

That said, stall rest is sometimes an unavoidable part of good horse care. If your horse is recovering from an injury or surgery, restricting movement is often necessary to protect healing.

But when it comes to shows, clinics, and travel? That’s not about the horse’s needs, it’s about ours. And if we’re asking them to stand in a stall for hours or days so we can chase our goals, then we owe it to them to make that time as low-stress, enriching, and comfortable as possible.

Four walls and a pile of hay don’t cut it.
Not for their minds, not for their guts, not for their emotional well-being.

So whenever stalls become part of the picture, whether for medical reasons or human pursuits, set them up to support the horse inside. That means more than food and water. It means enrichment that taps into natural behaviours like foraging, exploring, solving problems, and even just scratching an itch.

Over the next few posts, I’ll show exactly how I do that, from hay balls and nets, to hanging toys, treat balls, flavoured waters, and self-grooming options.

Because even if I wish we never needed stalls, I’ll always do what I can to make sure the horse inside one is supported.

Stay tuned!

07/07/2025

I saw a post today that said:

“All horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be loved by a little girl.”

So I decided to fix it.

As much as it’s lovely to imagine a horse being adored by a child (or even a middle-aged woman), sometimes love just isn’t enough. We see it all the time, people say they love their horse, but their actions tell a different story.

Just like we ask, “Is education enough?” we can ask, “Is love enough?” And the answer is no.

A pony decked out in all pink gear, with sparkly toes, cute braids, brushed to perfection and showered with affection is undeniably adorable. But that doesn’t mean their needs are truly being met. That same pony might be living in isolation, without proper friends, forage, or freedom.

So I’ve changed the quote to what I believe horses actually deserve:

Horses deserve, at least once in their lives, to be truly understood, respected, and loved for who they are — not just for what they can do.

Because love is only meaningful when it’s paired with understanding, respect, and a commitment to meeting their needs.

07/07/2025

I spent the weekend at a Tellington TTouch clinic with Linda Tellington-Jones herself, and it left me reflecting on just how much we can learn from others, even when we don’t train exactly the same way.

I’ve always felt it’s okay (and actually pretty wise) to take the pieces that resonate, the tools that suit you and your horse, and build something that works for your unique partnership. You don’t have to follow any method to the letter. In fact, I actively encourage my students not to just take what I say and apply it blindly. I want them to think about it, reflect on it, ask questions, and make sure it truly fits their horse and situation. A big overarching theme of this weekend was trusting your intuition which I think is so very powerful.

What made this clinic even more special was how many of the TTouch principles align closely with what I already believe. The emphasis on reducing tension and anxiety instead of escalating it, being mindful and truly listening to the horse, and working in partnership rather than force all felt like coming home to ideas I already hold dear.

There were training moments different than how I usually train, but also so many that beautifully aligned with my approach and felt like a natural extension of what I already do. I’m genuinely excited to explore these ideas more in my day-to-day with horses.

This clinic was also a reminder for me personally. I know I can sometimes bring a lot of intensity to training, always looking at the big picture and trying to sort out every detail all at once. Being there helped me see how valuable it can be to simply meet the horse and human where they are and focus on the immediate problem without needing to tackle everything at once. It was a gentle, much-needed nudge that sometimes less really is more. And at the heart of it, all that intensity really only comes from me wanting the very best for the horses.

More than anything, it was incredible to be surrounded by people who genuinely love their horses and are trying their best to do right by them. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most, not whether we all train the exact same way, but that we’re all here trying to give our horses the best lives we can. I came home with some new ideas, more perspective, a bit more humble, and a few more thoughtful tools added to my toolbox. It’s a fresh reminder that there’s still so much good in the horse world, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

07/05/2025

What’s wild about this new “emergency” ban is that just three years ago I was teased and outright harassed for talking about this exact topic. The majority of the dressage world told me I was making things up when I spoke about riders using “marshmallow fluff” (or substances like it) to create fake foam and cover up oral issues or blue tongues.

This is exactly why welfare conversations are so important. What many brushed off as exaggeration or gossip turned out to be real enough to spark an emergency rule change at the highest level of the sport.

It’s a reminder that staying curious and asking hard questions matters. Just because something is widely accepted doesn’t mean it’s right — or in the best interest of the horse.

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/emergency-fei-rule-change-bans-unnatural-mouth-foam-horse-welfare-897304

07/04/2025

We have two new lovely geldings joining our herd, Gully and Rhett!

I thought it was the perfect time to share how we handle herd introductions here and why we take the approach we do.

We always start with a downtime phase where the new horses stay away from the main herd for a bit. This gives them a chance to settle and decompress after the stress of trailering and moving. During this period, we also do a full assessment of their needs, whether that’s nutritional support, behaviour work, training goals, or anything else that can help them transition comfortably.

For example, these two boys have some herdbound tendencies. Since we bring horses in daily for check overs, it’s really important they can be handled independently without stress. We’ve already started working on this and even after just a few days we’re able to calmly walk them away from each other toward the barn and in their stalls breifly. It helps that they’re very well-trained and used to regular handling, which is quite different from the rescues and ferals I usually share on this page.

We’ve also made some big dietary changes, which we’ll phase in over a few weeks, and one of them has started treatment for ulcers.

They arrived last Friday and it’s been wonderful to see how much they’ve already relaxed. They’re settling in beautifully, laying down for naps, soaking in the new environment, and honestly being total attention hogs. I always love seeing horses who WANT human interaction.

Once they’re fully comfortable being handled separately and their ulcer treatment is underway, we’ll begin bringing them closer to the herd. From there, we’ll take them through a gradual introduction process to keep things as calm and welfare focused as possible.

If people are interested, I’m happy to share weekly updates or just highlight the big milestones. Either way, I think it’s so important to show how we do slow, thoughtful herd introductions that prioritize the horse’s well-being.

07/01/2025

Group Turnout Part 3: Keeping the Peace

Over the last two posts we talked about the risks and benefits of group turnout, the dangers of reduced turnout, the hidden costs of isolation, and how thoughtful introductions can make or break herd safety.

But managing a herd doesn’t stop once introductions are done. Keeping the peace long term is just as important.

We, as people who claim to love horses, have a responsibility to learn. To understand how resource guarding shapes herd interactions, how pain can turn into aggression, and how their social dynamics actually work. There isn’t some strict ladder or fixed pecking order. Research shows what we often call a “hierarchy” is far more fluid and shifts depending on the resource — food, water, shelter, their human, or their favourite horse.

Because of that, we need to set up their environment to support calm relationships and minimize conflict. Here’s how we keep our herd living peacefully together after introductions:

• Making sure there are more than enough resources for every horse on the track — multiple water stations, hay stations, and places for shelter or shade.

• Providing safe, quiet spots where each horse can have their supplements or grain without fear of it being taken.

• Being realistic about how much space we have so we don’t overcrowd and create tension.

• Watching closely for changes in behaviour. Pain often shows up as aggression, so if a horse starts acting differently, we may pull them temporarily until it’s managed.

And it’s also about patience. A herd doesn’t just stabilize overnight. Studies show most chasing and sorting happens in the first three days to two weeks, but real settling can take months. True peace is when you see less chasing, more mutual grooming, relaxed grazing together, and horses confidently sharing resources without pinned ears or rushed bites.

Even then, it’s fragile. Adding another horse too soon, changing where food or water is placed, or health issues like pain can disrupt that balance all over again.

Keeping a herd stable isn’t about micromanaging every move. It’s about setting up the right environment, paying attention, and giving them time so they can just be horses.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about staying curious, learning, and doing what we can to support their needs every day.

In Part 1, we looked at the real risks and benefits of group turnout, and how reduced turnout and isolation come with their own serious costs.

In Part 2, we explored how most injuries actually happen during introductions, and why thoughtful, gradual steps make all the difference.

Now in Part 3, we’ve dug into what it takes to keep the peace long term. From setting up the right environment to understanding how long it truly takes for a herd to settle, this is what real, day-to-day welfare looks like.

Because when we know better, we can do better.

Group turnout isn’t just about putting horses together. It’s about creating the conditions where they can truly thrive.

06/30/2025

Group Turnout Part 2: Safe Introductions

Yesterday we talked about the risks of group turnout, the overlooked dangers of reduced turnout, and the hidden costs of keeping horses isolated.

But here’s the truth. Studies have shown that when injuries occur it’s typically with new horses and herd introductions.

When I’ve had these conversations, one of the biggest hurdles that comes up is:

“The general public doesn’t know how to properly introduce horses or monitor herd behaviour.”

Or

“Most barns just throw new horses in as they arrive on the property.”

And honestly, that is fair. It is true, and it reflects the reality at many boarding facilities. Most of us didn’t grow up learning how to read subtle herd dynamics or plan introductions in ways that truly set horses up for long-term success.

But a lack of public education SHOULDN’T mean horses pay the price.

We, as people who claim to love horses, have a responsibility to learn how to properly introduce horses.

This is where thoughtful, gradual introductions matter so much. It is about reducing risk by making small, intentional choices like:

• Giving horses time to settle into their new environment before meeting the herd

• Observing and learning who these horses are as individuals and what signs when the horse is in pain

• Checking for any underlying health or behaviour issues that could cause problems within the herd

• Setting up the environment with enough space, safe fencing, and multiple resources to limit resource guarding

• Planning introductions in clear, gradual stages instead of just throwing them in all at once

• Most importantly TIME. This. Takes. Time.

These simple steps can mean the difference between chaos and a calm, stable herd.

In Part 1, we looked at the risks and benefits of group turnout, how reduced turnout can actually increase injury risk, the risks involved in group turnout and the hidden welfare costs of keeping horses isolated.

Now in Part 2, we’ve dug into how the biggest risk with group living often comes during introductions, and how thoughtful, gradual steps can make all the difference.

Up next, in Part 3, we’ll look at how to keep the peace long term. Setting up your space and daily management in ways that support a calm, healthy herd once the introductions are over.

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Cale, ON

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Monday	12:30pm - 6pm
Tuesday	12:30pm - 6pm
Wednesday	12:30pm - 6pm
Thursday	12:30pm - 6pm
Friday	12:30pm - 6pm

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https://linktr.ee/pathequestrian

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