Savvy Dreams Farm LLC

12/05/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬?

There is one condition I get the most calls about every winter and that is free f***l water syndrome (FWS/FFWS). This condition is observed in horses who defecate a relatively normal pile of manure followed by liquid manure or f***l water (not diarrhea).

Overall, this condition has not been found to have further negative health implications for the horse as it has not been tied to dehydration, weight loss, changes in appetite, or further gastrointestinal discomfort. However, it can be a difficult and inconvenient condition to manage for horse owners as it often results in manure staining the legs and tail which can irritate skin as well as attract flies during warm weather or lead to frozen tails during cold weather.

But this leads us to the biggest challenge we face with FWS – we currently have no idea what is causing it and therefore we do not have a standardized or consistently effective treatment. From conversations I have had with veterinarians and fellow Ph.D. nutritionists, there seems to be a long list of possibilities that we try with hopes that one will ‘stick’. These can range from changes in feed or forage as well as a variety of supplements. However, while a specific option may work for one horse, there is not a single solution that works for every case. Individual horses sometimes improve, but there is no single solution that works across the board, and even helpful methods tend to reduce symptoms rather than eliminate them. This uncertainty is what pushed me to dig deeper into the research on this topic, and I wanted to take you along on that journey.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤
One of the first questions I wanted to answer was: which horses are most commonly impacted by this condition? In a study of German horse owners (Kienzle et al., 2016), horses with FWS were paired with a healthy stablemate for comparison. The study found that Paint Horses, geldings, and horses lower in the herd hierarchy appeared more often in the FWS group while f***l egg counts did not play a role.

However, this study included only 42 horses with FWS and 37 controls, so the authors ultimately concluded that while social stress may be a contributing factor, larger studies are needed.

𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐞
Because of the nature of FWS and the central role the hindgut microbiome plays in digestive health, researchers have explored whether microbial differences might help explain the condition.

A European study evaluating around 15 case-control pairs found no differences in the f***l bacterial microbiota community of FWS versus control horses (Schoster et al., 2020). These findings are supported by a Canadian study evaluating 14 FWS horses compared to controls (Wester et al., 2024) as well as a Danish study evaluating 10 horses undergoing f***l microbiota transplantation (Lausten et al., 2021).

However, a Norwegian–Swedish study evaluating 50 pairs found enriched populations of Alloprevotella in FWS horses and enriched Bacillus spp. in controls (Lindroth et al., 2021). A U.S. study also reported increased Alloprevotella in FWS horses (Porter et al., 2025). This study suggested these alterations in bacteria populations may serve as a biomarker, rather than a cause, of the condition.

Across these studies, findings remain inconsistent, and larger sample sizes are needed to fully understand whether the microbiome plays a meaningful role.

𝐅𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐅𝐌𝐓)
F***l microbiota transplantation was explored as a way to restore hindgut microbial balance. In the Danish study (Lausten et al., 2021), The FMT protocol used in this study included treating 10 horses with omeprazole for 10 days to reduce the acidic environment of the stomach and increase the likelihood that the microbes would successfully reach the hindgut. Meanwhile, f***l samples were collected from healthy donor horses, mixed with saline, and filtered through a sieve to remove large particles and create an inoculum to be administered to the FWS horses. During the last five days of the omeprazole treatment, the inoculum was administered to FWS horses via a nasogastric tube daily. Horses were then visited multiple days during a 24-week period to monitor their status and take f***l samples and questionnaires were completed by owners on days 168 and 335.

The study found substantial individual variation, and overall, horses with FWS did not show altered f***l microbiota compared to controls. However, FMT did temporarily reduce symptom severity. The authors suggested that FMT may influence other factors, such as metabolites like butyric acid, that could offer short-term relief. They recommended that future studies include a control group and evaluate metabolites more thoroughly.

𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭
Diets are also important to consider, as they can strongly influence the hindgut microbiota and broader gut health. To evaluate this variable, a study in Sweden and Norway comparing FWS horses with controls found that FWS horses consumed twice as much concentrate. This resulted in higher starch and water-soluble carbohydrate intake and lower crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (Lindroth et al., 2021).

In addition to concentrates, some supplements have been recommended to help FWS horses, but there is little to no evidence that they provide consistent, long-term benefits. These supplements include psyllium, beet pulp, probiotics, prebiotics, and bentonite clay. One study found that 26% (13/50) of FWS horses showed a reduction or elimination of clinical signs when provided one of these supplements (Lindroth et al., 2021). This demonstrates that while improvements can occur, they are not predictable or reliable across horses.

Forage is also a component that needs to be considered, as it is primarily fermented in the hindgut and plays an important role in gastrointestinal health. One study found that switching forage could impact FWS symptoms as 58% of horses who switched from haylage to hay showed improvements and 46% improved when switched from haylage to pasture (Lindroth et al., 2020).

Additionally, one of the most consistent management strategies for FWS is transitioning horses off a long-stem forage source (hay, haylage, or pasture) and onto a pelleted forage replacer for some or all of their diet. While research has not yet identified why this approach is so effective, it has been proposed that changes in stem length, and how that fiber is processed in the hindgut, may play a key role. It is also important to note this dietary change requires direction and supervision from a veterinarian or Ph.D. nutritionist to ensure it is done correctly.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Free f***l water syndrome remains a frustrating condition because it is common yet difficult to manage and poorly understood. The current research suggests no single factor can fully explain why some horses develop FWS while others do not. While certain interventions may reduce symptoms for individual horses, long-term, reliable solutions are still lacking.

I can accept at this point I sound like a broken record when I say we simply need more research to understand this condition better. I am currently working on quite a few local cases and I am collecting and compiling some data and plan to share what I find out later this year!

Do you have a horse with f***l water syndrome? What has worked for you in terms of managing this condition?

Cheers!
Dr. DeBoer

Kienzle E, Zehnder C, Pfister K, Gerhards H, Sauter-Louis C, Harris P. Field study on risk factors for free f***l water in pleasure horses. Journal of equine veterinary science. 2016 Sep 1;44:32-6.

Schoster A, Weese JS, Ge**er V, Nicole Graubner C. Dysbiosis is not present in horses with f***l water syndrome when compared to controls in spring and autumn. Journal of veterinary internal medicine. 2020 Jul;34(4):1614-21.

Lindroth KM, Dicksved J, Pelve E, Båverud V, Müller CE. Faecal bacterial composition in horses with and without free faecal liquid: a case control study. Scientific Reports. 2021 Feb 26;11(1):4745.

Porter MM, Davis DJ, McAdams ZL, Townsend KS, Martin LM, Wilhite C, Johnson PJ, Ericsson AC. Alterations in the Microbiome of Horses Affected with F***l Water Syndrome. Veterinary Sciences. 2025 Jul 31;12(8):724.

Laustsen L, Edwards JE, Hermes GD, Lúthersson N, van Doorn DA, Okrathok S, Kujawa TJ, Smidt H. Free faecal water: analysis of horse faecal microbiota and the impact of faecal microbial transplantation on symptom severity. Animals. 2021 Sep 23;11(10):2776.

Lindroth KM, Lindberg JE, Johansen A, Müller CE. Feeding and management of horses with and without free faecal liquid: a case–control study. Animals. 2021 Aug 30;11(9):2552.

Lindroth KM, Johansen A, Båverud V, Dicksved J, Lindberg JE, Müller CE. Differential defecation of solid and liquid phases in horses—A descriptive survey. Animals. 2020 Jan 1;10(1):76.

12/04/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 🐴❄️☃️

Winter is once again upon us, and with it comes the annual flood of divided posts and strong opinions about the controversial topic of blanketing. So I apologize in advance for adding to the noise, but I think a little science might actually help provide some clarity and allow horse owners to make informed decisions.

I’ve posted before about how horses stay warm in the winter, and it’s true, most horses are incredibly good at it! But winter horse care and blanketing is not a one-size-fits-all management practice. Horses need the right tools to thermoregulate effectively which includes things like access to shelter, a dry and functional winter coat, and a healthy condition. When those natural tools are not available, horses may require additional assistance, and one way is through blanketing. So let’s break down when a horse may benefit from wearing a blanket to help guide decisions this winter!

🌧️ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 & 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧
A study in Norway evaluating horse preference for blanketing found that when temperatures were under 50°F and it was either rainy or there were wind speeds greater than 18 mph, horses preferred a blanket. This makes sense considering a wet coat loses almost all insulation and wind accelerates heat loss. Both of these weather conditions limit the effectiveness of piloerection and the horse has to expend more energy to stay warm.

🏠 𝐍𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫
One way to combat the aforementioned weather conditions is through access to a shelter. Winter studies have shown that horses choose to use shelters primarily when it is windy or wet, regardless if they are already wearing a blanket. The common rule of thumb is if the wind chill is lower than 5°F in northern climates, horses without a shelter need a blanket. However, I think this rule is equally, if not more, important when it is windy or wet outside!

👶🧓 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐎𝐥𝐝
Another consideration is age as foals and seniors aren’t as efficient at regulating their temperature in the cold. Specifically, young horses have a lot of surface area compared to their body mass, which makes them more efficient at dissipating heat than conserving it. In comparison, older horses may not be as efficient at generating heat when compared to a mature, healthy horse. This could be a result of common health problems that impact seniors, such as PPID or dental problems that may diminish their ability to consume hay. However, there is a lot of variability within these age demographics which needs to be considered when making a decision.

🌡️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝
Sudden cold snaps or horses who have recently relocated from a warm to cold climate may struggle until their bodies can adapt. For example, when we get unseasonably cold weather in October, my blanketing decisions are much different than when we get similar weather in January. By then, a horse will have a longer hair coat and be more adapted to the cold, which often means they are more equipped to handle the colder weather. Similarly, horses relocating from a warmer, southern climate may struggle when they are suddenly moved to a colder, northern climate. Many suggest if a horse is relocated to a colder climate prior to the fall equinox (September 22/23), they should grow an adequate hair coat for winter in their new geographical location. Anecdotally, I have not found that to be the case for every horse. I have a horse who was born and raised in Texas and then moved up in 2021 and she still struggles in a Wisconsin winter. I was also born and raised in Minnesota and I am not a fan of cold weather but could sit in a sauna all day (and enjoy it). This proves there is so much individual variability that should really be taken into account.

✂️ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬
Partially or fully body clipping horses is a relatively common practice for performance horses in the winter. This practice can help them more efficiently thermoregulate to properly cool down, which can be difficult with a long winter coat. However, clipping removes the natural insulation which means the owner is now responsible for replacing that lost warmth either through their housing or the use of a blanket.

⚖️ 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬
I often work with thin horses and we are trying to encourage them to gain weight and get up to a healthy body condition score. This is especially important moving into winter months as a low body condition means less fat insulation and fewer calorie reserves. As a result, blanketing can be extremely beneficial for this demographic as it allows horses to conserve their energy and direct it towards weight gain rather than having to use it to stay warm. This can help horses reach an ideal condition much faster than without a blanket.

🐴 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮
However, the most important part about making these decisions is to work with the horse in front of ! I cannot stress this enough that every horse is highly individual and we need to tailor our management practices around their specific needs.

Shivering or weight loss are critical signs that a horse needs more assistance, and while a blanket can help, it is also important to evaluate their entire lifestyle including access to adequate, quality forage, overall health (dental, deworming, etc.), herd dynamics, stress, and housing situation. Only then can we make the best decision for our horse.

On the flip side, many horses who have adequate forage and are at a healthy body condition, do not require blanketing. And I often recommend that owners who have overweight or obese horses do NOT blanket as a way to help their horses lose weight naturally.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
As we move into the colder months and blanketing conversations start circulating again, try to set aside the noise and focus on what feels right for your horse. Weather, coat quality, age, body condition, and their overall health all matter more than any hard rule. If we can shift the conversation from “should you blanket?” to “what does this individual horse need to stay healthy and comfortable?”, we’ll all make better decisions and have healthier, happier horses!

Cheers!
Dr. DeBoer

11/21/2025

As we continue to monitor the current outbreak of the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHM) infection, let's take this opportunity to discuss once more the importance of biosecurity measures to stop disease spread. We recommend the following biosecurity precautions for horse owners, particularly if their horses have recently traveled to horse shows or were exposed to horses that have traveled:

1) Monitor horses for clinical signs (including fever, discharge from the nostrils, toe-dragging or a lack of balance) and take the temperature twice daily. Temperature greater than 101.5 F is considered a fever.

2) Immediately isolate any horse(s) showing clinical signs. Equine herpesvirus is an aerosolized virus and is spread through shared airspace, direct contact, and contaminated caretakers or equipment. A good isolation area is a separate barn or shelter that does not share airspace with healthy horses.

3) Implement movement restrictions until the situation is evaluated.

4) Contact your veterinarian to evaluate your horse and to propose a comprehensive biosecurity protocol.

5) Increase biosecurity measures that include extensive cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses: wash or sanitize your hands between interacting with horses; take time while filling water buckets and feed tubs, do not cross contaminate; minimize the use of shared equipment and tack.

6) Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations.

7) Establish communication with all parties involved (owners, boarders, trainers, etc.).

More resources and information regarding biosecurity are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity

To learn more Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), visit: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus

09/17/2025

DO HORSES GRIEVE WHEN THEY LOSE A COMPANION?

Many horse people sense it. Now, recent research provides more evidence that yes — when a companion horse dies, many horses exhibit grief-like responses that can last for months.

This study examined behavioural changes in horses following the death of a companion. Of 325 owners who responded to the study survey, many reported noticeable changes in their surviving horse’s behaviour after the loss.

What the study found:

• Within the first 24 hours after the death of a companion, most horses showed changes in behaviour: heightened arousal (≈ 89 %), altered interaction with other horses (~78 %), changed behaviour toward humans (~78 %), increased alertness to environmental stimuli (~73 %), and more vocalisation (~69 %).

• Many horses continued to show shifts in behaviour, mood, or social engagement up to six months after the loss.

• The strength of the bond matters: horses in close “affectionate” relationships showed more pronounced changes — especially around feeding, interacting, or being around others.

• Whether a horse could stay near the body of the deceased companion also influenced how certain behaviours (like vocalisation, excitement about feeding, or interaction) evolved over time. Those unable to access or witness what happened showed more persistent distress, especially heightened vigilance and arousal over time.

Grieving the loss of a companion has real welfare implications. Grief isn’t just a nice sentiment or a human emotion we project onto horses — for survivor horses, loss can cause real, lasting effects that have long-term impact. Mood, appetite, energy, social behaviour, and interest in human interactions can all be disrupted.

The way death is handled on a yard makes a difference. Allowing time and presence with the deceased, recognising behaviour changes early, and offering extra care can help reduce the impact:

• Watch for changes in the first 24 hours and beyond: look for changes in feeding, sleeping, social behaviour, mood, vigilance and interaction with people.

• Be aware that healing takes time: six months or more is not uncommon.

• If possible, allow surviving horses to be near the body or to witness (if safe and feasible). This seems to reduce some prolonged stress.

• Give the surviving horses an opportunity to acknowledge the loss: presence near the body, opportunity to witness or experience what happened (safely and appropriately) seems to help.

• Provide extra care, enrichment, predictable routine, and gentle handling — especially for horses with strong bonds.

Remember that grief is individual. Some horses bounce back quickly, others need more time. Both deserve care and compassion.

Study: Ricci-Bonot et al (2025). Grief-like distress responses in horses after the death of a conspecific. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

08/08/2025

06/05/2025

Knowing your horse's normal vital signs is VITAL —pun intended!— to detecting distress and a possible emergency! 🩺

Practice taking your horse's vitals often (T.P.R.: temperature, pulse, respiration rate) so you can get to know what's normal for your equine friends and recognize what is abnormal. If your horse seems a little "off" and his values are outside the normal range, a call to your equine veterinarian is definitely warranted!

The typical ranges for adult horses are as follows:
🌡️Temperature: 99.0-101.5°F
❤️Heart rate: 28-40 beats/minute
🫁Respiration rate: 12-16 breaths/minute

Keep in mind that very hot and humid conditions may cause small variations, so be sure to have a conversation with your horse doctor about what is acceptable and about how to properly assess your horse's vital signs.

Thank you to the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee for providing this information!

06/03/2025

04/23/2025

Turnout is one of the most polarizing topics in modern horse keeping. So, let’s skip the debate. We’ve gathered some results from veterinary science, peer-reviewed journals, and international welfare assessments. These are real numbers, from real studies, so you can make strategic decisions rooted in evidence, not tradition.

-A 25% reduction in soft tissue injuries was found in adult horses turned out for at least 12 hours daily, compared to those kept in stalls greater than 12 hours daily. (Reilly & Bryk-Lucy, 2021)

-Comparing turnout duration, a study found that horses with only 2 hours of turnout exhibited significantly higher energy levels, anxiety, and behaviors such as rearing, bucking, and fence running, whereas horses receiving over 12 hours of turnout were more likely to walk, graze, and remain calm. (Hockenhull & Creighton, 2010)

-Foals receiving inconsistent turnout (9 to 23 hours per day) had 4.6 times more musculoskeletal injuries than those with 24/7 access to turnout. Furthermore, for every extra acre of turnout, there was a 24% reduction in injury risk. (Brown-Douglas et al., 2022)

-A study on 2-year-old horses found that those kept in individual stalls required more time to get used to training activities and showed more unwanted behaviors, like resistance or agitation, than horses kept on pasture. The stalled horses needed an average of 26 minutes of training time, while the pastured horses needed only 19 minutes, to complete the same task. Additionally, the stalled horses were more likely to show unwanted behaviors during training (8 instances on average compared to just 2 for pastured horses). (Rivera et al., 2002)

-Stall-kept livestock experience a higher incidence of hoof-related issues, including uneven hoof growth and lameness, while those with access to turnout demonstrated healthier, more balanced hoof development. (Black, R.A. et al., 2017)

-A European welfare study using the AWIN protocol assessed 315 horses in group-housing turnout systems. Only 2.3% of these horses exhibited signs of lameness, compared to lameness rates as high as 33% in stalled horses across various studies. (AWIN Welfare Assessment, 2023)

-Within just one day of moving from group turnout to individual stalling, equine cortisol levels spike, and their white blood cell count shows significant changes, including a 25% increase in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and a decrease in infection-fighting cells like monocytes and T cells. Additionally, behaviors indicative of stress, such as oral manipulation, neighing, pawing, and apathy, became evident in most horses within a week. (Schmucker et al., 2022)

-Horses with regular turnout showed higher heart rate variability, indicating improved balance in their autonomic nervous system and greater stress resilience. (Rietmann et al., 2004)

-Welsh ponies who received daily pasture turnout in a herd exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors, were significantly calmer, less fearful, less reactive, more interactive with humans, and more adaptable in learning tasks compared to ponies housed in impoverished environments (stalls with limited turnout). Even three months after the study, ponies in the enriched group retained these positive behaviors and demonstrated higher curiosity and superior learning performance. (Lansade et al., 2014)

Can you find a single peer-reviewed study that shows horses kept stabled 24/7 are sounder, healthier, or happier than those with regular turnout? Even the most finely tuned, performance-focused horses are still horses. Just like any other, they require room to roam, stretch their legs, and engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and socializing.

It’s important to recognize that no horse truly dislikes turnout. If a horse resists going outside, it’s due to improper conditioning, previous negative experiences, or being overwhelmed by a sudden change in environment: what’s known as "flooding." Horses who’ve been confined for extended periods or who’ve never had proper exposure to outdoor spaces may react with anxiety or reluctance. These reactions stem from fear, not from an inherent dislike of turnout. With patience and gradual exposure, every horse can be reconditioned to embrace the outdoors. After all, instincts tell them to roam, graze, and move, it's in their nature.

Of course, there are times when limiting a horse's movement is necessary, such as during health issues or transportation. In these instances, it’s crucial to understand the physiological and psychological changes that occur so we can minimize stress and discomfort.

Turnout is a biological necessity. To support our horses’ overall health and well-being, we must prioritize their freedom to move. After all, a healthy, happy horse is one that has the opportunity to be just that: a horse.

04/11/2025

DOING NOTHING IS AN ACTION

Yesterday I published a post on something I termed "Inappropriate Touching" that went a little viral, being shared 3,000 times in 24 hours (you can read that post here https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1274647950690356&set=a.269604291194732).

It was about missing what the horse was offering, and instead trying to touch a part of the horse that they weren't offering. The picture I used was taken at the Horse World Expo in Pennsylvania recently.

Today I want to share a picture of a different demo horse from that expo.

This is a 10 year old Warmblood mare who was a broodmare, and has recently been started under saddle. The owner says she drags everyone around, has severe attention issues, and always has her head up looking around.

That's at home on familiar turf, so you can imagine what she was like at the horse expo. When the mare and her handler came in, the mare couldn't stand still, and her head was straight up in the air looking around. As I usually do at horse expos, if I have an hour session, I usually let the handler lead the horse around (or try and stand still) for the first half an hour, so the audience can really see that the horse is not settled , and isn't going to.

Then I take over.

With this mare, when I took a hold of the lead rope, she immediately greeted me with her nose, which I reciprocated with my hand (Action #1). She then walked off away from me and as she tightened the lead rope, I used my flag to draw her thoughts back to where her body was, so getting her to be present (Action #2). These 2 actions are part of a flow chart I have on my website, which is basically a flow chart for appropriate responses to things your horse does.

These 2 things happened twice more in the first 5 minutes of me handling her, so I did a total of 4 quite subtle things.

And then I waited.

The photo of the mare shows the result after about 20 minutes or so.

The next day I posted the photo on Facebook and said a little about it, and someone asked if I'd videod the session. I replied that I hadn't, and didn't really need to, as I didn't do anything I hadn't captured many times on video and put in my video library on my website.

They said they were in the audience, and that they didn't really see me do much, so must have missed something. I had to point out I only did 4 things (which was actually 2 little things, twice each).

It's more about what I didn't do, that the handler had been doing.

I didn't hold the lead rope short or try to control her (the handler had been doing quite a bit of this).

When she stood there and pawed the ground (which she did quite a bit) I didn't do anything (the handler had been trying to correct that).

When she stood with her head high looking around, I didn't do anything (the handler had been trying to get her attention). Actually I looked at what she was looking at, so I suppose there I did do something.

When she chewed on the lead rope, I didn't do anything (The handler had tried to get it out of her mouth).

When she sidepassed up really close to me, I didn't do anything (the handler had stepped away from her when she did this).

And in relation to yesterdays viral post, I didn't touch her, I didn't pet her, I didn't rub her, and I didn't console her (the handler had been doing quite a bit of this), except for the 2 brief times she touched me with he nose.

In the half an hour I was handling her, those 4 little things I did happened in the first 5 minutes.

The rest of the time I did nothing.

After a while she started having the big yawning releases one often sees with the Masterson Method work. She yawned. And yawned. And yawned.

Then her head started to drop into the posture you see in the picture.

And I said to the audience "Doing nothing IS an action", and it's a very powerful one at that. Then I sat down and crossed my legs, for no other reason than to prove to the audience that I wasn't doing anything to her to get her to stand there.

Many people struggle to be in the presence of their horse without doing something. If there's a problem, they want to fix it. if there's not one, they want to fiddle and groom and touch (remember yesterdays post). Many times these well meaning owners (and the handler of this horse was lovely and well meaning) are doing a lot of work to try to resolve their horses anxiety issues, and many times the incessant fiddling and grooming and touching is part of the problem.

Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is be a human being, instead of a human doing.

If you are interested in my work, everything I do is available on video and in courses at videos.warwickschiller.com