Horse Encounters of the best kind

05/18/2025

Hi everyone, it's been awhile but Mark Langley's message was very timely this morning. The other day I had a highly recommended equine dentist come out to work on our horses. As soon as I saw the contraption he wanted the horses to go in, I knew it would take some time for Navar to process it before going in. Unfortunately, prevalent thinking is that a horse cannot refuse and if they do, it is because they are spoiled or stubborn. I knew better but also know how hard it is to buck conventional thinking - that there is no place for a horse to have an opinion. I have had Navar since he was a yearling and he has always been a thoughtful processor that sometimes takes a little extra time; and trying to dominate or force him has NEVER worked. While we can always whack a horse, or push them around to comply; at what cost to the horse and the relationship. Of course I was disappointed that Navar didn't get his teeth done, I was more disappointed in myself and how he was handled in order to try to MAKE him compliant. I had never met this dentist before and knew he had already had a long day so I was being "nice" to him by rushing Navar. Perhaps had I been a more outspoken advocate for Navar's needs, the dentist could have enjoyed a break to give Navar the time he needed. Navar is the reason I now work with horses the way I do. I have always found those sensitive, naturally timid horses take a bit more processing time and when given the opportunity, it builds their trust and confidence and they are then willing to comply. Otherwise, they shut down completely and are labelled dull, lazy and resistant. Navar will never be that snappy, compliant horse and that is fine with me. Very grateful to have found Mark Langley's teaching as he beautifully articulates my own beliefs. My horses are cooperative, safe and kind with students because they are not treated like robots.

Mark talks through training techniques to help a young mare that can spin when a kangaroo jumps out; and for a young mare that is reluctant to go near a river bank where a predator disturbed the herd. These techniques are usual for all horses as they help to set them up to have more confidence in yo...

11/04/2023

This has been a sad week as we said goodbye to Magic and Magnum (the Old Boys). Both horses simply wore their teeth out and have been subsisting on 3 mashes per day for the past two years; and now their bowls stand empty. In addition, they were both receiving medication for mild arthritis and cushings disease. While they were still looking and moving great, it was apparent they hadn't put on any additional weight over the summer to get them through another winter. Their wonderfully gentle, willing, reliable temperaments helped countless people overcome their fear of horses and left behind many cherished memories. One of my favourite quotes; "Thunder is the sound of hoof beats in heaven", always makes me smile during a thunder storm.

10/01/2023

Jaxx and Ike are heading home after spending the summer here at Horse Encounters. Their gentle, friendly personalities were welcomed by our herd and students alike. A big thank you to and for graciously allowing Ike and Jaxx to participate with lessons. They brought a lot of joy to Horse Encounters this summer and they will all be missed.

09/29/2023

Truer words have never been spoken.

If you are a horse lover looking for an opportunity to connect and interact with horses, you've found the right place. Whether for pure fun, fitness, connecting with nature or de-stressing from city life, I have an experience for you. Horses speak a beautiful language, and I can help you tap into a deeper level of communication based on mutual respect, kindness, and understanding that will lead to meaningful interactions and special connections with these amazing beings. Horses are amazingly patient teachers; from walking with them to learning ground work, you will gain confidence through an experience tailored to your needs, wants, and level of experience. I am right outside of the city limits. Check out our website (link in bio) for contact information and to read up on everything that we can offer you. Myself and the Boys can't wait to meet you!

 

09/25/2023

Wholeheartedly agree!

As equine practitioners, we tend to only think about what we want to help the horse get rid of.

Imbalances, restrictions, maybe things like resistance or anxiety, too.

But we need to be just as much if not more aware of what we’re potentially pouring into the horses we work with.

Our own restrictions.
Our stress, bad day,
negativity disguised as “realism” or our own limiting beliefs.

We ask these horses to open themselves up to us, but I think in general we aren’t always thinking of what we are adding to the mix.

Really, this goes for anybody interacting with horses, but I think particularly those claiming to help a horse heal should be very careful.

It’s not fair to put a horse in a vulnerable place and then fill them with our own junk instead of relieving them of theirs.

For the good of the horse, we must always be aware of what we’re bringing to the table.💛

09/22/2023

"We could have a great time together and I can guarantee you won't find anybody else like me. Interested? DM me!"
~Navar

Connect with Navar or any of the horses, for whatever experience you are looking for! Whether for pure fun, for exercise, or to dive deeper into communicating and understanding them, our equine friends are amazing teachers. New to horses or seasoned, you are guaranteed to walk away with a deeper understanding of these special beings. Link in bio for inquiries.


 

09/19/2023

This is excellent news. Progress is being made for horses. 👏

The Prohibition of Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act, a new Private Members’ Bill proposing to ban the export of live horses for slaughter overseas was introduced today! 🐴💗

This news comes after more than 36,000 Canadians signed a House of Commons petition calling on the Government to ban the export of live horses for slaughter overseas.

Since 2013, more than 40,000 horses have been exported from Canada to Japan for human consumption. Over 2,000 of these horses have been flown to their death since September 2021, despite the Prime Minister issuing a mandate calling on the federal Minister of Agriculture to ban this practice in December 2021.

NO animal should suffer this fate, and we thank MP Tim Louis for introducing this bill.

This milestone also exemplifies the importance of YOUR efforts! Thank you for signing petitions, sending MPs emails and even speaking with your own MPs to convey how important this was to you!

Watch the Parliamentary proceeding here: https://parlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20230919/-1/39592 (10:07)

09/18/2023

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09/16/2023

Another beautiful day at the barn. Have you considered joining us for a lesson yet? We would love to have you! There are many ways of having fun and connecting with horses other than horse-riding. Horse Encounters offer a variety of experiences that allow you to spend time with horses, get to know them, enjoy connecting with them – all without the pressures of riding them. Suitable for people who:
• are looking for a recreational activity;
• are trying to get over a previous traumatic experience;
• are looking for some exercise and want to take a horse for a walk;
• are new to horses and need to learn horse basics;
• are contemplating horse ownership and need help navigating how to choose the right horse;
• are wanting to get over their fear of horses.

I can meet you wherever you are at and offer you an unforgettable experience of your choice with these amazing beings. Check out my website (link in bio) for contact information. Myself and the Boys can’t wait to meet you!