Bodhi

Horse

Practice

About

Bodhi Horse Practice specializes in applied ethology, drawing from extensive research on wild and semi-wild equines to apply practices that create loving, resonant relationships between horses, people and their environment.

We do this through connected pathways:

Hands-On Collaboration: Direct work with clients on the ground.
Research: Partnering on global equine research projects.
Education: Offering in-person and online continuing education for equine professionals, students and caregivers.

As a prospective client, our main services include:

Client Collaboration

We support equestrians in both English and Western disciplines with a friendly, listening ear. Your insights and your horse's experiences are important to us. We are "horse people" and "people people", here for you and your horse.

Our Process:

Behavioral wellness support plans are created through observations, interviews, document review, and research based assessments. These capture an eco-bio-emotional-social picture of your horse and guide practical support.

We work in partnership with your veterinarian to ensure the physiological well-being of your horse and may include your farrier, nutritionist, trainer and other equine professionals, at your discretion.

Video and phone appointments are available, if appropriate for the scope of the issue you would like to discuss.

Holistic Assessment

We apply research by:

Addressing behavioral and welfare concerns from multiple aspects of a horse's life, from past history to current experience - For Mona, a mare with a history of abuse, we created a tailored plan addressing her anxiety and insecurity by considering her past trauma and current environment.
Conducting pre-purchase/adoption/rehoming behavioral assessments with detailed reports to ensure continuity of care - Before a family adopted Max, a gelding, we performed a behavioral assessment and provided a detailed report to help them understand his temperament and needs.
Easing transitions to new homes and new equine disciplines - To help Luna, a show jumping mare, transition to dressage, we designed a gradual training program and provided guidance on integrating her into her new stable environment.
Establishing a solid emotional and social base in young horses - For Sparky, a colt, we implemented a program focused on socialization, positive reinforcement training, and exposure to various environments to build his confidence, resilience and autonomy.

Our Herd of Equine Specialists

Dr. Désirée Braganza received her equine behaviorist qualifications from the Natural Animal Centre, then located in the UK and South Africa. She collaborates with equine professionals worldwide on research projects specific to experiences of domesticated horses from an ethological lens. She is a horse mom, a rider and has cared for and supported numerous horses over the years. Désirée recently relocated from Northern California and is now based in Athens, Georgia, USA. She consults internationally in-person and virtually.

Ongoing Research Projects

Braganza, D., & Sams, J. (2023, July 26-30). Attention Based Practices: Equine Wellbeing from an Ecological Perspective [Conference presentation]. Control the Meerkat Trauma in Animals Virtual Conference 2023, London, United Kingdom.

Braganza, D., Sams, J., & Shclote, S. (2022, July 27-31). Accounts of Adverse Equine Experiences [Conference presentation]. Control the Meerkat Trauma in Animals Virtual Conference 2022, London, United Kingdom.

Photo courtesy of Jean Sinclair

Abby Letteri is a PhD candidate in Creative Writing at the International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand). Her thesis, Waiting for the Light: Considering the Horse in the Human World, critically examines the complex relationships between horses and humans across cultures and throughout history, focusing on the profound impact human activity has had on the lives of horses and other equids. Her work integrates historical and cultural analysis and personal narrative in a series of braided essays which she hopes will contribute to scholarly discourse as well as appeal to a broader audience. Abby recently spent a year travelling to various parts of the globe, from the Outer Hebrides to Mongolia, to observe free-living and wild horses in a variety of settings. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand where she keeps several horses on a small farm. She is the co-curator of the practice's interdisciplinary newsletter, The Fandabadaisy!.

Matthew Bruno has complementary, well honed skill sets. As a student at UC Santa Cruz, he studied art and later made permaculture his focus. Add his exceptional carpentry and building skills, and he is a go-to resource for guidance when planning or rethinking your horse property. He recently participated in research where he shared his ecologically based practices as he raises his two young mares. Click here to listen to a short interview. Matt teaches people how to get to know their ecosystem to ensure horses are living in balance as healthy and happy members of a cooperative environmental community. Matt is based on the Mendocino Coast, USA.

Dr. Mike Parker is an equine veterinarian and owner of Crazy Horse Veterinary Services. The name of his private practice is a nod to his Native American roots and is meant to describe his heritage and profession. He is a Makah tribal member from Neah Bay, Washington, USA. He earned his DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on large animal and equine surgery. Additionally, he has a Master’s in Animal Sciences and Equine Nutrition from Cornell University. Mike’s career has a solid allopathic foundation, yet he continued to explore new treatment modalities which now include acupuncture and chiropractic care. Mike provides consultation for us and virtual support for our carers who live in remote locations. He is based in Oregon, USA

Azariah Taylor is BHP's stellar intern. After graduating high school a year early, she is devoting her gap year to work with horses. She has been an active member of Future Farmers of America for several years and has a keen understanding of animals and plant life. Azariah is based in Georgia, USA.

The Fandabadaisy!

Bodhi Horse Practice's Fandabadaisy! newsletter is a monthly curated email sharing interdisciplinary ideas worldwide. From scientific research papers, to the arts, philosophy, ecology; and ranging from the existential to the fashionable, we hope there will be something for most. Join for free. All we ask is you check out our partner sanctuary, The Liberty Barn in Palm City, Florida, USA, and encourage you to support or donate as feels right to you.

Send us an email to learn more or to subscribe.