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 has recently relocated from Northern California and is now based in Athens, Georgia, USA.

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.

Susan Greer is a life long horsewoman who competes in dressage and eventing disciplines. While accompanying her spouse on a diplomatic assignment in Belgium, she became the carer of her first Akhal-Teke, Xocomil, and has been devoted to the rare breed ever since. Susan is a teacher, a writer, a prolific reader, and the curator of The Fandabadasiy! newsletter. She is our in-house equine ethicist who addresses and offers support for wide ranging horse-related dilemmas. Susan is based in the Sarasota, Florida area in the USA and serves the surrounding communities including Ocala.

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

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.