Be Herd, LLC

08/26/2025

“There’s also an opinion within our industry that you have to learn how to be strong. You can’t have emotion. I agree that you can’t be emotional in riding, but you can have emotion.”

“You don’t want to have to get to the end of your rope before you take a deep breath and figure out what needs to change. I know that taking this time now will lead to a longer and healthier career down the road.”

When Marisa Metzger watched her horses warm up at the Platinum Performance USHJA 3’/3’3” Green Hunter Incentive Championship, friends kept stopping to ask the 34-year-old why she wasn’t in her show clothes.

08/21/2025

By a Horse Girl’s Mom Getting out of a toxic relationship with my daughter’s horse trainer was a long time coming, and looking back, I wish I had done it sooner. She was a textbook narcissist: manipulative, controlling, and a master at making you believe no one else could offer your child the sa...

08/19/2025

Why is it that we readily invest time and resources into strengthening our bodies, yet hesitate to prioritize our mental health?

Perhaps it’s due to the intangible nature of mental health, the invisible struggles that go unnoticed by others. Or maybe it’s the enduring stigma surrounding mental illness, messages of needing to be mentally tougher or statements such as emotions don’t belong in the saddle- perpetuating the myth that having feelings makes you less than and seeking help is a sign of weakness rather than strength.

But here’s the truth: just as our bodies require care and maintenance to thrive, so too do our minds. Our mental well-being shapes every aspect of our lives, influencing our relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Ignoring our mental health not only jeopardizes our happiness and fulfillment but can also have profound consequences on our physical health and safety in the saddle.

It’s time to challenge the notion that mental health is secondary to physical health. We must recognize that they are two sides of the same coin, intricately interconnected and equally deserving of our attention. Let’s normalize conversations about mental health, break down barriers to seeking support, and prioritize self-care practices that nourish both our bodies and minds.

So, the next time you zip up your paddock boots - remember to also carve out time for mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional well-being. Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health and abilities, and by valuing both, you pave the way for a life of sustainable wellness and vitality.

08/15/2025

Barn clinics aren’t just for your horse — they’re for your mind, too.🐎🧠

What a pleasure it was working with the team at 🐴✨
Everyone came curious, engaged, and excited to learn how to prepare themselves with the same intention they prepare their horses.

We talked about:
• Knowing where you are on the activation scale

• What to do to bring yourself back into an optimal performance zone

• How the brain’s perceived threats can increase activation and impact performance

Thank you for having me — your energy made this clinic such a joy!

Your mindset is your most important piece of equipment.

06/05/2025

BY ANNA JONES Neurodivergent is a word that we hear often, but it can be hard to understand what that practically means when it comes to communication. It’s a non-medical term that describes, simply put, someone whose brain processes information differently, such as in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc....

12/31/2024

I’ve had the honor of walking through another year with each of you, navigating the seasons of ups and downs that come with this incredible journey. Every challenge, breakthrough, and moment of growth has been a privilege to witness.

I’m so grateful for your trust, love, and support—it means the world to me. Here’s to another year of healing, learning, and growing together. I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for us!

12/25/2024

🎄🐴 Wishing all my fellow equestrians a joyful and peaceful holiday season!

May your time be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of moments spent with your amazing horses. Here's to rest, reflection, and preparing for an even brighter new year ahead!

12/14/2024

This holiday season, focus on gifts that truly matter—those that nurture your mind, body, and riding goals.

🌟 Whether you're in the saddle or taking time to prioritize your mental health, remember that self-care is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

12/13/2024

Imagine a Barn Besties Brunch & Brain Training session designed just for you and your friends.

Strengthen your mindset, deepen your bonds, and leave feeling empowered—all while having fun! 🐴

Why Group Therapy?
✅ Learn from shared experiences
✅ Discover you’re never alone
✅ Build meaningful connections and support
✅ Create special moments with your barn besties

💌 Ready to elevate your barn community? Send me a message or visit my website for more info on private events!

https://be-herd.com/work-with-us

12/10/2024

Your barn should feel like a sanctuary—a place of happiness, safety, and connection. It’s where we bond with our horses, immerse ourselves in the equestrian community, and find relief from daily stresses.

But what happens when the barn environment becomes a source of stress or discomfort? It’s a tough and conflicting experience, especially when this space holds so much of our passion and joy.

Remember, you deserve a barn that feels like home—for you and your horse. If you’re navigating a challenging barn environment, know you’re not alone, and it’s okay to advocate for what’s best for your well-being.

12/07/2024

Anyone else feel like barn shopping is a bit like online dating? 🤔

It's like you swipe right once, and suddenly you're moving in, sharing ‘custody’ of your horse, and hoping it’s the perfect match! Trusting that a new barn is the one can be a leap of faith before you’ve really gotten to know it.

Next week, I'll be sharing some tips to make finding the right barn a little less stressful, but in the meantime, what challenges have you faced in your barn search? Drop your struggles below – let’s help each other out!

11/29/2024

Unpopular Opinion: You Don’t Need to Buy a New Saddle Pad.

I know, I know—cue the gasps! But hear me out. This weekend, your feed is probably filled with sales on saddle pads in every color imaginable, and the temptation is real. We’ve all convinced ourselves that just one more will make us (or our horse) happier. But here’s the thing: how long does that joy really last?

A new saddle pad might feel exciting for a ride or two, but it’s a temporary pleasure. Long-term? It doesn’t do much to help you become a better rider, achieve your goals, or grow as a person.

So, here’s a thought: Instead of filling your cart with things that bring fleeting happiness, consider investing in something that creates lasting value—like counseling, mindset coaching, or lessons to improve your riding. These investments build confidence, resilience, and skills that you’ll carry for a lifetime, far beyond the latest trend in tack.

This isn’t about denying yourself joy—it’s about shifting your focus to what truly matters. Because while saddle pads are fun, they’re not going to help you manage show nerves, strengthen your partnership with your horse, or feel fulfilled in the long run.

Unpopular? Maybe. Worth thinking about? Absolutely.

What’s one investment you’ve made in your personal or riding journey that’s brought you long-term happiness? Let’s celebrate those wins together