Faunce Holistic Horsemanship and Bodywork

02/16/2026

I often see posts asking what’s the best forage for horses? This really depends on your geographic climate. My horses thrived on native grasses in eastern Washington and Idaho, living mostly on pasture with some free-choice minerals, only given hay in the winter and rarely given any grain unless one was old and needing the extra support or just as a treat. Most of our horses lived well into their 30s like this with regular riding throughout their entire life. After moving to the Midwest, I noticed monoculture pastures were more common, often paired with heavier supplementation. That made me curious why different regions manage pasture so differently.

The “ideal” pasture isn’t just one grass. It’s a combination of diverse species, regionally appropriate native plants, proper grazing height, and attention to maturity. In many areas, a strong base of cool-season grasses like Timothy, Orchardgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass provides steady fiber, moderate protein, and consistent energy. Native grasses and herbs can add deep roots, strong soil structure, excellent fiber, more reliable summer grazing, and in some cases, medicinal or symbiotic properties that support the local ecosystem or needs for that particular environment. Always remember not all native species are safe for horses. Although horses are pretty good at detecting what plants they can and cannot eat, new environments or environmental stress like drought or overgrazing can change availability of what your horses are used to and make them eat plants they generally wouldn't forage for. I highly recommend reading "The Village Horse Doctor" by Dr. Ben Green for some examples of this.

Grass height matters for sugar management. Ideally, start grazing at 6–8 inches and remove horses at 3–4 inches. Short, stressed grass can spike sugar (NSC) levels, and lush spring pasture can also increase sugars, especially in sunny afternoons after cool nights. The time of day also matters. If horses are only allowed to graze at certain times of day like late afternoon, this tends to be when sugar is highest. Dry, mature native forage is excellent for easy keepers or insulin-resistant horses, offering more fiber, thicker stems, slower intake, and gradual energy release.

Monoculture isn’t healthier for our horses or our environment. Horses, like us, thrive on variety to get everything they need. Plants often labeled as “weeds,” like dandelion and broadleaf plantain for example, can be nutritious and supportive. Allowing diversity supports metabolic balance, digestive health, mineral variety, long-term soundness, and soil health. The “best” pasture isn’t the greenest; it’s the one that offers variety so your horse can select what it needs for your climate and based on its individual needs.

Below is a picture of my horses when we were in eastern Washington at their home of almost 20 years and they lived purely on pasture the majority of the year with access to some free choice mineral for that particular environment. They were all basically free range and never were restricted in what they could or couldn't eat or what time of day they could graze, and they could absolutely figure it out themselves. They avoided the high sugar grasses during the hotter parts of the day, but enjoyed them in early morning when sugar was lowest. The tobiano paint was an older horse in need of a home that was pretty new to us but had been on pasture only her whole life as far as we knew. The gray is in her late 20s in all of these pictures and had always lived a pretty natural life like this. They were still all ridden frequently up to 15 miles a day a few times a week, and they were typically happy to meet you at the gate for a ride or showed up shortly after calling out to them. If they didn't want to go, you couldn't even find them in their pasture, which particularly only happened during the hottest parts of summer. Sure enough, they would turn up as willing partners once the day cooled off. I find it important to listen to the horse to ensure they enjoy the activities as well. In doing so, you'd be surprised how great of a partner they become. The more they have from nature, the less they need from you; however, if you have a good relationship with your horse, it should not be based on them needing you.

Horse management is very geographically dependent, yet I often hear people judge others based on their own regional standards. Remember that every environment is different. Your practices should reflect your local climate, soil, and pasture conditions. Learn as much as you can, but always consider whether the advice you’re following is coming from a region or situation that truly applies to your horses. And of course, always listen to your horse. They typically know their needs better than we do and can tell you a lot. ❤️

02/14/2026

We spend so much effort into conditioning our horses that we forget to take care of ourselves, and that they also have to carry us.

Every tight hip, weak core, or crooked shoulder shows up in the saddle.

If we’re stiff, they brace.
If we’re unbalanced, they compensate.
If we bounce or grip, their back tightens.

Over time, that wear and tear adds up.
Sometimes “training problems” are actually rider body problems. Taking care of your body is one of the kindest things you can do for your horse ❤️

A balanced rider is lighter, quieter, and easier to carry, which means a softer back, better movement, and more long-term soundness for them.

Plus, it keeps you riding pain-free for years to come.

Here are a few easy at-home yoga poses that directly help riding:

🧘‍♀️Low Lunge (hip flexors) Tight hips = gripping knees and bouncing seat
• Step one foot forward into a lunge
• Back knee down
• Gently press hips forward
• Keep chest tall
Hold 30–60 seconds each side

🧘‍♀️Pigeon Pose (glutes/seat) Releases deep hip tension so you can sit deeper
• From hands and knees, bring one knee forward
• Extend the other leg straight back
• Fold forward over your front leg
Breathe and relax for 60 seconds each side

🧘‍♀️Cat–Cow (spine mobility) Improves lower back and pelvic movement
• On hands and knees
• Arch your back up (cat)
• Then drop belly and lift chest (cow)
Slowly repeat 10–15 times

🧘‍♀️ Chair Pose (leg strength & stability) Builds the muscles that stabilize you in the saddle
• Stand with feet hip width
• Sit back like you’re into a chair
• Keep chest lifted and weight in heels
Hold 20–40 seconds

🧘‍♀️ Tree Pose (balance)
Teaches body awareness and even weight
• Stand on one leg
• Place other foot on calf or thigh
• Hands together, find stillness
Hold 30 seconds each side

Even 10–15 minutes a day can:
• improve balance
• reduce soreness
• help your horse move freer
• keep you riding pain-free longer

Taking care of your own body isn’t selfish, it’s one of the best things you can do for your horse. The better you carry yourself, the easier they can carry you.

As an equine bodyworker and certified yoga instructor, please let me know if you have any questions or want help developing a daily practice to support your riding ❤️

02/12/2026

Ever wonder why your horse seems to play a game of “move away” when you try to catch them?

It’s probably your eye contact. Predators have forward-facing eyes to lock on. Horses are prey animals and have side-set eyes to watch for danger. When we stare straight at them and walk directly toward them, we unintentionally look like a predator. To them, that says: “Move your feet.”

Try this instead:
● Soft eyes: glance to the side, their shoulder, or the ground instead of locking eyes
● Angle your body slightly or lower your shoulders
● Walk in a gentle curve rather than straight at them
● Keep the halter visible but relaxed. Hiding it can create mistrust, while flapping it can startle them
● Move slow and calm

I personally like to lower my body, put my hand out, and my eyes down, signaling I’m not a threat.

The less pressure you apply, the more trust your horse will have. Catching them becomes easy when you approach like a herd mate rather than a threat ❤️

02/10/2026

Joint pain and arthritis in horses aren’t just an age issue. They’re often a movement and circulation issue.

Joints depend on daily motion to stay nourished. When horses stand still too much, stiffness and inflammation build quickly.

A few simple supports can make a big difference:

Herbal options
• Rosehips (gentle, safe, and great for joint tissue + antioxidants)
• Nettle supports connective tissue and circulation (use care if harvesting fresh)
• Turmeric helps reduce inflammation
• Ginger encourages circulation
• White willow bark (natural pain relief)
• Yucca root supports inflammation and stiffness
• Cleavers (lymphatic support)

Stretching & mobility work
• Carrot stretches (lateral + between front legs)
• Tail pulls (gentle traction)
• Back lifts
• Hip circles
• Passive forelimb extensions
• Slow backing (strengthens stifles + hocks)

Do these slow and controlled for best results.

Daily habits that matter most:
• As much turnout and movement as possible
• Long, slow warm-ups (especially the legs)
• Light hill work + stretching
• Balanced hooves and good footing
• Regular bodywork to keep tissues mobile and fluid

Consistent movement and soft, healthy tissues = happier joints.

I currently offer equine bodywork sessions to improve circulation, reduce tension, and help your horse move comfortably.
Message me to book a session!

02/08/2026

Thrush in Horses: How to Spot It and Prevent It

What is thrush?

Thrush is a bacterial (sometimes fungal) infection of the frog and heel sulci that thrives in moist, low-oxygen environments. It breaks down healthy tissue and can lead to soreness, heel pain, splits in the heel, and long-term hoof dysfunction if left untreated.

Any horse that spends time standing in wet areas, has poor circulation to the hooves, or is on a high-sugar, inflammatory diet is at risk.

Signs Your Horse May Have Thrush

Early signs (often missed):
- Deep splits or “buttcracks” in the central sulcus or heel (one of the main indicators)
- Soft, ragged, or peeling frog tissue
- Deep, narrow sulci that trap debris
- Increased sensitivity when cleaning the frog
- Odor or black/gray discharge (helpful if present, but don’t rely on this alone)

Moderate to advanced signs:
- Crumbly or eroding frog
- Bleeding or raw tissue
- Heel soreness or flinching when pressure is applied
- Shortened stride or reluctance to land heel-first
- Chronic “mystery lameness”

A healthy frog is firm, wide, slightly rubbery. It should not be mushy, smelly, or split.

Common Causes

Thrush usually develops from a combination of:
- Constant moisture (mud, urine, wet bedding, or wet paddocks)
- Poor circulation from lack of movement
- Deep, contracted heels or tight frogs
- Infrequent trimming
- Packed manure/mud left in sulci
- Compromised immune health
- Highly inflammatory or high-sugar diets (grain-heavy, sweet feed, treats) that weaken tissue and immune function

Horses that move 10–15+ miles daily rarely develop thrush. Stagnation and systemic inflammation are big risk factors.

Prevention: The Most Important Part

Daily habits:
• Pick feet daily, especially in wet weather or environments where debris will limit oxygen reaching hoof
• Remove packed debris from sulci
• Check for splits/buttcracks, soft tissue, odor, or discharge

Environment:
• Keep bedding and turnout areas dry and clean
• Avoid long periods standing in mud or manure
• Provide dry turnout areas

Movement:
• Encourage consistent turnout and daily movement
• Circulation = healthier frog tissue and oxygen delivery

Hoof care:
• Regular trims to open contracted heels and shallow sulci
• Don’t let frogs get long and folded over

Diet & nutrition:
• Limit high-sugar grains and treats
• Focus on anti-inflammatory, forage-based diets
• Support immune function to keep tissue resilient

Natural support options (gentle approaches):
○ Diluted apple cider vinegar rinse
○ Copper sulfate/zinc-based powders (baby powder with zinc oxide is gentle and works great)
○ Iodine or commercial thrush treatments
○ Drying clay or hoof packing in wet seasons

Avoid overly caustic chemicals that burn healthy tissue.

When to Treat Actively

Start treatment if you notice:
◇Splits or buttcracks in the heel/frog
◇Soft frog tissue
◇Odor or dark discharge

Treat daily until tissue is firm and healthy again.

If there’s lameness or deep central sulcus cracks, involve your farrier or vet.

Most cases resolve quickly when you address the environment, movement, hoof health, and diet, not just the bacteria.

Prevention is always better than a cure!

02/06/2026

Why Massage Helps Your Horse’s Immune Health

Many people think massage is just for sore muscles, but it also plays a key role in your horse’s overall wellness and immune function.

A horse’s immune health depends on good circulation, lymph flow, and a calm nervous system.

When the body is tight or stressed:
- Waste and inflammation build up
- Cortisol rises
- The immune system has a harder time doing its job

Here’s how massage helps:

1. Improves circulation
Massage increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste that can slow healing.

2. Supports the lymphatic system
The lymph system relies on movement and manual pressure. Massage helps clear toxins and allows immune cells to travel more efficiently.

3. Reduces stress
High stress raises cortisol, which suppresses immunity. Massage encourages relaxation and activates the “rest and repair” nervous system.

4. Decreases inflammation
Releasing tight muscles and fascia reduces chronic inflammation and supports faster recovery.

What owners often notice:
- Fewer infections or flare-ups
- Better recovery after work
- Less stocking up
- Healthier hooves and tissue
- Calmer behavior

Regular bodywork supports the whole horse, inside and out. Message me or book on my website to schedule a massage for your horse today!

02/04/2026

How much are horses actually meant to move each day?

Not an hour-long ride.
Not a quick turnout.
Not just when we ask them to work.

Horses are designed to move almost constantly.

In a natural setting, they travel 10–20+ miles a day. They have constant slow, steady walking while grazing, browsing, and staying with the herd.

It’s not just exercise.
It’s how their body stays healthy.

Because almost every system in the horse depends on that movement. Here’s what daily miles really support:

Healthy hooves
Every step flexes the hoof and pumps blood through the foot, building stronger frogs, thicker soles, and more resilient digital cushions. Movement is circulation. Circulation is hoof health.

Joints, tendons & soft tissue
Consistent, low-grade motion lubricates joints and strengthens tissue gradually, preventing stiffness and injury far better than occasional intense rides.

Digestion & metabolism
Horses are foragers meant to walk and forage all day. Movement keeps the gut active and lowers the risk of colic, ulcers, and metabolic stress.

Lymphatic & immune function
Movement is what clears fluid and waste.
Less movement often shows up as stocking up, inflammation, and slower recovery.

Mental health
Horses with freedom to move tend to be calmer, more relaxed, and easier to work with. Many “behavior problems” are really movement deficits. Movement isn’t extra, it’s foundational care.

A quick check:
Small dimples or soft hollows above the fetlock often indicate good circulation and regular movement.

Puffy or stocked-up legs usually mean they need more movement.

️How to encourage more daily movement (even without big pastures):
• Maximize turnout hours
• Spread hay out to create multiple feeding stations
• Use slow feeders or a track/paddock-paradise setup to promote walking
• Add varied terrain (gravel, hills, different footing)
• Turn out with compatible herd mates
• Hand walk or ground work when turnout is limited

Small changes can mean thousands of extra steps each day, and that adds up fast, because you can’t replace all-day movement with riding alone. They need free choice movement.

02/03/2026

A horse’s eye sees the world very differently than ours.

With nearly 360° vision and a brain wired for survival, they’re constantly tracking movement, reading energy, and noticing things we’d never even pick up on. Their job is to stay aware and alert. Safety is their language.

When you can make a horse feel safe in your presence, that is true horsemanship. It’s trusting you to lead and protect them. You can demand obedience, but you can’t demand trust.

That must be earned.

02/02/2026

Having worked with grizzly bears and elephants as a zoology graduate, we used food-based positive reinforcement all the time. If you can teach a 1,000-lb bear or a 12,000-lb elephant not to be food aggressive using food, you can absolutely teach a horse. When done with clear boundaries and respect, food rewards actually create better manners, not worse ones

Curious about trying food in your horse training?
If elephants, tigers, and even hippos can learn complex husbandry behaviours with food… why not horses?

🐘 African Elephants: The largest land mammal, have been trained to take injections and many other husbandry behaviours through clicker training.

🐻 Bears: With a bite force of over 1,200 PSI, have been trained to have their teeth cleaned and to give hair and blood samples.

🐯 Tigers: With claws 4 inches long, have been trained to back up their tails into their handler for injections and to accept fly spray on their ears.

🦓 Zebras: Who can kill lions with a single kick, have been trained to voluntarily walk onto a scale, stand still, and get weighed.

🦛 Hippos: The world’s deadliest mammal, have been trained to have their teeth brushed and undergo dental checks.

🦧 Chimpanzees: With 5 times the arm strength of a human male, have been taught to get their temperature checked and teeth inspected.

🦒 Giraffes: The tallest mammal in the world, have been trained to have their hooves handled and trimmed.

These behaviours are taught by pairing a specific action with something the animal values, often food. This helps them understand exactly what’s being asked and makes participating in their own care a positive experience. Training begins with small, achievable steps and builds gradually to more complex skills.

In many cases, the first sessions are done in protected contact, where a safe barrier allows the animal to feel comfortable and the trainer to work without risk. This isn’t unique to zoos, most R+ horse trainers also start this way.

When training without protected contact, the first priority is not the behaviour, it’s teaching CALM, thoughtful interaction around food.

We have horses trained for liberty injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous without restraint), taking oral syringes, placing their hooves on stands, showing their teeth and allowing tongue/mouth handling for daily checks, accepting eye care, volunteering for bandage changes and wound treatment, and even asking for fly spray.

If these larger, stronger, and more dangerous animals can be trained safely with food, imagine what’s possible for your horse. 🐴✨

Want to see these behaviours in action? I’ve linked real-life examples in the first comment.

Inspired by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin.

02/02/2026

What we put in the feed bucket shows up everywhere, not just in weight, but in behavior, muscles, and even hooves.

High sugar feeds (sweet feed, molasses, high starch grains, monoculture pasture) can spike blood sugar and insulin, which stresses the nervous system and increases inflammation in the body.

Over time, this can look like:
• spooky or reactive behavior
• tight backs and sore muscles
• poor recovery after work
• food aggressiveness
• weak or crumbly hooves
• laminitis risk
• susceptibility to thrush

Excess sugar can disrupt the gut and immune system, creating an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive, making it harder for hooves to stay healthy and resilient.

When horses are fueled primarily by forage and lower-sugar feeds, they often have:
- softer tissue during bodywork
- better movement
- stronger, healthier feet

Nutrition plays a huge role in whole-horse soundness. Sometimes the best “therapy” starts with what’s in their feed.

If you ever want help supporting your horse’s comfort through bodywork, movement, and management, I’m happy to chat ❤️

02/02/2026

02/02/2026