Life With Braveheart

12/11/2025

💛 The Language of Safety

He’s just a yearling, still finding his legs, his voice, his courage.
And yet… he already knows what so many humans forget: the language of safety.

Today in the barn, Little Spirit kept nudging me for attention. So I turned toward him, held out my hand and he gently pressed his gums against my palm, smushed his nose in, and just… melted.

His eyes softened. His breath slowed.
That’s the nervous system saying: “I’m safe now.”

This is co-regulation, the silent dialogue between two beings when there’s no fear, no agenda, just presence.

Safety isn’t trained. It’s felt.
And trust isn’t taught. It’s offered.

🐴

12/11/2025

Malachi's first time in the dam today! So curious and brave 🥰🤣 love it

12/11/2025

Braveheart getting the "royal" treatment from today! Lucky fish

10/11/2025

Bob is always yawning in my face 🤣🤣🤣🤣

10/11/2025

Beautiful Braveheart and Midnight 🖤🤎

09/11/2025

Ferno and Flame 🔥 doing some mutual grooming

When horses groom each other, they’re doing far more than scratching an itch. It’s how they strengthen bonds within the herd. These little exchanges release endorphins, the same “feel-good” hormones that help lower heart rate, ease tension, and deepen trust.

Physiologically, it helps regulate their nervous systems, moving them into that safe, social state where connection and relaxation can happen.

You’ll often see it between close friends in the herd, pairs who trust each other and feel safe together. It’s their way of saying, “I’ve got you.” In the wild, these small rituals keep the herd cohesive, reducing stress and reinforcing belonging. In a domestic setting, when we see Ferno and Flame doing this, it tells us the environment is peaceful, their bodies feel at ease, and their relationship - and the herd’s - is in a healthy place.

Two friends, one moment of shared care, and a reminder that connection heals more than words ever could.

08/11/2025

The most spectacular African Fish Eagle landing in the tree at the farm. 🦅 Just blessed with nature's visits here 😍 They always come and call when we are here. It's pretty special to be witnessed by such wondrous birds of prey 🙌

07/11/2025

Braveheart having a nap 🖤❤️

07/11/2025

Mally 🥹❤️

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

Today, something really special happened with Raka.

He’s new to our herd, he’s been here just a week, and he belongs to a lovely lady named Angela. I’ve only spent maybe an hour in total with him so far, spread over the last few days while being with the herd.

This morning I noticed him standing quietly and decided to just go and breathe with him, no agenda, just presence. After about ten minutes of deep breathing and simply being near each other, he chose to lie down right next to me.

For a horse to lie down beside you, especially one who doesn’t really know you and who’s still finding his place in a new herd, speaks volumes. Horses only lie down when they feel completely safe. It’s one of the most vulnerable things they can do.

Raka has had a lot to process this week. Braveheart has been keeping a close eye on him, and Indy too, so he’s had to stay alert and guarded. It’s been a time of adjustment, navigating new relationships and herd energy. He also has a little bit of pain in his leg which hasn't helped.

So for him to choose to rest beside me today felt deeply meaningful. It wasn’t about me, it was about what safety feels like when we regulate our own energy and meet a horse with softness, patience, and presence.

He didn’t need me to do anything. He just needed a safe space to exhale. And that’s what connection really is - creating a field where another being feels safe enough to let go.

✨️❤️