Hidden Cedar Stables

11/13/2025

Self-care isn't really about bubble baths and spa days. It is about consciously choosing healthy habits, setting boundaries and managing stress in ways that authentically and truly recharge your soul and nourish both your physical and emotional self.

Self-care is HARD. It requires us to take stock of our needs, practice self-compassion and make a plan to follow. It often falls to the wayside as we try to people please and prioritize other's comfort over our own.

Horses are naturally inclined to perform seld-care through herd behaviours. Today Jasper enjoyed an human assisted "self-care" session focused solely on his needs. He has a hoof abcess and with that- limited mobility. His hoof was treated, he enjoyed a grooming, a stretch, a well fitting blanket to keep him warm. Through caring for animals we can gain insight into our own needs.

What is something you have been wanting to do to truly care for your self? What would it look like to choose yourself? To believe that you are worthy of your own love? What would your day look like? How would you feel?

Sometimes focusing on the solutions or steps forward can shift our minds and make way for the new. Try it out....

11/11/2025

09/29/2025

Jasper decided to let himself out and go for a stroll Friday afternoon...I think he was practicing his mindful walking!

We are happy to be back at things, enjoying the fall weather and accepting new clients.

Text Dana at 613 848 4163 to make a referral

09/17/2025

Really important information about horses and their possible grieving processes...alot of similarities as to how humans might also be impacted by losses

DO HORSES GRIEVE WHEN THEY LOSE A COMPANION?

Many horse people sense it. Now, recent research provides more evidence that yes — when a companion horse dies, many horses exhibit grief-like responses that can last for months.

This study examined behavioural changes in horses following the death of a companion. Of 325 owners who responded to the study survey, many reported noticeable changes in their surviving horse’s behaviour after the loss.

What the study found:

• Within the first 24 hours after the death of a companion, most horses showed changes in behaviour: heightened arousal (≈ 89 %), altered interaction with other horses (~78 %), changed behaviour toward humans (~78 %), increased alertness to environmental stimuli (~73 %), and more vocalisation (~69 %).

• Many horses continued to show shifts in behaviour, mood, or social engagement up to six months after the loss.

• The strength of the bond matters: horses in close “affectionate” relationships showed more pronounced changes — especially around feeding, interacting, or being around others.

• Whether a horse could stay near the body of the deceased companion also influenced how certain behaviours (like vocalisation, excitement about feeding, or interaction) evolved over time. Those unable to access or witness what happened showed more persistent distress, especially heightened vigilance and arousal over time.

Grieving the loss of a companion has real welfare implications. Grief isn’t just a nice sentiment or a human emotion we project onto horses — for survivor horses, loss can cause real, lasting effects that have long-term impact. Mood, appetite, energy, social behaviour, and interest in human interactions can all be disrupted.

The way death is handled on a yard makes a difference. Allowing time and presence with the deceased, recognising behaviour changes early, and offering extra care can help reduce the impact:

• Watch for changes in the first 24 hours and beyond: look for changes in feeding, sleeping, social behaviour, mood, vigilance and interaction with people.

• Be aware that healing takes time: six months or more is not uncommon.

• If possible, allow surviving horses to be near the body or to witness (if safe and feasible). This seems to reduce some prolonged stress.

• Give the surviving horses an opportunity to acknowledge the loss: presence near the body, opportunity to witness or experience what happened (safely and appropriately) seems to help.

• Provide extra care, enrichment, predictable routine, and gentle handling — especially for horses with strong bonds.

Remember that grief is individual. Some horses bounce back quickly, others need more time. Both deserve care and compassion.

Study: Ricci-Bonot et al (2025). Grief-like distress responses in horses after the death of a conspecific. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

08/20/2025

https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/355790

We are expanding come September!!! Now taking on new clients.

Dana Glass - True Connection Equine Assisted Therapy Services, Registered Social Worker, Plainfield, ON, K0K, (343) 341-0998, I have a BSW, MSW and a degree in psychology with over a decade of experience in the human service field. I'm well suited to providing services to youth struggling with menta...

07/16/2025

It is hard to believe we are already well into July and I haven't had a chance to do a summer update.

June was a very busy month of transitioning schedules. As a reminder - our hours are slightly different for the summer...Tuesday's and Wednesday's 9-430pm.

The heat of the summer has the horses mostly hanging inside under the fans all day, but they did venture out today for a little nibble of grass.

It is the first summer in 11 years without Archie. The grief is still pretty constant for myself and of course Jasper and Parker. The horses remind me that life is always in the present moment and quiet observation of their bodies, their non verbal body language, their energy and existence is incredibly grounding. I liked this quote of just focusing on today - even one breathe or minute at a time.... Remember whatever you are going through - You CAN do today.