Roots and Reins Equine-Assisted Learning

09/04/2026

After an eventful (LONG) summer, we are finally back in a routine and ready to start offering groups again. Stayed tuned for our fall series for children ages 5+ through teens!

06/05/2026

This is a really great explanation and something we can apply to our horse and human friends.

One of the most powerful moments in a relationship with a horse is realizing that trust and agreement are not the same thing.

For a long time, I thought they were.

If the horse trusted you, they would come.

They would cooperate.

They would say yes.

But life has a way of challenging simple stories.

Because eventually you meet a horse who trusts you enough to disagree.

A horse who feels safe enough to express uncertainty.

A horse who doesn't hide their discomfort.

A horse who knows the relationship can survive an honest answer.

And suddenly you realize something important:

The deepest trust was never revealed by the yes.

It was revealed by what happened after the no.

Did the relationship remain intact?

Did curiosity remain present?

Did respect survive disappointment?

I think many of us have experienced relationships where honesty felt dangerous.

Where belonging depended on agreement.

Where saying the wrong thing risked losing connection.

Horses seem to ask us a beautiful question:

Can a relationship remain loving when two beings want different things?

Because if the answer is yes, something extraordinary becomes possible.

No one has to disappear.

No one has to pretend.

No one has to abandon themselves to stay connected.

And perhaps that is what real trust looks like.

Not agreement.

But the safety to be honest.

06/04/2026

A quick lesson in self care from the horses 🐴

Step 1: find sand
Step 2: lay down
Step 3: roll around until all of your problems disappear

We can’t guarantee this works for humans, but the horses seem pretty convinced!

05/28/2026

One year with Axel and somehow the barn is still standing. In the last 365 days, Axel has:

🐴 Tested the strength of every fence, stall guard, stall wall, and human boundary

🐴 Mastered the art of emotional support while also causing the emotional distress

🐴 Reminded every kid (and adult) that being a little goofy, sensitive, and “too much” isn’t a bad thing

He’s chaotic, hilarious, occasionally destructive, and one of the best teachers we could ask for. He helps all of us learn how to calm our brains and trust the world just a little more.

Happy 1 year to my favorite oversized toddler in a horse costume.

05/28/2026

🐎❤️

05/20/2026

I’d argue this is one of the best ways to spend a morning.

05/17/2026

I always look forward to watching the teen group ride. Their lesson is basically 50% confidence building and 50% trying to act cool while your horse ignores you completely. It has become one of my favorite Saturday morning activities.

05/14/2026

The barn has a way of building confidence quietly. We don’t just talk about communication, patience, and problem solving - we live it. From learning how to safely handle horses, to helping with barn chores, to navigating unpredictable moments that come with animals, every session becomes an opportunity to grow.

05/11/2026

Tiny Trotters postponed until 6/6!

Our littlest group will begin on 6/6 and run for 4 consecutive Saturdays. We still have 2 spots left and look forward to welcoming some new friends!