Have you ever been to a barn in the middle of feeding time? It can either be a picture of peaceful organization—or total chaos. At our stable, we’ve experienced both, and the difference always comes down to one thing: unity. For horses, food is central to the herd’s hierarchy. The more dominant horses control the food supply, eating first and determining who gets to eat and when. Left unmanaged, this natural hierarchy can lead to fights and confusion, especially when humans enter the mix. But when we feed our horses, we manage the process with care to ensure everyone stays safe and the environment remainscalm. Sounds simple, right? It wasn’t always this way.

Parenting teens can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, especially as they begin to separate and form their own identities. Interestingly, nature offers us a powerful parallel through the process of weaning in wild horses. I have observed mares fiercely protect, discipline, and eventually let go of their foals as they become full-grown. Here are some lessons from horses that can help your parenting journey.

It’s human nature to avoid pain and seek pleasure. Our brains are wired to chase what feels good. For teens, this instinct can quickly turn into unhealthy habits like drinking, using drugs, or other harmful behaviors. Why? Because feeling good in the moment can seem like the easiest way to escape the discomfort of life’s challenges.

If you’ve ever felt confused about judging others or making judgments, you’re not alone. Today, I’ll break it down so you can clearly understand what to judge, what not to judge, and how to make sense of the biblical principle of "judge not."

I’ve been working with horses and people for a long time, and one thing I’ve noticed—both in my own journey and in most horse owners—is a cycle.

Just like horses, humans thrive on connection. Without it, both species can experience emotional and physical distress.