Summary

In Part 1 of our conversation with Bonny Mealand, she shares her journey into equine podiatry and the development of her HELP model, which emphasizes a holistic, horse-led approach to care. She discusses the importance of understanding horse behavior, building trust, and ensuring emotional safety in interactions. Bonny highlights the significance of observation in equine care and the important role of choice when developing meaningful relationships with horses. The conversation also touches on the challenges of rehabilitating traumatized horses and the potential for riding to be a positive shared experience when approached correctly.

Takeaways

• Bonny's work focuses on a holistic approach to equine care.
• The HELP model emphasizes safety and relationship building with horses.
• Understanding horse behavior is crucial for effective interaction.
• Observation of free-living horses provides insights into their natural behavior.
• Building trust with horses takes time and patience.
• The importance of emotional safety in horse handling cannot be overstated.
• Rehabilitating traumatized horses requires a long-term commitment.
• The HELP wheel serves as a framework for horse-human relationships.
• Touch should be initiated by the horse to ensure comfort.
• Riding can be a part of the relationship if approached correctly.