About Brie

The Story Behind PATH Equestrian

The story of me founding PATH Equestrian starts in 2017 while I attended the University of Guelph and had a brief introduction to Positive Reinforcement Training. I had been looking for a while for a training style that aligned with my ethics. I was consistently told that I wasn’t forceful enough and didn’t have enough “grit” to be successful in the equine world. Punishment based methods never felt right, so I began to study equine behaviour, equine ethology, the learning theory, equine psychology and equine welfare.

All this newfound education resulted in me founding PATH Equestrian. PATH is an acronym for “Positive Approach to Horsemanship”. I wanted to create a business and a name that represented my journey (path) into a more compassionate and ethical type of horsemanship. My hope is for PATH Equestrian to be more than just the services I offer. I want to help advance the equine world and want to be at the forefront of the introduction of compassionate, humane and science-based training. My hope is to continue to promote, advocate and educate on these training options.

My Methods and Ethics:

• LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) Trainer
• R+ (Positive Reinforcement) Based
• Always honour and listen to a horse’s body language, thresholds and stress signals.
• Start with antecedent arrangements (examine outside of training first)
• Investigate the root causes of their behaviours (no band-aid solutions)
• Provide in-depth personalized solutions (one size doesn’t fit all)
• Promote enriching and species-appropriate lifestyles
• Create a learning environment that empowers horses and create horses who are eager to engage with their environment and their human companions
• Focus on connection and communication
• Eliminate the use of unneeded punishment, domination, and fear
• Advocate for all horses to be treated equally regardless of whether or not they can be ridden
• Always learn, improve, and grow when new information is presented

Qualification and Awards:

My promise is to continue to learn, improve and use science-based methods to work with horses. My goal is to keep adding to my experience and education list below.

Accolades

• Equine Training Professional at The Pet Professional Guild
• Associate Trainer at The World Bitless Association
• Studying Member at the IAABC
• 2021 Winner of “Best Equestrian / Riding Lesson” within the Waterloo Region

“Continuing Education” 2023 and 2024

• T-Touch Clinic with Linda Tellington-Jones
• R+ Clinic with Adele Shaw, CHBC
• PB Paddock Paradise Livery Track System Clinic
• Positive Horse Virtual Show – March (3rd place winner)
• Positive Horse Virtual Show – June

Publications

Article

8 Common Stereotypic Behaviours in Horses and What They Mean 

Equine stereotypic behaviours are repetitive behaviours involving a constant sequence of movements that have no obvious or apparent function. 

Podcast – The Willing Equine

Ep 48 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part Two

Discussion on “pure” positive reinforcement, LIMA (and the humane hierarchy) for human learners, damage control vs structured training, setting you and your horse up for success, transitioning from traditional training to positive reinforcement, and so much more!