About Brie
Equine Behaviour consultant
WBA ENDORSED TRAINER
I’m Brie Simpson, an equine behaviour consultant, R+ trainer, and the founder of PATH Equestrian. I’ve spent over 22 years in the horse world, starting as a Hunter/Jumper coach and trainer before realizing something was missing.
Today, my work focuses on helping horses and humans build trust through understanding, evidence, and compassion.
I’ve hosted clinics and mentorships focused on the equine pain ethogram, consent-based procedures, and welfare-based care, supporting owners, professionals, and students in applying science to real-world horse management. I’ve also mentored students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including veterinary and graduate students, as well as co-op placements and horse owners seeking hands-on experience in welfare-based training and management.
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.
Experience
- 19 years of riding and horse handling experience
- 13 years of stable management experience
- 15 years of training and 9 years of coaching experience
- 5 years of of researching, studying and practicing behaviour modification
- Behavioural Consultant recommended and trusted by local vets
Accolades
- ENDOSED TRAINER at The World Bitless Association
- Equine Training Professional at The Pet Professional Guild
- Studying Member at the IAABC
- 2021 Winner of “Best Equestrian / Riding Lesson” within the Waterloo Region
“Continuing Education” before 2021
- Equine Behaviour University of Guelph
- Horse Human Connection Graduate
- Bookkeeping Diploma
- Equine Psychology
- Short Mentorship with Justine Harrison
- Do More For Your Dog Titles
- Champion – Hunter Equitation
“Continuing Education” 2022
- Lemonade Conference (IAABC and FDSA)
- Clicker Expo (Karen Pryor Clicker Training)
- “Because of the Horse” (Online Horsemanship Fair)
- Equine Psychology Diploma
“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
“Continuing Education” 2025
- T-Touch Clinic with Linda Tellington-Jones
- R+ Horse Summit
- 10th Annual Equine Industry Symposium
Publications
Article
9 DIY Enrichment Activities for Horses to Prevent Boredom
Looking for ways to prevent boredom in your horse? Enrichment activities for your horse don’t need to cost a lot and can be easy to set up.
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 47 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part One
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!
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!
Contact
Phone
pathequestrian@gmail.com
Address
Located in Caledon East, Ontario
Hours of operation
Private Property – Please contact for availability!