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A place where you'll find my musings

Something Was Off

Something Was Offby: Francine BurghoornPublished on: 19/03/2026

A story about trust, nervous systems, and a donkey who shows up. What happened when part of my herd got trapped on the wrong side of a fence and why it still surprises me, even after all these years.

Life Lessonsshit happensSocial Pressure
Something Was Off

Chop Wood, Carry Water

Chop Wood, Carry Waterby: Francine BurghoornPublished on: 16/02/2026

After storms and long winter weeks, sweeping the porch becomes meditation. A reflection on slowing down, nervous system rest, horses shedding, and the quiet return of movement as we enter the Year of the Fire Horse.

Life LessonsPausing
Chop Wood, Carry Water

The quiet in-between

The quiet in-betweenby: Francine BurghoornPublished on: 12/01/2026

A reflective winter blog on rest, shedding old patterns, and listening inward as we move from the Year of the Wood Snake into the Fire Horse. On horses, nervous system safety, and trusting the quiet before forward movement.

Life LessonsPausing
The quiet in-between

Why Horses Lick and Chew

Why Horses Lick and Chewby: Francine BurghoornPublished on: 15/12/2025

Licking and chewing is often misunderstood as a sign of submission, but in truth, it reveals something far more profound. Through a trauma-informed and ethological lens, this small gesture marks a nervous system in transition moving from tension back to safety.

horse trainingPausingBody Language
Why Horses Lick and Chew

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Start with a gentle shift

Creating Calmness with your Horse in 5 Easy Steps.

A calming, practical starting point for horse lovers who want more ease, trust and true partnership - without force, formulas, or rushing.This guide will help you slow down, listen more deeply, and begin to rebuild your connection from the inside out- one soft step at a time.

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