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A place where you'll find my musings

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.

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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.

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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.

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Why Horses Lick and Chew

Part 2: Rachel & Atlas: Rebuilding Trust, Step by Step

Part 2: Rachel & Atlas: Rebuilding Trust, Step by Stepby: Francine BurghoornPublished on: 17/11/2025

In Part 2 of Rachel Keeley’s heartfelt story, a moment of fear becomes the beginning of healing. Through patience, presence, and self-trust, she and her horse Atlas rediscover safety, forgiveness, and the quiet strength of authentic connection.

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Part 2: Rachel & Atlas: Rebuilding Trust, Step by Step

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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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