Horses Explained | horse health

Comming Fall 2025

Understanding Horse Depression

Horses communicate their emotions in subtle ways, yet depression in horses is often misunderstood, overlooked, or dismissed entirely. Understanding Horse Depression is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on equine mental health, backed by science, real-world observations, and practical solutions for horse owners, riders, and trainers.

This book explores the hidden impact of stress, training, and management on a horse’s emotional well-being, revealing how modern domestication and training methods can contribute to chronic stress, learned helplessness, and anhedonia—a loss of interest in life. By understanding these factors, we can change how we care for, ride, and interact with horses in a way that supports both their physical and emotional health.

What You’ll Learn in This Book:

✔️ How to recognize signs of depression—from withdrawn behavior to lack of responsiveness and aggression
✔️ The link between stress and depression and how daily management plays a role
✔️ Why some training methods contribute to mental decline and what to do instead
✔️ How environment, movement, nutrition, and social interactions impact a horse’s mental state
✔️ Practical, science-backed strategies to support a horse’s emotional well-being

This book challenges outdated beliefs and provides a new, informed perspective on horse behavior and training. Whether you’re a dedicated horse owner, an equestrian professional, or simply someone who wants to create a better life for horses, Understanding Horse Depression will change the way you see and interact with your equine partner.

🔹 Coming Fall 2025 – Published by Trafalgar Square Books. Stay tuned for updates!

About Me

Growing up in a small riding facility run by my parents, who are equestrian instructors, my love for horses and the equestrian world took root early on. I started showing horses in 1998 and have since gained considerable experience in the equestrian industry.

Since 2006, I have been a certified coach in Poland, teaching horse riding with a deep respect for the horse's mental and physical well-being. My experience in training my own horses has given me a strong understanding of their learning patterns, personalities, and temperaments. I know how to create a safe and organized environment for horses, ensuring they are happy and more predictable.

I believe that horse riding and horsemanship should be a pleasant experience for both horse and rider. My teaching focuses on lightness, suppleness, and mutual respect, aligning with your skills and expectations as well as the horse's abilities. I often work with "difficult horses" because I have the patience, observation skills, and knowledge of various training methods to help them succeed.

I teach with empathy, energy, and understanding, creating a safe environment for learning and experimentation. My approach is specific, descriptive, and focused on behaviors that can be changed. I provide positive and constructive feedback, always considering the needs and possibilities of the learner.

I implement the Effective Training Model – SET® Model, which focuses on three key elements:

Safety
Experience
Training in practice

Equine Canada Competition Coach certification
Specialized equine orthopedic training
Certified thermographer for thermal imaging in equines
Certified FEI courses in horse conformation and movement evaluation
Certification in animal psychology

As a lifelong learner and educator, I have shared my expertise and knowledge through various mediums. I take pride in being the author of numerous equestrian articles, covering a wide range of topics from riding techniques to horse care and training methods. Furthermore, I also serve as a host for an educational social media platform, where I share valuable insights and engage with fellow horse enthusiasts from around the world.

Join me on this journey of growth and discovery. Together, we will create a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and your horse. All you need is time and openness to embark on this path. I invite you to explore my website and learn more about my services and expertise. If you have any questions or are interested in working together, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to sharing my passion for horses and helping you achieve your equestrian goals.

"Joanna Lepiarczyk is, on the one hand, an expert in the field of horses and equestrianism, and on the other, a true lover of these animals. She is a person with immense knowledge and experience, curious and constantly seeking ways of development in the field she has chosen. Her excellent understanding of the horse’s body and psyche allows her to approach horses and equestrianism in a holistic way, which she expresses in her thermographic and psychological practice, as well as in valuable publications devoted to this topic.

Joanna Lepiarczyk is also an open and communicative person, willing to engage in substantive discussion and exchange of views. I recommend Joanna Lepiarczyk as a trustworthy person. Working with her will certainly bring positive results for both people and horses."

Eliza Anna Niemczycka, DVM

Equine Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is a valuable tool for any horse owner who wants to provide the best care for their equine partner. This is a simple, non-invasive and stress-free way to detect circulation changes in your horse's body, which can indicate inflammation, injury, pain or other issues.

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Online Learning

My workshops are designed to educate equestrians on how to understand and communicate with their horses from the horse's perspective.

You will learn about the horse's needs, preferences, emotions, and body language and how to apply this knowledge in your riding and training. By doing so, you will not only improve your equestrian skills but also enhance your horse's well-being and happiness. My online workshops are based on the latest scientific research and ethical principles of working with horses and are designed to enhance your horse's well-being and happiness, as well as your own.

Join me today and discover a new way of being with your horse!

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Blog

If you are passionate about horses and riding, you might want to check out my equestrian blog. I share my personal experiences, tips, and insights on everything related to horses and horseback riding.

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The most valuable lesson I have learned that has become the cornerstone of my approach is that to achieve success with horses, we must first understand their needs. It is with this insight that I have created Horses Explained, a comprehensive resource that aims to illustrate the true nature of horses, their fundamental requirements, and the intricate dynamics of building a successful partnership.

Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how vital it is for riders to comprehend their horse's perspective in order to achieve true equestrian mastery. With this in mind, Horses Explained goes beyond simple horsemanships. By forging a connection built on empathy and knowledge, we can reach new heights, both as riders and as ambassadors for equine welfare.

Joanna Lepiarczyk

This website was created for all horses.

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