2025 is over, and Chewie has now been with me for almost a year. She has grown a lot and will turn three this spring. You can read about Chewie’s arrival and a little bit of background about her in this post.
I have been reflecting on everything we have done this year, as well as my goals and plans for 2026.
Enrichment and exploration
One of our big priorities this year has been enrichment and exploration activities.
I’ve set up activities for Chewie to help build her curiosity and confidence. She has had fun exploring a variety of objects, including blue mats, tarps, and a rainbow mat.
Chewie has also learned how to play with a variety of enrichment toys. She now regularly eats her breakfast in an enrichment toy, such as her blue puzzle ball or her Kong wobbler. She also likes playing with her snuffle mat!
Looking forward: We’re looking forward to trying out some horse agility in 2026. These exploration and enrichment activities have helped make Chewie more confident about new experiences and have given her a good foundation that we can build on, as I introduce her to some of the horse agility obstacles.
Training for veterinary care and husbandry tasks
Much of our training this year has focused on behaviors that will help Chewie live happily and safely in a world with humans. We have worked on hoof care, baths, fly spray, and more.
In particular, I’m proud of all the time we have spent on hoof care. Frequent, good-quality hoof care is really important, as it helps support a young horse’s overall posture, balance, and health.
I wrote some in Chewie’s diary about our beginning hoof care routine, building duration when picking up a foot, and creating a dialog so that Chewie can say “yes” and “no” while I am trimming her feet.
Looking forward: In 2026, we plan to continue working on vet behaviors and husbandry behaviors, including injection training, blood draws, and trailer loading.
Moving to a new barn
One of our biggest accomplishments this year was moving to a new barn, approximately three months ago. Our new barn is a small, self-care property, meaning I do all of the feeding and chores myself.
I wrote about moving day and about how I introduced Chewie to her new home and to her new buddy, Liberty. Chewie and Liberty are now good friends!
I have been deliberate and careful as we have built good routines for feeding time and as I have introduced Chewie to different parts of the property.
The new barn is more work for me, but it also has given me a lot more freedom for designing a living environment, daily routines, and enrichment activities that are optimal for Chewie.
Best of all, Chewie seems happier and a lot more relaxed at the new barn.
Looking forward: This fall, I’ve been experimenting with some automated devices, which make food or enrichment activities available throughout the day when I am not at the property. I’m looking forward to playing more with this concept in 2026 and experimenting with ways to create a more interesting and enriching life for Chewie and her buddy, Liberty.
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