The freeze response is an often overlooked side of horse behavior.  Horses that have learned to go into freeze get labeled "unpredictable", "counterfeit", "dishonest" etc... when actually it is an involuntary neurological response to fear, flooding, pain, overstimulation, confusion.  Your horse can't control whether it goes into freeze mode.  But you can learn how to recognize the signs and change your perspective on this tricky  defense response!  In this episode Ashley talks about the first couple of times she saw a freeze response in a horse and how she started to recognize the signs - the hard way.   Join us virtually for our LIVE class on the Polyvagal Theory!  We will go in depth on the horse's nervous system, homeostasis state and survival responses.  When you know the difference between involuntary reaction and behavior you can be more strategic in your approach with your horse and help him to find relaxation and calm in any situation.  Click HERE to sign up for the class!  (If you would like to join in person please contact Ashley directly [email protected]) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ashley-purdin/message