Our partnership-based philosophy for humans & horses
about buddha barn
At the core of Buddha Barn is a commitment to ethical horsemanship—an approach rooted in respect, awareness, responsibility, and partnership.
From the beginning, our intention has been to create a space where each animal is truly known. A place where care is not scaled, rushed, or generalized, and instead is thoughtful, individualized, and responsive to who each animal is and what they need over time.
This work asks for presence, not volume. And that is what we work towards daily.
Our approach to care
To us, horsemanship is not about riding. It is about understanding.
It’s the ability to listen to what a horse is communicating, to recognize their physical and emotional state, and to respond in a way that supports their wellbeing. Sometimes that looks like structured groundwork or riding. Other times, it looks like simply sitting with them.
Anytime we engage in partnership work, it is done with intention and with consent. The question is never, "what can this horse do for us?", but "what would benefit this horse today?" We work closely with veterinarians, bodyworkers, and experienced horsemen and women to determine what is appropriate for each individual.
A horse here is never valued for what they can do. They are valued because they are here.
It’s the ability to listen to what a horse is communicating, to recognize their physical and emotional state, and to respond in a way that supports their wellbeing. Sometimes that looks like structured groundwork or riding. Other times, it looks like simply sitting with them.
Anytime we engage in partnership work, it is done with intention and with consent. The question is never, "what can this horse do for us?", but "what would benefit this horse today?" We work closely with veterinarians, bodyworkers, and experienced horsemen and women to determine what is appropriate for each individual.
A horse here is never valued for what they can do. They are valued because they are here.
When is riding okay?
Making the determination that a horse is okay for a riding partnership requires outside information. Having a variety of colleagues, medical professionals, and experienced horsemen and women to advise after an examination is important. In cases where riding is appropriate, the exercise programs should benefit the horse's physical alignment and health.
Our founder applies the principles she learned as a yoga instructor to create programs that support the horse's health. Essentially, the horse is viewed as the client, not the human, and the exercise program is based on what is best for the horse's longevity, not the rider's goals as an equestrian.
Our program also changes from day to day. Just like humans who show up one day ready to exercise and the next day in need of rest, our residents show up differently on different days. Sometimes the answer is no riding today, sometimes they benefit from temporary time off, and sometimes they transition to full retirement. Keeping up to date on X-rays, physical evaluations, and examinations is an important aspect of the program.
One of the core values is that your relationship and connection with your horse are essential, no matter your horse's condition. A horse that cannot be ridden should under no circumstances be given less value. Love the horse you have; they don’t need to be ridden or be a servant to humans' goals. They deserve forever with their people.
Our founder applies the principles she learned as a yoga instructor to create programs that support the horse's health. Essentially, the horse is viewed as the client, not the human, and the exercise program is based on what is best for the horse's longevity, not the rider's goals as an equestrian.
Our program also changes from day to day. Just like humans who show up one day ready to exercise and the next day in need of rest, our residents show up differently on different days. Sometimes the answer is no riding today, sometimes they benefit from temporary time off, and sometimes they transition to full retirement. Keeping up to date on X-rays, physical evaluations, and examinations is an important aspect of the program.
One of the core values is that your relationship and connection with your horse are essential, no matter your horse's condition. A horse that cannot be ridden should under no circumstances be given less value. Love the horse you have; they don’t need to be ridden or be a servant to humans' goals. They deserve forever with their people.
Horse + Human Healing
At Buddha Barn, we believe the relationship between horse and human has the potential to be deeply restorative - when it’s built on trust, respect, and understanding.
When we slow down and meet horses where they are, something shifts. Not just for them, but for us as well.
Connection here is not asked for; it’s allowed to form. And in that space, both horse and human have the opportunity to experience a different kind of healing.
When we slow down and meet horses where they are, something shifts. Not just for them, but for us as well.
Connection here is not asked for; it’s allowed to form. And in that space, both horse and human have the opportunity to experience a different kind of healing.
meet the Founder
Buddha Barn Founder Danielle is a lifelong equestrian whose understanding of horses has evolved far beyond traditional riding.
Her early years in the equestrian world gave her a deep familiarity with horses, but it was through experience, observation, and continued education that her perspective began to shift. She started to question what horses truly needed to live well - not just perform well.
This curiosity led her into studies of holistic care, bodywork, and movement, as well as her work as a yoga instructor. Today, those influences shape how she approaches every resident at the sanctuary.
Danielle’s approach to horsemanship is rooted in listening and paying attention to the subtle ways horses communicate discomfort, stress, trust, and connection. It’s this attentiveness that informs the highly individualized care each animal receives.
Buddha Barn isn’t simply a sanctuary; it’s a reflection of how Danielle believes horses deserve to live.
Her early years in the equestrian world gave her a deep familiarity with horses, but it was through experience, observation, and continued education that her perspective began to shift. She started to question what horses truly needed to live well - not just perform well.
This curiosity led her into studies of holistic care, bodywork, and movement, as well as her work as a yoga instructor. Today, those influences shape how she approaches every resident at the sanctuary.
Danielle’s approach to horsemanship is rooted in listening and paying attention to the subtle ways horses communicate discomfort, stress, trust, and connection. It’s this attentiveness that informs the highly individualized care each animal receives.
Buddha Barn isn’t simply a sanctuary; it’s a reflection of how Danielle believes horses deserve to live.
danielle Tomassetti
