To offer its guests an immersive look at the life on a West Texas ranch, the luxury JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, TX has introduced a one-of-a-kind Horse Psychology Experience for guests and locals. Before you can find true harmony and develop rapport with a horse, it is best to try and understand the nature of a horse—and this experience does just that. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Led by the working ranch and resort’s equine experts Jon Joseph and Sydney Béïque, guests can learn about horse psychology, the basics of horse behavior, and how to be comfortable around horses; for example, guests will learn that a round pen makes it easier to train horses as well as techniques for optimal upkeep and engagement. This provides a deeper appreciation for the majestic animals as well as a fun, engaging way to immerse yourself in Texas Hill Country ranch culture. 

In addition to JL Bar’s classic horseback riding excursions across the property’s sprawling 13,000 acres and Cowboy Cookout adventures alongside their 32 luxurious accommodations and top-notch spa, the Horse Psychology Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience that belongs on any traveler’s bucket list. Guests and locals can partake in this special one-hour course for as low as $50 and gain a deeper understanding and comfort level when interacting with horses.  

Here are some frequently asked questions about the program and answers by JL Bar’s equine expert Jon Joseph:

Horse Psychology + Equine Program:

• What inspired the JL Bar team to introduce the Horse Psychology experience to guests?
  • Jon/Sydney wanted to change guests minds and teach them “why horses do what they do.” For example, understanding the history of horses, the body language of a horse, herd mentality of horse and why some are leaders and some are followers, etc.
• What are a few examples of how guests can interact with a horse by going off their body language and emotions to train them? What are a few things guests learn during the horse psychology experience (i.e. round pen, how to approach, etc.)? Can you explain why round pen is better for training?
  • When guests arrive, Jon likes the horses to be the calm and allow guests to approach them. To get here, he has the horses go in the round pen and run laps to get in exercise, etc. Once that’s done he gives them a signal to follow him and stand next to him while interacting with guests. During this time, the horses know it’s their break to be calm, be loved on, and no need to be scared of the guests. If they leave his side and start acting crazy, they know they will have to do the round pen again.
  • Round pen is best to use because if the pen has corners the horse will typically end up staying in the corner with their backside facing you. They will not run around or express interest with humans.
• How many horses are on property? Can you share any of their personalities, guest favorites, recent additions, etc.? What kinds of horses are on property?
  • There are 8 horses that guests can ride (all ex-show horses), 2 horses in training that are not in front of guests yet, and 2 babies (1 born on the Ranch in last March).
  • Chexamillion is a fan favorite among guests, he is in retirement mode from a successful show career and is very calm and good with all guest types.
• Outside of the horse psychology experience and horseback riding excursions, are there any other ways that guests can interact with the horses during their stay?
  • Guests can partake in a “Horse Meet & Greet.” JL Bar has noticed it is typically younger or older guests that come and participate. Guests can come love on the horses and take pictures with them. JL Bar is currently building a new barn and once it is ready guests will be able to help take care of the horses by brushing them, help feeding them, etc.