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Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

By: Rupert Isaacson
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 Here on Equine Assisted World. We look at the cutting edge and the best practices currently being developed and, established in the equine assisted field. This can be psychological, this can be neuropsych, this can be physical, this can be all of the conditions that human beings have that these lovely equines, these beautiful horses that we work with, help us with. Your Host is New York Times bestselling author Rupert Isaacson. Long time human rights activist, Rupert helped a group of Bushmen in the Kalahari fight for their ancestral lands. He's probably best known for his autism advocacy work following the publication of his bestselling book "The Horse Boy" and "The Long Ride Home" where he tells the story of finding healing for his autistic son. Subsequently he founded New Trails Learning Systems an approach for addressing neuro-psychiatric conditions through horses, movement and nature. The methods are now used around the world in therapeutic riding program, therapy offices and schools for special needs and neuro-typical children.  You can find details of all our programs and shows on www.RupertIsaacson.com.Horse Boy LLC Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

    Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36
    Sep 4 2025

    Episode Title:

    Guest Introduction:

    (If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome)

    “Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” – Dr. Mark Uranga

    In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Dr. Mark Uranga, a pediatrician from Boise, Idaho, with deep Basque roots and a lifelong connection to horses and mules. Blending his medical expertise with his equestrian experience, Dr. Uranga explores how resilience, community, and attunement shape both childhood development and equine-assisted practices.

    From the cultural heritage of the Basque people to the sure-footed wisdom of mules, this conversation dives into what resilience really means, why attunement is vital in pediatrics and horsemanship, and how nature and equines offer healing pathways beyond clinical walls.

    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Basque traditions of tribal upbringing and resilience (Starts at 00:05:00)
    • The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting (Starts at 00:23:00)
    • How attunement with children and horses builds trust (Starts at 00:38:00)
    • Why mules embody persistence, safety, and discernment (Starts at 00:42:00)
    • The role of stubbornness vs. flexibility in human growth and horsemanship (Starts at 00:51:00)
    • The mammalian caregiving system and why nurture drives resilience (Starts at 01:35:00)
    • Why doctors should “prescribe nature” alongside medicine (Starts at 01:46:00)

    🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

    • “A comfortable child is a more reliable patient.” (00:04:00)
    • On Basque childhood: “An 8-year-old carrying an 8-month-old — that’s resilience in practice.” (00:08:00)
    • “Authoritative parenting provides the framework — without the conflict of authoritarianism.” (00:26:00)
    • The mule’s pause as a model for resilience: “Their sense of self-preservation keeps us safe.” (00:47:00)
    • “Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” (00:59:00)
    • On magic and awe: “We’re still monkeys on horses, moved by the mystery of it all.” (01:20:00)
    • Why every pediatrician should spend time in nature-based learning environments (01:51:00)

    🤝 Connect with Dr. Mark Uranga:

    🎙️ Podcast: The Kid Wrangler (Spotify)
    📧 Email: theidahokidwrangler@gmail.com
    🌐 Warm Springs Care Farm (Boise, ID): https://www.warmspringscarefarm.org/

    🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:

    Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
    Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com

    📲 Follow Us:

    Long Ride Home
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome

    New Trails Learning Systems
    Website: https://ntls.co
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

    🧺 Affiliate Disclosure:

    Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being | EP 35

    Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being | EP 35
    Aug 21 2025

    In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM—a veterinarian whose decades of practice bridge old-school horsemanship, holistic care, and cutting-edge therapies like acupuncture, fascia release, and low-level laser treatment. From endurance riding roots to working alongside Linda Tellington-Jones, Dr. Varhus offers a rare, practical roadmap through the complex world of equine health.


    Together, they explore ulcers, fascia, posture, contaminated feeds, and how barns can combine tradition with holistic practices to keep therapy horses sound, safe, and thriving.


    If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome

    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why posture reveals hidden health issues (Starts at 00:29:00)
    • The role of ulcers in behavior, stress, and performance (Starts at 00:33:00)
    • Glyphosate in grain feeds and what to do about it (Starts at 00:34:00)
    • Herbs and natural remedies for ulcers and liver health (Starts at 00:54:00)
    • Low-level lasers: how they heal nerves, trauma, and chronic injuries (Starts at 00:57:00)
    • Why companionship and enrichment matter as much as feed and shelter (Starts at 01:19:00)
    • The difference between movement, enrichment, and true exercise for horses (Starts at 01:20:00)
    • How to give horses choice, voice, and options for play (Starts at 01:32:00)

    🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

    • Janet on diagnosing ulcers with acupressure and laser points (00:17:00)
    • Why “I see you” is her starting point with every horse (00:29:57)
    • Why at least half of horses she sees suffer from ulcers (00:33:12)
    • The dangers of glyphosate in grain feeds—and humic acid as a solution (00:37:39)
    • How low-level lasers cut healing time in half for horses, dogs, and even people (01:13:00)
    • Living in a barn with her horses: “They come in for coffee with my husband.” (01:38:06)

    🤝 Connect with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM:
    Email: jvarhusdvm@yahoo.com


    🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
    Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
    Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com


    📲 Follow Us:
    Long Ride Home
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehome

    New Trails Learning Systems
    Website: https://ntls.co
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld
    YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

    🧺 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 4 mins
  • Let Them Work: Temple Grandin on Real Healing for Autism & Anxiety | Ep 34 Equine Assisted World

    Let Them Work: Temple Grandin on Real Healing for Autism & Anxiety | Ep 34 Equine Assisted World
    Aug 7 2025
    In this essential episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the world’s most influential voices on autism, sensory processing, and practical approaches to learning and healing. Together, they explore how therapeutic riding centers can do more than just offer horse time—they can create whole environments of sensory safety, meaningful skill-building, and community resilience.Dr. Grandin shares her personal experiences growing up autistic, her early fears and breakthroughs, and the real-life tools that helped her thrive—tools that every equine program can apply. From using turn-taking games to stimulate speech to setting up repair shops and greeter stations to build confidence and career readiness, this episode is a blueprint for any equine-assisted center aiming to have deeper impact. If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Power of Observation & Following the Child (Starts at 01:00)How Rupert adapted Temple's three-step approach to help his nonverbal sonWhy nature and movement are essential for sensory integrationEquine Interaction & Sensory Patterns (Starts at 04:00)The three ways autistic kids respond to animalsWhat PET scans and OTs show about rhythm, balance, and the cerebellumWhy nature and gardens still matter even without horsesEarly Intervention with Church Play & Library Play (Starts at 07:00)Why many children can't afford to be on waitlistsTurn-taking games and imitation as entry pointsHow to tap into local retirees to fill gaps in early interventionTheory of Mind & Naturalistic Learning (Starts at 08:30)Flapping, spinning coins, and making daisy chains as foundational social engagementHow structured tasks lead to intellectual developmentHigh Expectations with Support (Starts at 14:00)Accommodating without overprotecting: ferry horns and dessert rulesWhy selling candy and hosting parties mattered for both Temple and Bill GatesPractical Skills, Tools & Trades (Starts at 20:00)From coat hangers to glue guns: the neuroscience of hands-on learningHow fixing things builds brains and self-worthRebuilding the Workshop Culture (Starts at 28:00)Why shop class should return to therapeutic barnsVisual thinkers vs. math thinkers: all kinds of brains need tactile trainingUsing retired mechanics, carpenters, and engineers as mentorsStructured Responsibility Around the Barn (Starts at 34:00)Real tasks: mucking, grooming, feeding, building stallsHow responsibility leads to confidence and safety awarenessSocial Skills Training through Greeting & Selling (Starts at 43:00)Simulating cookie sales, greeter roles, and party host behaviorControlled exposure to rejection and resilience buildingJob Skills, Routine & Community Integration (Starts at 51:00)Creating modern equivalents of paper routes with local volunteersWhy non-family bosses matter for skill-buildingTap into senior centers to address budget shortfallsThe Cost of Screen Time & the Value of Movement (Starts at 54:00)How too much tech stunts developmentWhat real-world vestibular tasks do for brain growthCognitive, Motor & Emotional Growth Through Challenge (Starts at 59:00)The science behind tool use, play, and heavy workBalancing boards, swings, and walking rails in arenas and homesMedication, Anxiety & Exercise (Starts at 67:00)Temple's 40-year experience with antidepressantsWhy burst exercise helps more than walkingHow low-dose meds plus movement can regulate fear systems🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Temple's method for helping kids tolerate scary noises like vacuum cleaners (01:34:00)How she visualizes responsibility: "Put the lid down and turn the latch." (01:36:22)Why greeting guests at parties was as important as riding horses (01:37:38)Temple's go-to back pain trick: "Look at the ceiling beams." (01:05:00)🤝 Connect with Dr. Temple Grandin: Website: https://www.templegrandin.com Books: Thinking in Pictures, Visual Thinking, The Autistic Brain, and more🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com📲 Follow Us: Long Ride HomeFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems🧺 Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 45 mins
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