Episodes

  • How Science Proves the Healing Power of Horses: Dr. Pebbles Turbeville and the Horses and Humans Research Foundation | Ep 41

    How Science Proves the Healing Power of Horses: Dr. Pebbles Turbeville and the Horses and Humans Research Foundation | Ep 41
    Nov 6 2025
    What happens when curiosity meets compassion and data meets horsemanship? In this inspiring episode, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Dr. Pebbles Turbeville, CEO of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) — an organization that funds groundbreaking studies proving the power of horse-human interactions. For nearly two decades, HHRF has legitimized and advanced the field of equine-assisted services through rigorous, peer-reviewed research, helping programs worldwide access funding and credibility.Pebbles shares the foundation's origins, from founder Molly Sweeney's question of how horses help humans to the global network of researchers and practitioners now carrying that torch. Together, she and Rupert explore the science behind equine-assisted therapy, innovative studies linking brain scans to equine activity, and the growing focus on equine well-being — because healing must go both ways.If you’re in the equine-assisted world, this episode is your guide to the data, ethics, and compassion shaping the future of our field.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ “When we make horses healthier and happier, we make humans healthier and happier, too.” – Dr. Pebbles Turbeville✨ “Research legitimizes what we do. It helps the world see that playing with ponies is powerful medicine.” – Rupert Isaacson🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Horses and Humans Research Foundation began — and the story of founder Molly Sweeney ([00:03:00])How HHRF’s Shark Tank-style grant process ensures integrity and safety in research ([00:08:00])The challenges of funding equine-assisted research and why quality control matters ([00:10:00])Highlights of HHRF-funded studies, including brain mapping in therapeutic riding ([00:27:00])How horses’ well-being is now central to research — and what the Five Domains model means ([00:34:00])Why fitness, enrichment, and emotional health matter for therapy horses ([00:38:00])How HHRF bridges research and real-world application through free webinars ([00:45:00])The organization’s upcoming conference and equine well-being initiatives ([00:47:00])Innovative grants focused solely on equine welfare ([00:50:00])The role of emotional intelligence and kindness in both horse and human learning ([01:05:00])How collaboration, not competition, will shape the future of the equine-assisted world ([01:25:00])🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:The volunteer who changed everything: how one woman’s curiosity built a global research movement ([00:03:00])Pebbles on the irony of how hard it is to give away money – and what makes a great grant applicant ([00:10:00])The first study to measure both human and horse brain activity ([00:27:00])How understanding horse behavior and enrichment prevents burnout and aggression ([00:36:00])The power of the Five Domains: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state ([00:34:00])Rupert’s reflection on how emotional control and empathy are rooted in horsemanship ([01:06:00])Why interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to advancing the whole field ([01:25:00])📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) – https://horsesandhumans.orgDr. Pebbles Turbeville – CEO, Horses and Humans Research FoundationDr. Molly Sweeney – Founder, HHRFDr. Steven Peters – Keynote Speaker, HHRF Conference 2026Dr. Helen Sharp – Research collaborator and educatorDr. Beth Lanning, Baylor University – Neuroscience-based equine studiesChristina Wilkins – Equitation Science & Five Domains CourseSquare Peg Foundation – https://www.squarepegfoundation.orgHorse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: 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: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Autism, Dolphins & Horses: A Family’s Journey of Healing and Compassion | EP 40 with Monique Timmermans

    Autism, Dolphins & Horses: A Family’s Journey of Healing and Compassion | EP 40 with Monique Timmermans
    Oct 30 2025

    What happens when autism transforms not just a child’s life, but an entire family’s purpose? In this heartwarming episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Monique and Cees Jan Timmermans from the Netherlands about their son Stan’s remarkable journey — from dolphin therapy in Curaçao to finding peace and communication through horses.

    Monique, founder of InKompassie, shares how her family’s experience with autism inspired her to build a holistic equine-assisted practice that helps other families find balance, regulation, and hope. Together with her husband Ian, she reflects on the lessons they’ve learned about parenting, partnership, and letting go of expectations while embracing the beauty of the present moment.

    From dolphins to horses, deep pressure to patience, and family dynamics to neuroplasticity — this episode explores how compassion, movement, and nature can rewire both brain and heart.

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

    ✨ “When you look with compassion — at your child, your partner, and yourself — healing begins.” – Monique Timmermans

    ✨ “Stu does things when he is ready. You can’t push it; you just have to recognize the moment.” – Ian Timmermans

    🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    • How dolphin therapy unlocked communication and calm for Stan ([00:18:00])
    • The sensory connection between body awareness, regulation, and emotion ([00:06:00])
    • Why involving the whole family is key to successful equine-assisted sessions ([00:05:15])
    • The origins and meaning behind Monique’s practice name, InKompassie ([00:11:25])
    • How horses help children with autism reconnect with their bodies and emotions ([01:01:00])
    • Teaching academic skills like math and reading through movement and horses ([01:04:00])
    • The neuroscience behind movement, nature, and neuroplasticity ([00:42:00])
    • How Monique helps parents find regulation and perspective through horses ([00:59:00])
    • Lessons from 20 years of parenting: acceptance, patience, and unconditional love ([01:20:00])

    🎙️ Memorable Moments:

    • Stan’s breakthrough moments during dolphin therapy in Curaçao ([00:19:00])
    • Discovering that compassion begins with the self — after a hospital scare ([00:12:00])
    • Watching Stan find peace and joy with horses at home ([00:45:00])
    • How Monique’s practice evolved from personal healing to community support ([00:48:00])
    • “When everyone was like Stan, it would be a beautiful world.” – Monique ([01:37:02])
    • Ian on balance, respect, and partnership in parenting a special needs child ([01:22:15])
    • The importance of letting go of expectations and embracing what is ([01:34:19])

    📚 Contact, Projects & Resources Mentioned:
    Monique Timmermans – InKompassie (Equine-Assisted Practice, Netherlands) – https://inkompassie.nl
    Dolphin Therapy Center – Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center (CDTC)
    Temple Grandin – Author, Autism Advocate
    Horse Boy Method Horse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co

    🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
    Website: https://rupertisaacson.com

    📲 Follow Us: Long Ride Home
    Website: https://longridehome.com
    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: Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • Saving the Thoroughbred: Suzi Pritchard-Jones on Racehorse Welfare & Their Role in Equine-Assisted Work | EP 39

    Saving the Thoroughbred: Suzi Pritchard-Jones on Racehorse Welfare & Their Role in Equine-Assisted Work | EP 39
    Oct 16 2025
    When most people think of the Thoroughbred industry, they picture racing, speed, and high stakes. But what happens to these horses after the finish line? And could their intelligence, courage, and sensitivity make them perfect partners in equine-assisted work?✨ “It’s a win-win situation for the equine-assisted world and for the Thoroughbred world — an opportunity to give back to society in a meaningful way.” – Suzi Pritchard-Jones✨ “Any living creature is made up of energy. Unless you can express that energy, it gets bottled up and becomes destructive.” – Suzi Pritchard-JonesIn this compelling episode, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Suzi Pritchard-Jones — a breeder and advocate working to bridge the gap between the racing world and the equine-assisted community. Suzi shares her vision for a more humane future for Thoroughbreds, both during their careers and beyond, where welfare, horsemanship, and second careers in therapy and education take center stage.From Ireland to Florida to the UK, Suzi is pushing for change within an industry often misunderstood and criticized, championing transparency, accountability, and empathy for one of the world’s most athletic and misunderstood breeds. Together, she and Rupert explore how Thoroughbreds — once the engine of civilization — can once again serve humanity through healing, learning, and connection.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 Thoroughbreds deserve a second chance — and how their traits suit equine-assisted work ([00:06:00])The evolution of the racing industry — from owner-breeders to syndicates — and how that affects welfare today ([00:18:00])How misconceptions about “hot” Thoroughbreds persist, and what really defines their temperament ([00:22:00])How better horsemanship could transform the racing world ([00:28:00])Inside prison programs using retired racehorses to teach empathy and responsibility ([00:39:00])Creating unity between equine-assisted practitioners and the racing establishment to secure funding and respect ([01:00:00])How the in-hand Takhin method can help retrain racehorses and improve balance, confidence, and soundness ([01:17:00])Rediscovering the origins of the Thoroughbred — from the Barley Turk to modern breeding concerns ([01:23:00])Why equine-assisted practitioners must explain the science behind their work to earn support ([01:42:00])How the Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism & Racing initiatives are paving the way for social change ([01:45:00])🎙️ Memorable Moments from the Episode:Suzi recalls growing up riding out racehorses in Ireland and learning trust over dominance ([00:05:00])The lightbulb moment: seeing Thoroughbreds used in therapy for veterans at Ville, France ([00:15:00])The evolution of the racing industry and its changing relationship with welfare ([00:18:00])How better horsemanship and “crazy time” for horses can prevent frustration and burnout ([00:28:00])Thoroughbreds and prisons: how touch, empathy, and hope transform both horses and inmates ([00:40:00])Creating transparency and accountability in racing welfare programs ([00:48:00])The challenge of funding and uniting the equine-assisted field ([01:00:00])How the in-hand Takhin method builds balance, confidence, and soundness in ex-racehorses ([01:17:00])Rediscovering the origins of the Thoroughbred — from the Barley Turk to modern breeding concerns ([01:23:00])The Newmarket Pony Academy and Autism & Racing initiatives leading social change ([01:45:00])📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Suzi Pritchard-Jones – Author of Barley: The Thoroughbred’s Ticking Time Bomb: https://amzn.to/492f7DdInternational Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) – https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.comThoroughbred Retirement Foundation – https://www.trfinc.orgThoroughbred Aftercare Alliance – https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.orgHorseback UK – https://www.horseback.org.ukSquare Peg Foundation – https://www.squarepegfoundation.orgNewmarket Pony Academy – British Racing School, UKAutism & Racing – Initiative founded by Bobby Beavers, UKHorse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: 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:Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms | EP 38

    Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms | EP 38
    Oct 2 2025
    When doctors advised abortion after a devastating prenatal diagnosis, Gitti and Henrich Berkhoff chose a different path. Their son Julian was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, enduring multiple life-threatening surgeries. Against all odds, Julian not only survived but thrived—becoming a rider, public speaker, and inspiration.Out of this journey, Gitti built one of Germany’s most innovative equine-assisted programs, blending neuroscience, horsemanship, and joy. From wheelchair fox hunting to pillow fights on horseback and even toilet-brush “microphone” interviews, her farm is a living testament to humor, creativity, and resilience.Now, as she and her husband bring equine-assisted therapy to the German parliament, Gitti shares how horses, family, and a belief in joy over suffering reshaped her life—and how they can reshape equine therapy itself.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ “If you have something that makes you happy and you share it, then it grows. That gives you energy.” – Gitti Berkhoff✨ “If you are not consciously creating joy, you may be unconsciously creating suffering.” – Rupert Isaacson🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Choosing life: why Gitti and Henrich refused abortion despite grim medical predictions ([00:03:00])Julian’s early years—nine surgeries, brain infections, and the fight for survival ([00:09:00])The role of prayer, resilience, and one unforgettable moment of recognition ([00:14:00])From nurse to horsewoman: how Gitti’s medical background shaped her practice ([00:21:00])Building an “active stable” and preparing horses far beyond typical therapy standards ([00:29:00])Why play, rebellion, and humor matter more than therapy ([00:33:00])Pillow fights, toilet-brush games, and fishing thistles—turning frustration into joy ([00:35:00])Green Care farming: integrating agriculture, nature, and equine work ([00:56:00])Bringing animals into schools after trauma and conflict ([01:05:00])Validation, empathy, and the art of truly believing what children and dementia patients feel ([01:13:00])Taking equine-assisted work to the German parliament with David Doyle ([01:22:00])🎙️ Memorable Moments from the Episode:A doctor cries when baby Julian shows he can recognize faces—proof his brain is working ([00:15:00])Handing her child over for surgery with a fever of 41°C, not knowing if he’d survive ([00:16:20])Discovering Horse Boy Method in 2017 and deciding to go all the way to Texas for training ([00:07:00])Children on horseback “hunting” their parents with toilet brushes full of water ([00:36:00])Turning burdock weeds into an Olympic sport of “fishing” from horseback ([00:41:00])Installing an old toilet in the sandpit to help autistic kids laugh at and overcome toilet fears ([00:43:00])A schoolboy tells Gitti after a farm day: “This was the best day of my life.” ([01:07:00])Preparing to bring equine-assisted programs before the German parliament ([01:23:00])📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Gitti Berkhoff – Hof Berkhoff / Green Care Farm Hof Berkhoff: https://greencarefarm.de/David Doyle & Liskennett Farm, Ireland – pioneering government-backed equine-assisted workTemple Grandin – autism advocate and authorThe Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, and The Healing Land – books by Rupert IsaacsonHorse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: 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:Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Autistic Voices in Equine Therapy: Dr. Rebecca Evanko on Female Autism & Wilder Wood | Ep 37

    Autistic Voices in Equine Therapy: Dr. Rebecca Evanko on Female Autism & Wilder Wood | Ep 37
    Sep 20 2025

    From a childhood marked by abandonment in Australia to building a groundbreaking equine-assisted program in New Mexico, Dr. Rebecca Evanko’s story is one of resilience, survival, and transformation. Joined by her husband, physician Dr. Marc Evanko, the two share how their own neurodivergence—autism and ADHD—shaped Wilder Wood Equine Therapy, a program centering female autism and authentic connection with horses.

    Together they discuss the creation of WRADIANCE©, a new diagnostic tool designed by autistic women for autistic women, and their unique counseling model that blends equine interaction with trauma-informed, neurodivergent-led support.


    ✨ “For the first time, I said to myself: I’m not a problem. I’m autistic. I think differently.” – Dr. Rebecca Evanko

    ✨ “There’s nothing wrong with either operating system—Android or Apple. They both work. It’s just different.” – Dr. Marc Evanko

    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:

    • Growing up autistic, obsessed with horses, and left alone at 15 in rural Australia ([00:04:00])
    • Surviving homelessness, finding mentors, and building resilience through horses ([00:06:00])
    • Misdiagnosis, masking, and why female autism is so often overlooked ([00:10:00])
    • Meeting Marc, ADHD as both challenge and superpower, and their shared love of horses ([00:21:00])
    • Why true classical dressage informed their horse work at Wilder Wood ([00:27:00])
    • Creating equine therapy and counseling programs rooted in lived autistic experience ([00:48:00])
    • How WRADIANCE© was developed: 900+ narratives from autistic women worldwide ([00:57:00])
    • The limitations of “gold standard” diagnostic tools and why WRADIANCE© is different ([01:00:00])
    • Grief, tribe, and the importance of community for autistic women ([01:17:00])
    • Joy as the opposite of suffering—and the role of horses in bringing it back ([01:53:00])

    🎙️ Memorable Moments from the Episode:

    • Riding her horse through mist at 2 a.m. as a teen left alone in Queensland ([00:05:00])
    • A kitchen accident leading Rebecca back to horses at age 52 ([00:27:00])
    • Marc’s ADHD metaphor: starting to rake leaves, ending up at Home Depot, forgetting the rake ([00:32:00])
    • Discovering that most autism programs weren’t designed by autistic people ([00:48:00])
    • The “aha” moment: interviews don’t work—written narratives reveal female autism ([00:57:00])
    • Women saying after WRADIANCE©: “I feel so heard. I feel so seen.” ([01:04:00])
    • Why masking makes girls “fly under the radar” until adolescence melts them down ([01:12:00])
    • The concept of learned helplessness vs. finding survival strategies ([01:45:00])
    • Horses as partners in teaching self-reliance, not helplessness ([01:52:00])
    • Rebecca’s memoir Joy—naming what she found on the other side of suffering ([01:53:00])

    📚 Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:

    • Joy – Memoir by Dr. Rebecca Evanko https://amzn.to/4meH0uP
    • Wilder Wood Equine Therapy – https://wilderwoodequinetherapy.org
    • The WRADIANCE© Protocol – female autism diagnostic tool in clinical trials https://wilderwoodequinetherapy.org/the-wradiance-instrument-and-protocol/
    • Temple Grandin – Autism advocate, professor, and author
    • Movement Method & Horse Boy Method – https://ntls.co

    🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
    Website: https://rupertisaacson.com


    📲 Follow Us:

    Long Ride Home:
    Website: https://longridehome.com
    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:
    Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • 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!
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    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!
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    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!
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    1 hr and 45 mins