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!
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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
  • Building a Culture of Equine Well-Being – With Melissa Connor of Renew TRC | Ep 33 Equine Assisted World

    Building a Culture of Equine Well-Being – With Melissa Connor of Renew TRC | Ep 33 Equine Assisted World
    Jul 24 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Melissa Connor, Executive Director of Renew Therapeutic Riding Center in Holland, Michigan. Recorded just weeks after Rupert visited the center, this conversation highlights what it takes to create a truly horse-centered therapeutic program—where equine well-being is as prioritized as human healing.Melissa shares her decades-long journey through the equine-assisted services field, how she shaped a program with excellence in horse care, and the practical systems Renew uses to maintain a thriving herd of 22 horses. From rider conditioning and pasture management to financial sustainability and healthy organizational culture, Melissa offers a rare, transparent view into what truly ethical equine-assisted work looks like behind the scenes. 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:Creating a Culture of Equine Well-Being (Starts at 01:00)Why therapeutic horses deserve the same quality of care as competition horsesHow listening to horses and honoring their vocation sets the foundationThe importance of movement, friendship, and forage (the three F’s)Evolving Out of the "Donated Horse" Mentality (Starts at 09:00)Melissa’s early experiences with horses in VirginiaWhy therapeutic programs shouldn’t accept broken-down or unsuitable horsesHow to reframe our value system when it comes to horses in serviceSetting Standards for Horse Acceptance & Retirement (Starts at 20:00)How Renew handles free leases and vet care capsWhy written agreements and ongoing owner relationships are criticalWhat happens when retirement is needed—but the owner steps backToplines, Thriving, and Conditioning (Starts at 29:00)Rupert’s reaction to seeing three glowing, fit therapy horsesThe conditioning system at Renew: riding, groundwork, and professional lessonsWhy not all conditioning needs to involve riding—and how Teke work will integrateTime Management & Staff Structure (Starts at 37:00)How Renew blocks out weekly time for horse conditioningUsing shared digital logs and notes to communicate across staffWhy excellence in horsemanship is a hiring priorityFinding Skilled Riders for Conditioning (Starts at 41:00)Where and how Renew recruits advanced, balanced ridersWhy setting the bar high helps attract the right peopleBuilding a team of instructors with both equestrian and teaching skillsTurning Horses Out—Even in Michigan Winters (Starts at 47:00)How Renew designed their pastures and shelter for 24/7 turnoutThe mental and physical benefits of herd life and freedom to moveManaging blankets, individualized care, and daily wellness checksFunding a High-Standard Therapeutic Program (Starts at 56:00)Renew’s journey from a small leased parcel to a built-from-scratch facilityStrategies that work: storytelling, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary clubsWhy inviting donors to the farm changes everythingCommunity Culture, Conflict & Longevity (Starts at 1:10:00)How Renew fosters staff cohesion, continued education, and joy at workMelissa’s perspective on conflict resolution and non-toxic leadershipBuilding systems that ensure sustainability beyond one leaderThe Future of Equine Assisted Services (Starts at 1:33:00)Why mentorship is urgently needed in our fast-growing fieldRecruiting not just horse people, but professionals in governance and financeMelissa’s dream: long-term impact and positive life change with every ride🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Rupert’s reaction to seeing perfect toplines on therapy horses (29:00)Why “the barns are for humans, not horses” (07:00)Melissa’s powerful response to someone offering broken equipment (14:00)The reality of owners not reclaiming their horses after years in service (22:00)One donor’s lunch meeting that became the start of Renew’s land purchase (1:05:00)🤝 Connect with Melissa Connor & Renew TRC: Website: https://renewtrc.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/renewtrc Instagram: https://instagram.com/renewtrc🌐 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/@longridehomeNew 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 49 mins
  • Misery Is Optional – Redefining Softness, Structure & Anxiety with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald | Ep 32 Equine Assisted World

    Misery Is Optional – Redefining Softness, Structure & Anxiety with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald | Ep 32 Equine Assisted World
    Jul 10 2025
    In this thought-provoking follow-up episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson reunites with legendary horseman Mark Rashid and clinician-author Crissi McDonald. This time, the conversation shifts deeper into the internal landscapes of both horse and human, exploring what it really means to be soft—without losing structure.From navigating low-level panic and reframing anxiety, to understanding when pressure is productive and when it breaks us, Mark and Crissi offer powerful insights not only for horse people, but for anyone seeking a more peaceful way of being in the world. Broadcasting from Happy Dog Ranch in Colorado, they also share how kindness, community, nature, and play are essential ingredients in creating meaningful transformation.(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 Paradox of Softness & Anxiety (Starts at 01:00)Why striving for softness can trigger anxietyMark's pressure scale (0 to 10) and self-regulation in real timeHow internal tension blocks horse-human communicationSpeed Bumps and Nervous System Awareness (Starts at 08:00)Crissi explains the compounding stress of modern lifeWhy we don’t need to always be calm—and how to ride the nervous system waveThe idea of setting stress aside just long enough to connectWhen Softness Meets an Unready Horse (Starts at 13:00)What to do when your horse is not in a soft stateThe art of doing what you can do instead of forcing what you can’tPressure vs. Anxiety (Starts at 25:00)How pressure can lead to problem-solving, while anxiety leads to shutdownA lesson in reframing stress as “just an event, not an emergency”Why “Misery is Optional” became a clinic mottoHow We Live Matters (Starts at 31:00)Crissi’s 20-year journey toward balance: food, sleep, connection, movementThe surprising role of creativity (like watercolor and photography) in emotional regulationClinic Structure That Feels Like Freedom (Starts at 36:00)Daily dojo sessions: breath, safety, and playful presenceGiving students permission not to ride—and why that sets the tone for learningLetting laughter and safety replace performance pressureNature, Tribe & the Horse-Human Herd (Starts at 42:00)Designing Happy Dog Ranch to support exploration, not confinementThe unseen structure that holds clinics togetherHow horses themselves teach people, especially when given time and spaceSoftness With Structure (Starts at 52:00)Why softness without structure isn’t softness at allRain contact, feel, and feedback loops in real timeMark’s practical metaphors: the coffee cup, the skeleton, and invisible teaching momentsBuilding Confidence Without Force (Starts at 1:10:00)How support teams guide riders back from the edge of overwhelmLetting people grow without letting them get lostKindness as Framework (Starts at 1:20:00)The radical idea that a clinic structure can be kind—not punishingWhy many riders unconsciously argue with happinessThe ripple effects of affirming "You're okay. Your horse is okay."Reclaiming Tribe & Breaking the Misery Habit (Starts at 1:30:00)The loneliness epidemic in the horse world—and how clinics become familyMark and Crissi’s reminder: We get good at what we practice—even if it’s unhappinessWhy being of service to horses and humans might be the simplest cure for anxiety🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:"Misery is optional"—what it means and how it reshapes learning (25:00)Mark’s coffee cup metaphor for structured softness (1:00:00)How “crazy time” with horses taught Rupert to prioritize play and energy release (23:00)Why one rider’s fear melted just by being told she didn’t have to ride (37:00)When anxiety isn’t really anxiety—it’s just too much pressure without strategy (26:00)🤝 Connect with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald: Mark's Website: https://markrashid.com Crissi’s Website: https://crissimcdonald.com Books by Mark Rashid: Considering the Horse: Tales of Problems Solved and Lessons Learned: https://amzn.to/3GbhmrKFinding the Missed Path: The Art of Restarting Horse: https://amzn.to/44e47i2A Journey to Softness: In Search of Feel and Connection with the Horse: https://amzn.to/44c0KIjFor the Love of the Horse: Looking Back, Looking Forward: https://amzn.to/4lkx8zDBooks by Crissi McDonald: Rising From the Sea (North to Home Book 3): https://amzn.to/3ZL864hContinuing The Ride: Rebuilding Confidence from the Ground Up: https://amzn.to/40iZUsfThe Clock in the Water (North to Home): https://amzn.to/40gmv8NGetting Along with Horses: An Evolution in Understanding: https://amzn.to/4k4E8zs🌐 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/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning ...
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    2 hrs
  • Softness, Safety, and the Horse-Human Connection with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald | Ep 31

    Softness, Safety, and the Horse-Human Connection with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald | Ep 31
    Jun 25 2025
    In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson welcomes renowned horseman Mark Rashid and equine clinician and author Crissi McDonald. Broadcasting from their home in Estes Park, Colorado, this inspiring duo shares how softness, internal awareness, and individual connection form the core of their horsemanship and life philosophy.From Aikido to equine-assisted work, from storytelling to trauma-informed approaches, and from photo artistry to martial principles, Mark and Crissi reveal a unique path that blends kindness, discipline, and intuition in equal measure. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of horses and people taught, they bring a powerful perspective for anyone working in the equine-assisted world—or simply seeking a more compassionate way to be with horses.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Foundation of Softness (Starts at 02:00)Why Mark and Crissi focus on internal softness rather than just soft hands.The legacy of Mark's mentor, Walter, and how it shaped his entire approach.From Martial Arts to Horsemanship (Starts at 08:00)How Mark found the feeling of "softness" in Aikido after years of searching.Why blending energy instead of resisting it helps both horses and people.Crissi's Journey Through Horsemanship (Starts at 14:00)How Crissi moved from harsh training environments to seeking gentleness.The transformational impact of attending her first clinic with Mark.Principles Over Systems (Starts at 24:00)Why Mark and Crissi prioritize principles over rigid techniques.How flexibility and attunement create better outcomes for horse and rider.Observing Patterns & Recognizing Limits (Starts at 33:00)What years of working with thousands of horses taught them about common dilemmas.How inbreeding and neurodivergence manifest in equine behavior and learning.Premarin Foals, Mustangs & Genetic Quirks (Starts at 42:00)The challenges of working with inbred or neurologically atypical horses.What to do when a horse can’t retain information—and how to support them.Softness in the Rider: Letting Go of Tension (Starts at 55:00)How most riders carry too much tension—and how that affects the horse.Why riding with less muscle builds communication and feel.Bridging Aikido, Horsemanship, and Teaching (Starts at 1:06:00)How Mark developed Aibado—Aikido for horse people.The value of practicing feel, balance, and response before teaching technique.Photography, Nature, and Perspective (Starts at 1:17:00)How Crissi uses photography as a mindfulness and self-care practice.The role of creativity in staying grounded while helping others.Gratitude, Storytelling & Emotional Safety (Starts at 1:28:00)How telling the right story at the right time can build trust and safety.Why gratitude is a powerful nervous system regulator for educators and clients alike.🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Why Mark insisted on the title "Considering the Horse" over "Consider the Horse" (22:00)How Crissi's clinic experience made her realize she "knew nothing" — and loved it (18:00)Mark's metaphor of building guitars like building trust with a horse (1:19:00)Why many horses and people carry too much tension—and what to do about it (56:00)The story of Banjo, the inbred horse who could trail ride but not retain lateral work (41:00)🤝 Connect with Mark Rashid & Crissi McDonald:Mark's Website: https://markrashid.comCrissi’s Website: https://crissimcdonald.com Books by Mark Rashid: Considering the Horse: Tales of Problems Solved and Lessons Learned: https://amzn.to/3GbhmrKFinding the Missed Path: The Art of Restarting Horse: https://amzn.to/44e47i2A Journey to Softness: In Search of Feel and Connection with the Horse: https://amzn.to/44c0KIjFor the Love of the Horse: Looking Back, Looking Forward: https://amzn.to/4lkx8zDBooks by Crissi McDonald: Rising From the Sea (North to Home Book 3): https://amzn.to/3ZL864hContinuing The Ride: Rebuilding Confidence from the Ground Up: https://amzn.to/40iZUsfThe Clock in the Water (North to Home): https://amzn.to/40gmv8NGetting Along with Horses: An Evolution in Understanding: https://amzn.to/4k4E8zs🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.comEquine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride Home: https://longridehome.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew 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 6 mins
  • One Acre Wonders – Outdoor Schooling, Autism Support, and Equine Wisdom with Catherine Ward & Nicole Jones | Ep 30 Equine Assisted World

    One Acre Wonders – Outdoor Schooling, Autism Support, and Equine Wisdom with Catherine Ward & Nicole Jones | Ep 30 Equine Assisted World
    Jun 12 2025
    In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Catherine Ward and her daughter Nicole Jones of One Acre Farm in Texas. Together, they’ve built a thriving outdoor farm school and equine-assisted program on just a single acre—proving that miracles don’t require massive land, just massive heart.From backyard chickens to neurodiverse farm school, from ABA burnout to Montessori inspiration, and from homeschooling to creating a whole new educational paradigm, Catherine and Nicole share how they blend horsemanship, autonomy, and science to create a truly inclusive, joy-filled learning environment.Discover how they overcame lawsuits, personal tragedy, and cultural bias to build something profoundly impactful—and how you can, too.📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Starting Small: How One Acre Became a Movement (Starts at 01:00)The origin of One Acre Farm and why location doesn’t limit transformation.Why their first class was on raising backyard chickens.From ABA to Montessori to Movement Method (Starts at 06:00)Nicole’s early experience with ABA and why it didn’t sit right.Discovering Montessori and how it changed her educational path.Faith, Loss, and Resilience: Catherine’s Personal Journey (Starts at 14:00)How growing up wealthy and then losing everything shaped her.Finding strength through grief and rediscovering purpose in education.Transition from Public School to Homeschooling (Starts at 24:00)Catherine’s decision to homeschool and build a lifestyle of faith and connection.What autonomy looked like in their homeschool setting.Neurodiversity, Animals, and Movement Method (Starts at 33:00)Why ABA didn’t work—and how Horse Boy and Movement Method did.The power of swinging, manure, and goat poop for emotional regulation.The Science of Belonging: From Chickens to Compass Skills (Starts at 44:00)Building trust, confidence, and cognitive growth through nature.Why letting kids lead creates powerful learning moments.The Curriculum in Action: Real Academics in a Farm School (Starts at 56:00)How they teach long division, reading, and geography through farm chores.Montessori flexibility and real-world applications.Emotional Intelligence and Social Development (Starts at 1:08:00)How children learn to navigate social dynamics and resolve conflict.Why mixed-age groups foster natural mentorship.Infrastructure and Burnout Prevention (Starts at 1:22:00)Turning living rooms into classrooms and avoiding mission drift.The challenge of staffing and seasonal demand.Mentorship, Consulting, and Creating New Campuses (Starts at 1:35:00)Helping others start their own programs with land/educator pairings.The vision for a “thousand One Acre Farms” worldwide.From Mobile Education to Legacy Building (Starts at 1:47:00)The story of the mobile petting barn and education trailer.What Catherine and Nicole want to leave behind for future educators.🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:Why kids who “failed” at preschool thrived at One Acre Farm (46:00)Catherine's powerful visual for neuroplasticity: getting to Dallas without I-45 (1:27:00)When Nicole knew Rupert was speaking "right to her soul" (1:33:00)"Let kids do dangerous things carefully"—why risk builds resilience (1:47:00)Pumpkin smashing as science, therapy, and fun—all in one (1:50:00)🤝 Connect with One Acre Farm:Website: https://oneacrefarmtx.com Email: Catherine Ward – catherine@oneacrefarmtx.com | Nicole Jones – nicole@oneacrefarmtx.com Phone & WhatsApp: +1 832-860-4756 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneacrefarmtxSee All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows: 🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com💻 Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.comFollow Us:Long Ride Home📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew 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 5 mins
  • Healing in the Herd – Military Recovery, Youth Empowerment, and Equine Wisdom with HorseBack UK | Ep 29 Equine Assisted World

    Healing in the Herd – Military Recovery, Youth Empowerment, and Equine Wisdom with HorseBack UK | Ep 29 Equine Assisted World
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Emma Hutchinson and Jay Hare of HorseBack UK, a groundbreaking charity based in the Scottish Highlands. Originally developed to support military veterans recovering from physical and emotional trauma, HorseBack UK now works across diverse populations including at-risk youth and refugee communities.

    Jay shares his powerful personal journey as a Royal Marine commando who lost his leg and facial identity in combat—and found healing through horses. Emma walks us through the origins and growth of HorseBack UK, how they built their eclectic, nature-based programs, and how their holistic approach integrates horsemanship, bushcraft, mentorship, and leadership.

    From PTSD recovery to ADHD support, herd dynamics to leadership development, this episode reveals how horses, nature, and community can reforge identity, restore dignity, and create lasting change.

    📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    Jay’s Story: Trauma, Recovery, and the Call to Serve (Starts at 02:00)

    • How combat injuries reshaped Jay’s life and led him to horses.
    • Finding identity and peace through horsemanship and service.

    Why HorseBack UK Was Born (Starts at 12:00)

    • From breeding quarter horses to becoming a sanctuary for wounded soldiers.
    • How a bonfire with friends turned into a national charity.

    Healing Through Community, Nature, and Horses (Starts at 18:00)

    • Creating programs that combine horse work, bushcraft, archery, and more.
    • Why trust and shared struggle forge powerful therapeutic outcomes.

    Empathy Over Expertise: Mentorship at the Core (Starts at 29:00)

    • How lived experience fuels transformation and mentorship.
    • Training veterans to mentor others on their healing path.

    Youth Empowerment Through Herd Dynamics (Starts at 34:00)

    • Teaching empathy, emotional regulation, and leadership through horses.
    • Why alpha energy, structure, and bushcraft work wonders for troubled teens.

    Equine Wisdom: Personality Pairing and Groundwork (Starts at 44:00)

    • Matching horses and humans for emotional resonance and learning.
    • Using liberty, groundwork, and bareback riding for connection over control.

    Nature as Classroom: Bushcraft, Breathwork, and Belonging (Starts at 51:00)

    • Why outdoor environments restore brain function and build confidence.
    • From breath syncing with horses to building shelters and herbal string.

    Sustainable Systems: How to Fund, Staff, and Grow (Starts at 1:04:00)

    • Strategies for working with councils and local authorities.
    • The genius of part-time mentorship and community collaboration.

    Creating a Professional Field: Regulation and Standards (Starts at 1:11:00)

    • The Human Equine Interaction Register (HEIR) and the move toward best practices.
    • How to join or learn from their evolving network.

    🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

    Jay recalls sneezing his prosthetic eye into a salad and how humor helped him heal (13:00)

    Why ADHD is not a deficit—it’s a superpower for problem-solving and leadership (22:00)

    A Shetland pony as the confidence-building bridge for military giants (1:28:00)

    How Emma’s 3-year-old daughter assumed everyone had prosthetic legs (1:33:00)

    "Horses don’t care about your medals, degrees, or scars. They meet you in the moment."

    🤝 Connect with Us:

    Contact HorseBack UK:
    🌐 Website: https://www.horseback.org.uk
    📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horsebackuk
    📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horseback_uk

    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 7 mins