In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Dr. Megan McGavern, a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Megan shares the powerful story behind the founding of C.H.A.T.S.—Creative, Holistic, Adaptive, Therapeutic Solutions—and how it was born out of both professional insight and personal necessity.

When her son Cole faced significant challenges, and medical professionals told her to accept that he might never regain functionality, Megan refused to give up. Drawing on her medical training, clinical experience, and deep intuition as a mother, she created C.H.A.T.S. as a space where children like Cole could thrive. C.H.A.T.S. is not about traditional therapy or horseback riding—it is about building relationship, regulation, and readiness to learn through purposeful, adaptive, equine-based engagement.

What sets Megan apart is her ability to take science-based, evidence-backed practices—like Movement Method—and integrate them meaningfully into both therapeutic and clinical settings. After traveling to New Trails to learn Movement Method and Horse Boy Method firsthand from Rupert Isaacson, Megan returned home and applied what she had learned with her son Cole. The profound changes she witnessed led her to establish C.H.A.T.S. as a nonprofit organization. From there, she worked to bring Movement Method into the medical establishment, eventually helping to launch a neuroscience conference focused on the approach and its clinical applications.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

From Despair to Innovation: A Mother’s Mission (Starts at 01:45)

• The moment Megan was told to “accept the loss” regarding her son Cole’s future.
• Why she decided to go beyond traditional care models.
• The founding of C.H.A.T.S. and how it gave Cole a new chance at life.

Movement Method and Medical Practice (Starts at 20:10)

• How Megan found the Movement Method and incorporated it into her work.
• Practical ways she’s brought it into institutional and clinical settings.
• The role of science—not mysticism—in shaping her therapeutic philosophy.

C.H.A.T.S. in Action (Starts at 32:40)

• What makes C.H.A.T.S. distinct from other equine-assisted programs.
• Why it's focused on adaptability, safety, and authentic connection.
• How Megan uses observation, relationship, and responsiveness to meet each child’s needs.

The Dual Role: Mother and Medical Professional (Starts at 48:15)

• How personal experience reshaped her understanding of care.
• Advice for professionals who want to do more—but don’t know how.
• Why being present often matters more than having all the answers.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Megan recounts hearing that her son might never regain function (04:02).
• The turning point where C.H.A.T.S. took form in response to Cole’s needs (11:50).
• Integrating Movement Method into medical care (24:35).
• A reflection on letting go of "being the expert" to simply be present (53:20).

Connect with Dr. Megan McGavern: 
🌐 C.H.A.T.S. Website: https://chats757.com 
 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleshorsetherapy

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

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Tune in to this grounded and powerful conversation with Dr. Megan McGavern to learn how clinical science, determined parenting, and adaptive equine approaches are reshaping what's possible for children and families facing big challenges.