In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Leana Tank, an occupational therapist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an accomplished horsewoman specializing in equine-assisted services and behavioral health. Leana works with individuals at the extreme end of the mental health continuum—people coming from psychiatric hospitals and the criminal justice system, many diagnosed with schizophrenia, cognitive impairments, autism, and complex trauma.

Through her radical acceptance, sensory-based therapy, movement integration, and nature-centered approaches, Leana redefines how we think about healing, trauma, and society's marginalized populations. Her work invites us to reconsider the humanity, sensitivity, and resilience of individuals often deemed "other."

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Meeting the Margins: Understanding Leana's Population (Starts at 02:00)

• Why those labeled as "monsters" are often society's most sensitive souls.
• The profound failures of social support systems and how they shape lives.

Radical Acceptance as a Therapeutic Tool (Starts at 06:00)

• How releasing judgment creates real avenues for healing.
• Why dismantling assumptions is crucial to genuine human connection.

The Impact of Psychosis, Brain Injury, and Trauma (Starts at 15:00)

• Psychosis versus premeditation: how cognitive states influence behavior.
• Brain injury, trauma, and the thin line that separates "us" from "them."

The Transformative Power of Movement and Nature (Starts at 29:00)

• Why nature is the most accessible and effective healing environment.
• How movement and rhythm regulate the nervous system.

Occupational Therapy for the "Invisible" Population (Starts at 43:00)

• Supporting adults with serious mental illness through practical, embodied therapies.
• The role of sensory integration, cooking, and daily activities in recovery.

Safety, Risk, and Working Without Fear (Starts at 54:00)

• How Leana assesses safety when taking clients into community spaces.
• Why authoritarian approaches escalate crises—and how she avoids them.

Building Healing Environments: Indoors and Out (Starts at 1:03:00)

• The overlooked importance of aesthetics, art, and comfort in institutional settings.
• Creating sensory-friendly spaces that foster connection and resilience.

Resilience Through Horses: Personal and Professional Lessons (Starts at 1:19:00)

• How Leana’s young horse taught her about boundaries, patience, and attunement.
• Transferring lessons from horsemanship to healing human trauma.

Attunement and the Power of Radical Listening (Starts at 1:24:00)

• How true attunement—"listening with your whole body"—becomes medicine.
• Mirroring nervous system states to bring clients back to themselves.

The Future: Supporting Staff, Scaling Healing (Starts at 1:56:00)

• Why staff education in attunement and trauma-informed care is essential.
• How small shifts in environment, training, and nature access could transform mental health systems.

🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• "They are not what they've done."
• The surprising safety of working with people society labels as dangerous (29:00)
• Why taking clients to Lake Michigan and cooking meals together brings more progress than clinical interventions (44:00)
• The critical difference between healing and cure (41:30)
• The "poison plant" metaphor for understanding trauma and sensitivity (2:07:00)
• Radical acceptance as the doorway to true change (2:03:00)

🤝 Connect with Us:

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

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New Trails Learning Systems

🌐 Website: https://ntls.co

📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld

🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Helen Sharp, an equine journalist, academic, and co-founder of Groundwork EAS—an equine-assisted charity on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A leading voice in both equine media and trauma-informed equine work, Dr. Sharp brings a unique blend of artistry, horsemanship, and therapeutic insight to everything she does.

She writes for The Irish Field and Farmers Journal, and her career spans journalism, community arts, equine bodywork, and academic research. She holds a PhD and has a background in sculpture and performance art, with her creative and research work shown around the world. As co-director of Groundwork, she serves veterans, trauma survivors, and neurodivergent individuals through programs that fuse nature, horses, and compassionate partnership.

This powerful conversation traces her extraordinary journey from the Hebrides to heroin recovery, from performance art to equine-assisted leadership, and why horses continue to be the greatest teachers of all.

📘 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Origins of Groundwork EAS (Starts at 03:00)

• How Helen and co-founder Fiona Butchart launched the charity on a Northern Irish estate.
• The unique collaboration with Brooke House, a veterans' mental health charity.
• Why equine-assisted services are critical in a region with some of the UK’s highest mental health rates.

Inside the Program: Grounding, Grooming, and Gentle Touch (Starts at 06:44)

• How Groundwork uses nonclinical space, tea rituals, and horsemanship to support healing.
• What a 10-week program looks like—from grooming to obstacle courses.
• The power of soft, tactile interaction and its effect on hypervigilance and aggression.

Memorable Story: A Veteran’s Breakthrough with Breathing (Starts at 13:00)

• A former RUC officer transforms his relationship with anger through breathwork and horse partnership.
• How working with horses improved his family life.

Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence and Equine Healing (Starts at 19:35)

• A stroke survivor finds calm and confidence through grooming a yearling.
• How horse-human connection opens doors that talk therapy alone can’t.

Childhood on the Edge: From the Hebrides to Horses (Starts at 23:03)

• Helen’s wild childhood on a remote Scottish island with no horses.
• How early life near the sea shaped her sensitivity and resilience.

Art, Heroin, and Healing (Starts at 35:00)

• Helen shares openly about her past heroin addiction, recovery, and a near-death experience.
• How a vivid overdose changed her life trajectory—and deepened her compassion.
• Why this history helps her serve people in trauma without judgment.

The Role of Routine, Ritual, and Horses in Recovery (Starts at 57:31)

• Why even intravenous drug use can mimic the grounding people seek in horses.
• The link between tactile connection and nervous system regulation.

From Performance Art to Journalism (Starts at 01:00:00)

• Helen’s unexpected path from swinging off anchors in Belarus to writing for Horse & Hound and The Irish Field.
• Why writing was always at the center of her self-expression.

Creating Change: Groundwork’s Model and the Power of the Broodmare (Starts at 01:16:00)

• How Helen uses young stock and broodmares to reflect complex family dynamics.
• Why one teenage girl found her voice by learning to speak clearly to a horse.

The Future of Equine-Assisted Services in Ireland (Starts at 01:29:00)

• Helen’s vision for integrating equine-assisted work into the national healthcare system.
• Why collaboration—not competition—is key to the future of the sector.
• Lessons learned from the global Seen Through Horses campaign: https://horsesformentalhealth.org/seen-through-horses/

✨ Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• “The hands can heal what the mind can’t.” (10:17)
• A veteran realizing that slowing down with his horse prevents family arguments (18:00)
• How grooming a yearling helped a stroke survivor regain stability (21:00)
• Helen’s overdose experience and the voice that saved her life: “You have a great brain” (38:00)
• “Frivolity is not the opposite of seriousness—it’s a form of joy.” (1:03:14)
• How observing a colt helped a mother process her teenage son’s behavior (1:26:00)

🤝 Connect with Dr. Helen Sharp & Groundwork:

• Groundwork Equine-Assisted Services: https://groundworkeas.org
• The Irish Field (Helen’s journalism): https://www.theirishfield.ie

See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:

🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
🎧 Podcast Archive: https://lfrf.transistor.fm
💻 Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com

Follow Us:

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🌐 Website: https://ntls.co
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

Tune in to this remarkable conversation with Dr. Helen Sharp for a raw and resonant look at horses, healing, and hope on the Irish border.

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

Follow Us:
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📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrh 
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New Trails Learning Systems 
🌐 Website: https://ntls.co 
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld 
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld 
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

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.

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Warwick Schiller, renowned horseman and creator of Attuned Horsemanship. Warwick is widely recognized for his transformative approach to horse training, which focuses on attunement, connection, and creating a sense of safety for the horse. Through his Journey On Podcast and extensive teaching, Warwick has helped thousands of riders and trainers understand the deeper layers of horsemanship and how true awareness changes everything.

Together, Rupert and Warwick explore the concept of attunement—how being truly present and aware influences both horses and people. They discuss how small, subtle shifts in attention can have profound effects on behavior, trust, and emotional regulation. They also dive into sleep deprivation in horses, the power of following rather than controlling, and what it really means to develop a deep partnership with an equine partner.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Understanding Attunement and Connection (Starts at 02:20)

• The definition of attunement and why it matters in horsemanship.
• How attunement applies to both horses and people.
• Warwick’s journey to understanding deep connection.

The Role of Awareness in Building Trust (Starts at 16:10)

• The difference between “trusting you won’t hurt me” and “trusting your awareness to keep me safe.”
• How observing small signals from your horse builds trust over time.
• The science behind attunement and safety in mammals.

The Power of Giving Up Control (Starts at 36:27)

• Why giving up control doesn’t mean losing control.
• How allowing horses to make choices increases connection.
• Exercises for developing attunement by matching steps and mirroring behavior.

How Sleep Deprivation Affects Horses (Starts at 56:10)

• Why some horses struggle with sleep deprivation and what it means.
• How Warwick accidentally helped a sleep-deprived horse by simply listening.
• The connection between feeling safe and being able to sleep.

Integrating Attunement into Riding and Training (Starts at 1:14:22)

• Why training should be about awareness, not just technique.
• The role of breath and relaxation in riding.
• How to ensure your horse is mentally and emotionally present before asking for movement.

Practical Tools for Creating Attunement in Everyday Training (Starts at 1:36:27)

• Simple ways to start building attunement today.
• The “look where they look” technique and why it’s so powerful.
• How mirroring movement builds trust and awareness.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• The story of the Mustang who overcame bolting through attunement (12:03).
• How giving a horse space to “say no” transformed its willingness (45:36).
• The unexpected link between sleep deprivation and emotional regulation in horses (1:04:00).
• The revelation that attunement and safety go hand in hand (1:42:38).
• Why trust is built on recognizing and repairing ruptures in connection (1:44:17).

Connect with Warwick Schiller:

📌 Learn More & Courses: https://warwickschiller.com
🎥 Video Library: https://videos.warwickschiller.com
🎙️ Podcast: Journey On Podcast
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/WarwickSchillerAttunedHorsemanship
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/warwickschiller

See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:

🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com 

Follow Us:

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📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrh
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🌐 Website: https://ntls.co
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld
📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworld
🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Warwick Schiller to rethink your approach to horsemanship and connection!

 In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Mary Wanless, a pioneer in the field of rider biomechanics. For decades, Mary has been at the forefront of reshaping how we understand equestrian training by focusing on the physics and physiology of riding. With a background in physics and a deep curiosity about what truly makes a great rider, Mary has worked to demystify the biomechanics of effective riding. Her methods help riders of all levels develop a clearer understanding of their own bodies and how they interact with their horses.

Mary shares her insights into postural restoration, neurology in riding, the importance of feedback loops in instruction, and the crucial role of feel in equestrian training. This episode is packed with wisdom that will transform the way you approach riding and teaching.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Science of Rider Biomechanics (Starts at 02:20)

• How Mary's background in physics shaped her approach to riding.
• Why traditional riding instruction often fails to communicate the "how."
• Understanding postural restoration and its impact on riding: https://www.posturalrestoration.com/

Understanding the Neurology of Riding (Starts at 16:10)

• The significant neurological connection between the hands and the brain—and why this leads riders to overuse their hands.
• The lack of neurological connection between the pelvis and the brain and how that affects balance and control.
• How the body’s fascial system (as explored in Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers) influences rider biomechanics: https://amzn.to/4ibrGgN

Bridging the Gap Between Language and Experience (Starts at 36:27)

• How to verbalize the unspoken "feel" of great riding.
• The importance of the student-teacher feedback loop.
• The challenges of translating elite rider intuition into teachable concepts.

The Core Foundations of Effective Riding (Starts at 56:10)

• How to align your body for maximum effectiveness.
• Why bearing down and breathing correctly is fundamental.
• The importance of allowing the foot to rest rather than pressing.

The Role of Flow in Riding (Starts at 1:14:22)

• Flow state as the key to riding success.
• The connection between flow and joy.
• Why elite riders unconsciously access flow—and how you can, too.

Training Tools and Resources for Riders (Starts at 1:36:27)

• The Balloon Breathing Exercise and how it creates quietness in the mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDbm8LxfzaI
• Developing feel through systematic, science-based methods.
• How groundwork supports better biomechanics under saddle.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• The revelation that "feel" can be taught (12:03).
• Why cutting out the student-teacher feedback loop is detrimental to learning (45:36).
• The connection between breathing, bearing down, and core stability (1:04:00).
• A deep dive into why postural restoration matters for every rider (1:42:38).
• The surprising realization that joy is a subset of flow, and flow is the key to great riding (1:44:17).

Connect with Mary Wanless: 📌 Learn More & Courses: https://mary-wanless.com
📘 Online Training: https://dressagetraining.tv
📕 Books:

• Ride With Your Mind Essentials https://amzn.to/439QEcc *
• Ride With Your Mind Clinic https://amzn.to/43hgqvn
• Rider Biomechanics https://amzn.to/3D8j5wu

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

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

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Mary Wanless to revolutionize your approach to riding and training!

Robyn Hood, sister of Linda Tellington-Jones and a leading figure in the development of the Tellington TTouch Method, joins Rupert Isaacson in this insightful episode. Robyn has dedicated her life to refining and teaching TTouch, a revolutionary approach to working with horses, dogs, and other animals that fosters trust, connection, and healing. In this conversation, she delves into the origins of TTouch, its impact on equine well-being, and practical techniques that horse owners and equine-assisted practitioners can integrate into their work. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationship with your horse or explore a more mindful approach to training, this episode is filled with wisdom and practical insights. Learn more about Robyn’s work here: https://learn.ttouch.ca | https://ttouch.com

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Origins and Philosophy of TTouch (Starts at 02:31)

• How Robyn and Linda developed TTouch.
• The inspiration behind the method and how it differs from traditional equine bodywork.
• Understanding the nervous system’s role in movement and behavior.

Key TTouch Techniques for Equine Well-being (Starts at 16:03)

• The Clouded Leopard touch and why it’s a cornerstone of TTouch.
• The importance of gentle, mindful contact in building trust.
• How to identify and respond to equine tension and discomfort.

Body Wraps and Their Impact on Equine Balance (Starts at 36:27)

• What body wraps are and how they work.
• How they help horses with proprioception, relaxation, and postural awareness.
• Practical applications for therapy horses and performance horses alike.

TTouch for Enhancing Human-Equine Communication (Starts at 56:02)

• How to interpret subtle equine body language.
• Why intention matters in touch and training.
• How TTouch principles apply to groundwork and riding.

Cross-Species Applications of TTouch (Starts at 1:14:22)

• How TTouch benefits dogs, cats, and even zoo animals.
• The surprising effects of touch on emotional regulation in animals.
• How to introduce TTouch to a new animal safely.

The Role of TTouch in Equine-Assisted Therapy (Starts at 1:36:27)

• How TTouch helps therapy horses stay physically and emotionally sound.
• Why the well-being of the horse is just as important as the well-being of the client.
• Best practices for integrating TTouch into equine-assisted work.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• How horses in equine-assisted therapy programs communicate their stress and how TTouch can help (12:03).
• The unexpected link between equine tension and emotional trauma (30:18).
• A fascinating case study on how body wraps helped a horse with chronic anxiety (49:52).
• The importance of mindful observation in horse training (1:07:15).
• How horses mirror human emotions and what that means for equine practitioners (1:22:40).
• The transformative effects of TTouch on performance horses, including those competing at the highest levels (1:48:15).

Connect with Robyn Hood & Tellington TTouch:

📌 Learn More & Courses: https://learn.ttouch.ca
📘 Official Website: https://ttouch.com
📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/TellingtonTTouchMethod

See All of Rupert's Programs and Shows:

🌐 Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com

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📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworld
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🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems

Shea Stewart, renowned craniosacral therapist and founder of Equine Balance (https://www.equinebalance.net), joins Rupert Isaacson in this enlightening episode to explore the intersections of quantum biology, mitochondrial health, and equine-assisted practices. With a wealth of knowledge in human and equine well-being, Shea unpacks the impact of natural light, electromagnetic fields, structured water, and movement on health. Whether you’re an equine-assisted practitioner, horse owner, or someone seeking to optimize your well-being, this conversation is packed with transformative insights. Learn more about Shea here: https://www.equinebalance.net/about-us/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Role of Craniosacral Therapy in Human and Equine Health (Starts at 04:44)
  • How Shea’s journey into craniosacral therapy began.
  • The impact of craniosacral therapy on the nervous system, fascia, and overall well-being.
• Understanding Mitochondrial Health and Energy Production (Starts at 17:54)
  • Why ATP is essential.
  • How equine-assisted practitioners can optimize mitochondrial function for themselves and their horses.
• How Lighting Affects Equine and Human Well-being (Starts at 28:42)
  • The disruption of circadian rhythms by artificial lighting.
  • Practical solutions for barns and therapeutic settings.
• The Power of Natural Light and Circadian Rhythms (Starts at 42:45)
  • Importance of exposure to natural sunlight for sleep, mood, and energy regulation.
• Grounding, Electromagnetic Fields, and Their Effects (Starts at 56:02)
  • How EMFs impact mitochondrial function.
  • How to create healthier spaces for horses and clients.
• Cold Exposure and Seasonal Well-being (Starts at 1:14:22)
  • The benefits of cold exposure.
  • How it connects to vitamin D production, inflammation reduction, and resilience.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• The connection between quantum biology and equine-assisted therapy (12:03).
• How light exposure affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and melatonin (30:18).
• A discussion on why fly masks and blankets can impact mitochondrial function (49:52).
• The surprising ways equine-assisted therapy helps regulate brain activity (1:07:15).
• Why turning off WiFi at night can improve equine and human sleep quality (1:22:40).
• Practical strategies for optimizing barn lighting to support equine well-being (1:36:27).

Contact Shea Stewart
📌 Equine Balance (https://www.equinebalance.net)
📘 Facebook (https://facebook.com/equinebalance)

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

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New Trails Learning Systems
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📘 Facebook (https://facebook.com/horseboyworld)
📸 Instagram (https://instagram.com/horseboyworld)
🎥 YouTube (https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems)

Norunn Kogstad, a Norwegian psychotherapist and psychiatrist, is the visionary behind Lundehagen, a therapeutic center that blends psychotherapy, equine-assisted therapy, and exceptional horse welfare practices. With decades of experience and a deep passion for human and equine well-being, Norunn has created a sanctuary where healing, connection, and joy thrive. Her unique approach integrates relational therapy and cutting-edge practices that transform lives for both people and horses.

In this inspiring conversation, Norunn shares her journey, her philosophy of equine care, and how fostering joy and belonging can heal emotional wounds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Foundation of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Starts at 0:47):
  Norunn explains what psychotherapy is, its historical evolution, and why horses play such a vital role in this healing process.
• Joy and Belonging Through Horses (Starts at 15:20):
  Discover how Norunn’s childhood experiences in nature with horses shaped her vision for Lundehagen and inspired her to create a space where clients and horses connect deeply.
• Relational and Conflict-Focused Therapy (Starts at 28:50):
  Learn about the therapeutic techniques used at Lundehagen, emphasizing relationships, empathy, and addressing self-defeating patterns.
• Holistic Horse Welfare Practices (Starts at 45:15):
  Norunn shares Lundehagen’s approach to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of their horses, including the importance of choice and variety in their daily lives.
• Creating Joyful Therapy Sessions (Starts at 1:01:10):
  Hear real-life examples of how equine-assisted therapy fosters joy and resilience in clients, with horses as active participants in the process.
• The Intersection of Neuroscience and Equine Therapy (Starts at 1:18:40):
  Explore the science behind how horses respond to humans’ subtle signals and the profound impact this has on emotional regulation and healing.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Norunn’s reflections on finding belonging in the mountains with her first Icelandic pony (16:40).
• Insights into the importance of allowing horses to opt out of sessions and how this empowers both horses and clients (46:20).
• A touching story about a chaotic client finding peace and joy during an equine therapy session (1:02:35).
• Norunn’s discussion on the role of physical conditioning and classical dressage in equine-assisted therapy programs (1:10:15).

Contact Norunn Kogstad
🌐 Website: https://lundehagen.no
📧 Email: mailto:[email protected]

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

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

Healing Through Connection with Kim Barthel: Neuroscience, Safety, and the Power of Relationships

Kim Barthel is an award-winning occupational therapist, international speaker, and bestselling author whose work integrates neuroscience, trauma therapy, and relational healing. With over 40 years of experience, she specializes in supporting individuals with trauma, neurodivergence, and developmental challenges. Through her company, Relationship Matters, Kim emphasizes the critical role of safety and connection in fostering personal growth and resilience.

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson dives into a transformative conversation with Kim, exploring her expertise in neuroscience, trauma, and the healing power of relationships. Kim shares profound insights into how emotional safety, attunement, and the body’s natural wisdom guide people toward healing and empowerment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Kim’s Background and Journey (Starts at 00:02:57)
  Kim discusses her early career as an occupational therapist and her pioneering work in sensory integration and neuroscience. She highlights her path from a love of movement to becoming a global leader in trauma and relational healing.
• Understanding Emotional Safety and Connection (Starts at 00:10:45)
  Kim explains the science behind emotional safety and its role in neuroplasticity. She offers practical tools for therapists and equestrians to create trust and foster growth.
• The Role of Horses in Healing (Starts at 00:20:04)
  Kim shares her experiences with equine therapy, emphasizing how horses act as powerful facilitators of movement, connection, and relational healing.
• The Importance of Attunement (Starts at 00:42:45)
  Kim shares real-life examples of how attunement creates opportunities for healing, highlighting its importance when working with trauma and neurodivergence.
• Kim’s Work with Indigenous Communities (Starts at 01:20:04)
  Kim reflects on her work with Canada’s indigenous communities, focusing on reconnecting with cultural wisdom and integrating land-based learning to support healing and education.
• How to Address Shame in Trauma Work (Starts at 01:35:45)
  Kim discusses practical tools to help individuals navigate shame, explaining how sensory integration and compassionate attunement can transform self-beliefs.
• The Power of Somatic Practices (Starts at 01:40:30)
  Kim explains the benefits of somatic practices, such as the "Butterfly Tap," to help individuals ground themselves and reconnect with their bodies.

Memorable Moments from the Episode

• Kim recalls her first encounter with Temple Grandin, where Temple’s insights into sensory processing profoundly shaped her work (00:11:02).
• Rupert reflects on his time with Kalahari Bushmen, drawing parallels between their parenting approaches and the need for emotional safety in equine therapy (00:26:00).
• Kim discusses the interplay of neuroscience and movement, exploring how the brain creates new pathways through repetition and sensory input (00:30:00).
• Kim shares a moving story about a Ukrainian veteran navigating trauma and resilience during the early days of the conflict (01:19:00).
• Rupert and Kim explore how humor acts as a bridge to connection, allowing both clients and practitioners to find relief and authenticity during difficult moments (01:25:15).
• Kim reflects on the significance of self-regulation for practitioners, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-awareness in trauma work (01:47:00).

Contact Kim Barthel

Website: http://www.kimbarthel.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KimBarthelOTR
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/KimBarthelOTR
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@labyrinthjourneys

See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows

Rupert Isaacson's Programs and Shows: http://www.rupertisaacson.com

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New Trails Learning Systems
Website: http://www.ntls.co
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Linda Tellington-Jones, a pioneer in equine welfare and therapeutic riding, is best known for the Tellington TTouch Method. A globally celebrated horsewoman, author, and teacher, Linda has spent decades redefining equine care, integrating holistic techniques that enhance horse and rider communication. Her unique methods, which blend science, compassion, and creativity, have transformed practices in equestrian care and therapeutic settings worldwide.

In this inspiring conversation, Linda shares her lifetime of wisdom on equine well-being, human and horse emotional healing, and the role of gratitude and joy in achieving optimal health.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Foundation of Equine Welfare (Starts at 0:46): Linda discusses the importance of gratitude and recognizing the individuality of horses, emphasizing how these practices elevate both horse welfare and human-horse relationships.
2. The Science of Cellular Wisdom (Starts at 13:05): Drawing from years of experience and studies, Linda explores the cellular intelligence within horses and humans, explaining how TTouch methods enhance physical and emotional healing.
3. Practical Applications of TTouch (Starts at 29:34): Learn how Tellington TTouch techniques like "the lick of the cow's tongue" and "tarantulas pulling the plow" help horses overcome physical challenges like back pain and stiffness.
4. Enhancing Equine Assisted Programs (Starts at 45:20): Discover how gratitude, art, music, and sensory exercises transform equine-assisted therapy for clients and horses, creating a joyful and healing environment.
5. Rehabilitating Therapy Horses (Starts at 1:02:15): Linda shares strategies for incorporating therapeutic rehabilitation into equine-assisted programs, using real-life examples of transforming "crocked" horses into thriving partners.
6. The Connection Between Gratitude, Joy, and Healing (Starts at 1:20:50): Learn how gratitude fosters joy, and how both emotions play a crucial role in physical and mental well-being for both humans and horses.

Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• Linda’s reflections on gratitude as a starting point for equine care and healing (1:15:30).
• Insights into the power of light touch in activating the parasympathetic nervous system and fostering deep connection (29:50).
• A fascinating story about releasing fear through the "lick of the cow's tongue" technique (1:01:45).
• Linda’s innovative use of tools like Beamer Blankets and LifeWave pain patches to aid in equine rehabilitation (33:20).

Resources and Further Reading:

• LifeWave Pain Patches: https://www.lifewave.com
• Man on His Nature by Sir Charles Sherrington: https://amzn.to/3DpIy4h
• Molecules of Emotion by Dr. Candace Pert: https://amzn.to/3P9wffm
• HeartMath EMWave and Heart Coherence Tools: https://www.heartmath.com/emwave/
• Robert Monroe and the Monroe Institute: https://www.monroeinstitute.org
• HeartMath Podcasts: https://www.heartmath.com/addheartpodcast/
• The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human by Siddhartha Mukherjee: https://amzn.to/4gsCoz0
• Center for Attitudinal Healing: https://www.ahinternational.org
• The Book of Ho'oponopono by Ulrich Dupree: https://amzn.to/3DtjvgZ
• Tellington TTouch Training: https://ttouch.com
• Learn TTouch Courses: https://learn.ttouch.ca
• LFRF Podcast with Linda Tellington-Jones: https://ntls.co/podcast

Contact Linda Tellington-Jones
🌐 Website: https://ttouch.com

See All of Rupert's Programs and Shows
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Follow Us: Long Ride Home
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📘 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