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-Jones

In 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/492f7Dd
• International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) – https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com
• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation – https://www.trfinc.org
• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance – https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org
• Horseback UK – https://www.horseback.org.uk
• Square Peg Foundation – https://www.squarepegfoundation.org
• Newmarket Pony Academy – British Racing School, UK
• Autism & Racing – Initiative founded by Bobby Beavers, UK
• 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.

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 work
• Temple Grandin – autism advocate and author
• The Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, and The Healing Land – books by Rupert Isaacson
• 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.

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.

Episode Title:

Guest Introduction:

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

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: [email protected]
🌐 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!

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: [email protected]

🌐 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!

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 son
• Why nature and movement are essential for sensory integration

Equine Interaction & Sensory Patterns (Starts at 04:00)

• The three ways autistic kids respond to animals
• What PET scans and OTs show about rhythm, balance, and the cerebellum
• Why nature and gardens still matter even without horses

Early Intervention with Church Play & Library Play (Starts at 07:00)

• Why many children can't afford to be on waitlists
• Turn-taking games and imitation as entry points
• How to tap into local retirees to fill gaps in early intervention

Theory of Mind & Naturalistic Learning (Starts at 08:30)

• Flapping, spinning coins, and making daisy chains as foundational social engagement
• How structured tasks lead to intellectual development

High Expectations with Support (Starts at 14:00)

• Accommodating without overprotecting: ferry horns and dessert rules
• Why selling candy and hosting parties mattered for both Temple and Bill Gates

Practical Skills, Tools & Trades (Starts at 20:00)

• From coat hangers to glue guns: the neuroscience of hands-on learning
• How fixing things builds brains and self-worth

Rebuilding the Workshop Culture (Starts at 28:00)

• Why shop class should return to therapeutic barns
• Visual thinkers vs. math thinkers: all kinds of brains need tactile training
• Using retired mechanics, carpenters, and engineers as mentors

Structured Responsibility Around the Barn (Starts at 34:00)

• Real tasks: mucking, grooming, feeding, building stalls
• How responsibility leads to confidence and safety awareness

Social Skills Training through Greeting & Selling (Starts at 43:00)

• Simulating cookie sales, greeter roles, and party host behavior
• Controlled exposure to rejection and resilience building

Job Skills, Routine & Community Integration (Starts at 51:00)

• Creating modern equivalents of paper routes with local volunteers
• Why non-family bosses matter for skill-building
• Tap into senior centers to address budget shortfalls

The Cost of Screen Time & the Value of Movement (Starts at 54:00)

• How too much tech stunts development
• What real-world vestibular tasks do for brain growth

Cognitive, Motor & Emotional Growth Through Challenge (Starts at 59:00)

• The science behind tool use, play, and heavy work
• Balancing boards, swings, and walking rails in arenas and homes

Medication, Anxiety & Exercise (Starts at 67:00)

• Temple's 40-year experience with antidepressants
• Why burst exercise helps more than walking
• How 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 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!

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 horses
• How listening to horses and honoring their vocation sets the foundation
• The 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 Virginia
• Why therapeutic programs shouldn’t accept broken-down or unsuitable horses
• How to reframe our value system when it comes to horses in service

Setting Standards for Horse Acceptance & Retirement (Starts at 20:00)

• How Renew handles free leases and vet care caps
• Why written agreements and ongoing owner relationships are critical
• What happens when retirement is needed—but the owner steps back

Toplines, Thriving, and Conditioning (Starts at 29:00)

• Rupert’s reaction to seeing three glowing, fit therapy horses
• The conditioning system at Renew: riding, groundwork, and professional lessons
• Why not all conditioning needs to involve riding—and how Teke work will integrate

Time Management & Staff Structure (Starts at 37:00)

• How Renew blocks out weekly time for horse conditioning
• Using shared digital logs and notes to communicate across staff
• Why excellence in horsemanship is a hiring priority

Finding Skilled Riders for Conditioning (Starts at 41:00)

• Where and how Renew recruits advanced, balanced riders
• Why setting the bar high helps attract the right people
• Building a team of instructors with both equestrian and teaching skills

Turning Horses Out—Even in Michigan Winters (Starts at 47:00)

• How Renew designed their pastures and shelter for 24/7 turnout
• The mental and physical benefits of herd life and freedom to move
• Managing blankets, individualized care, and daily wellness checks

Funding a High-Standard Therapeutic Program (Starts at 56:00)

• Renew’s journey from a small leased parcel to a built-from-scratch facility
• Strategies that work: storytelling, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary clubs
• Why inviting donors to the farm changes everything

Community Culture, Conflict & Longevity (Starts at 1:10:00)

• How Renew fosters staff cohesion, continued education, and joy at work
• Melissa’s perspective on conflict resolution and non-toxic leadership
• Building systems that ensure sustainability beyond one leader

The Future of Equine Assisted Services (Starts at 1:33:00)

• Why mentorship is urgently needed in our fast-growing field
• Recruiting not just horse people, but professionals in governance and finance
• Melissa’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/@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!

 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 anxiety
• Mark's pressure scale (0 to 10) and self-regulation in real time
• How internal tension blocks horse-human communication

Speed Bumps and Nervous System Awareness (Starts at 08:00)

• Crissi explains the compounding stress of modern life
• Why we don’t need to always be calm—and how to ride the nervous system wave
• The idea of setting stress aside just long enough to connect

When Softness Meets an Unready Horse (Starts at 13:00)

• What to do when your horse is not in a soft state
• The art of doing what you can do instead of forcing what you can’t

Pressure vs. Anxiety (Starts at 25:00)

• How pressure can lead to problem-solving, while anxiety leads to shutdown
• A lesson in reframing stress as “just an event, not an emergency”
• Why “Misery is Optional” became a clinic motto

How We Live Matters (Starts at 31:00)

• Crissi’s 20-year journey toward balance: food, sleep, connection, movement
• The surprising role of creativity (like watercolor and photography) in emotional regulation

Clinic Structure That Feels Like Freedom (Starts at 36:00)

• Daily dojo sessions: breath, safety, and playful presence
• Giving students permission not to ride—and why that sets the tone for learning
• Letting laughter and safety replace performance pressure

Nature, Tribe & the Horse-Human Herd (Starts at 42:00)

• Designing Happy Dog Ranch to support exploration, not confinement
• The unseen structure that holds clinics together
• How horses themselves teach people, especially when given time and space

Softness With Structure (Starts at 52:00)

• Why softness without structure isn’t softness at all
• Rain contact, feel, and feedback loops in real time
• Mark’s practical metaphors: the coffee cup, the skeleton, and invisible teaching moments

Building Confidence Without Force (Starts at 1:10:00)

• How support teams guide riders back from the edge of overwhelm
• Letting people grow without letting them get lost

Kindness as Framework (Starts at 1:20:00)

• The radical idea that a clinic structure can be kind—not punishing
• Why many riders unconsciously argue with happiness
• The 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 family
• Mark and Crissi’s reminder: We get good at what we practice—even if it’s unhappiness
• Why 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/3GbhmrK
Finding the Missed Path: The Art of Restarting Horse: https://amzn.to/44e47i2
A Journey to Softness: In Search of Feel and Connection with the Horse: https://amzn.to/44c0KIj
For the Love of the Horse: Looking Back, Looking Forward: https://amzn.to/4lkx8zD

Books by Crissi McDonald:
Rising From the Sea (North to Home Book 3): https://amzn.to/3ZL864h
Continuing The Ride: Rebuilding Confidence from the Ground Up: https://amzn.to/40iZUsf
The Clock in the Water (North to Home): https://amzn.to/40gmv8N
Getting 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/@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!

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.com

Crissi’s Website: https://crissimcdonald.com

Books by Mark Rashid:
Considering the Horse: Tales of Problems Solved and Lessons Learned: https://amzn.to/3GbhmrK
Finding the Missed Path: The Art of Restarting Horse: https://amzn.to/44e47i2
A Journey to Softness: In Search of Feel and Connection with the Horse: https://amzn.to/44c0KIj
For the Love of the Horse: Looking Back, Looking Forward: https://amzn.to/4lkx8zD

Books by Crissi McDonald:
Rising From the Sea (North to Home Book 3): https://amzn.to/3ZL864h
Continuing The Ride: Rebuilding Confidence from the Ground Up: https://amzn.to/40iZUsf
The Clock in the Water (North to Home): https://amzn.to/40gmv8N
Getting 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: 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: 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!

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 – [email protected] | Nicole Jones – [email protected]
Phone & WhatsApp: +1 832-860-4756
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oneacrefarmtx

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!