What happens when curiosity meets compassion and data meets horsemanship? In this inspiring episode, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Dr. Pebbles Turbeville, CEO of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) — an organization that funds groundbreaking studies proving the power of horse-human interactions. For nearly two decades, HHRF has legitimized and advanced the field of equine-assisted services through rigorous, peer-reviewed research, helping programs worldwide access funding and credibility.

Pebbles shares the foundation's origins, from founder Molly Sweeney's question of how horses help humans to the global network of researchers and practitioners now carrying that torch. Together, she and Rupert explore the science behind equine-assisted therapy, innovative studies linking brain scans to equine activity, and the growing focus on equine well-being — because healing must go both ways.

If you’re in the equine-assisted world, this episode is your guide to the data, ethics, and compassion shaping the future of our field.

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

✨ “When we make horses healthier and happier, we make humans healthier and happier, too.” – Dr. Pebbles Turbeville

✨ “Research legitimizes what we do. It helps the world see that playing with ponies is powerful medicine.” – Rupert Isaacson

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Horses and Humans Research Foundation began — and the story of founder Molly Sweeney ([00:03:00])
• How HHRF’s Shark Tank-style grant process ensures integrity and safety in research ([00:08:00])
• The challenges of funding equine-assisted research and why quality control matters ([00:10:00])
• Highlights of HHRF-funded studies, including brain mapping in therapeutic riding ([00:27:00])
• How horses’ well-being is now central to research — and what the Five Domains model means ([00:34:00])
• Why fitness, enrichment, and emotional health matter for therapy horses ([00:38:00])
• How HHRF bridges research and real-world application through free webinars ([00:45:00])
• The organization’s upcoming conference and equine well-being initiatives ([00:47:00])
• Innovative grants focused solely on equine welfare ([00:50:00])
• The role of emotional intelligence and kindness in both horse and human learning ([01:05:00])
• How collaboration, not competition, will shape the future of the equine-assisted world ([01:25:00])

🎤 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

• The volunteer who changed everything: how one woman’s curiosity built a global research movement ([00:03:00])
• Pebbles on the irony of how hard it is to give away money – and what makes a great grant applicant ([00:10:00])
• The first study to measure both human and horse brain activity ([00:27:00])
• How understanding horse behavior and enrichment prevents burnout and aggression ([00:36:00])
• The power of the Five Domains: nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state ([00:34:00])
• Rupert’s reflection on how emotional control and empathy are rooted in horsemanship ([01:06:00])
• Why interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to advancing the whole field ([01:25:00])

📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) – https://horsesandhumans.org

Dr. Pebbles Turbeville – CEO, Horses and Humans Research Foundation

Dr. Molly Sweeney – Founder, HHRF

Dr. Steven Peters – Keynote Speaker, HHRF Conference 2026

Dr. Helen Sharp – Research collaborator and educator

Dr. Beth Lanning, Baylor University – Neuroscience-based equine studies

Christina Wilkins – Equitation Science & Five Domains Course

Square Peg Foundation – https://www.squarepegfoundation.org

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.