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!