Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

By: Rupert Isaacson
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  • Summary

  • Here on Equine Assisted World. We look at the cutting edge and the best practices currently being developed and, established in the equine assisted field. This can be psychological, this can be neuropsych, this can be physical, this can be all of the conditions that human beings have that these lovely equines, these beautiful horses that we work with, help us with. Your Host is New York Times bestselling author Rupert Isaacson. Long time human rights activist, Rupert helped a group of Bushmen in the Kalahari fight for their ancestral lands. He's probably best known for his autism advocacy work following the publication of his bestselling book "The Horse Boy" and "The Long Ride Home" where he tells the story of finding healing for his autistic son. Subsequently he founded New Trails Learning Systems an approach for addressing neuro-psychiatric conditions through horses, movement and nature. The methods are now used around the world in therapeutic riding program, therapy offices and schools for special needs and neuro-typical children.  You can find details of all our programs and shows on www.RupertIsaacson.com.
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Episodes
  • Ep 15: Sheryl Barto - Smiling Goat Ranch

    Ep 15: Sheryl Barto - Smiling Goat Ranch
    Nov 17 2024
    From PR to Horses: The Story of Smiling Goat Ranch with Sheryl BartoIn this transformative episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with the remarkable Sheryl Barto, founder of Smiling Goat Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado. Sheryl shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey, shaped by her son James, who is on the autism spectrum, and her lifelong love for horses. Discover how Sheryl built Smiling Goat Ranch into a haven for children, families, and individuals navigating autism, trauma, and life's many challenges—all while integrating horses, mountain sports, and ranch life in a holistic and life-changing way.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeSheryl's Personal Journey (Starts at 2:00)Sheryl grew up with a deep connection to horses, spending her youth showing Ponies of the Americas (POAs) and exploring the countryside on horseback. Despite her dream of becoming a horse trainer, life initially took her on a different path—earning a journalism degree and building a successful career in PR. But when her son James was diagnosed with autism at age 10, Sheryl began to uncover a new purpose: helping others through the healing power of horses and nature.The Birth of Smiling Goat Ranch (Starts at 16:30)Founded in 2015, Smiling Goat Ranch offers equine-assisted therapy, classical horsemanship, and activities like mountain sports and ranch work. Sheryl’s approach is profoundly influenced by her experiences as an autism mom, her classical horse training skills, and her belief in the therapeutic connection between humans and animals. The ranch serves not only children with autism but also individuals dealing with trauma and those searching for connection and belonging.The Name and the Heart of the Ranch (Starts at 24:00)The ranch's name, Smiling Goat, reflects the joy and character of its early residents: three pygmy goats named Nelly, Lester, and Hubert. These quirky and lovable animals became symbolic of the warmth and playfulness that permeates the ranch, which now includes a range of animals and activities designed to meet people where they are—whether they connect best with horses, goats, mountain trails, or even wildflowers.The Role of Classical Dressage and Yoga (Starts at 32:15)Sheryl delves into the profound parallels between yoga and classical dressage, noting how both disciplines cultivate strength, balance, and harmony. She explains how classical dressage training helps horses develop the muscular and mental fitness needed to carry two riders, which is central to their work with autistic children and other special-needs clients.A Community Effort and a Lifelong Mission (Starts at 41:20)Building Smiling Goat Ranch was a community-driven endeavor. Sheryl recounts how local organizations like Roaring Fork Leadership and University of Denver students helped her create internships, housing, and infrastructure that make the ranch a sustainable and welcoming environment for families and visitors.Horse Boy Inspiration (Starts at 52:45)Sheryl describes the life-changing moment she first encountered Rupert Isaacson’s Horse Boy Method, witnessing its transformative impact on autistic children. This led her to train extensively with Rupert and incorporate Horse Boy principles into her ranch’s programs. From using horses to teach subjects like math and geography to understanding the vital connection between humans and animals, Sheryl’s philosophy blends evidence-based science with deep compassion and creativity.The Power of Belonging and Connection (Starts at 1:04:00)Smiling Goat Ranch provides more than therapy—it fosters a sense of community and belonging. Through internships, working student programs, and recreational therapy, the ranch creates opportunities for connection and growth, not just for its clients but for the broader community.Memorable Moments from the EpisodeSheryl explains how growing up with her pony Supreme and a veterinarian father shaped her deep connection to animals and their healing power.The story of James’s autism diagnosis and how it inspired Sheryl to advocate for inclusivity and understanding in schools and beyond.The magic of Smiling Goat Ranch, where horses, goats, and even wildflowers play a role in the therapeutic process.The critical role of classical horsemanship in creating physically and emotionally balanced horses capable of supporting the ranch’s unique therapy programs.How Smiling Goat Ranch’s programs evolved to include not only equine therapy but also mountain sports, ranch work, and recreational therapy.Contact Sheryl🌐 Smiling Goat Ranch📧 sheryl@smilinggoatranch.comSee All of Rupert's Programs and Shows🌐 https://rupertisaacson.comFollow UsLong Ride Home🌐 Website📘 Facebook📸 Instagram🎥 YouTubeNew Trails Learning Systems🌐 Website📘 Facebook📸 Instagram🎥 YouTube
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Ep14 Ellie Williams Equi Team PA, USA

    Ep14 Ellie Williams Equi Team PA, USA
    Sep 19 2024

    Many of us are familiar with the term "trauma informed' but Ellie Williams - a British therapist and horsewoman whose Equiteam practice is based in York, Pennsylvania, has accrued more than two decades experience of work in the field.

    With her tight knit team, she has been pioneering the field of equine assisted psychotherapy since before most of us even knew about the term - and with startlingly positive results.

    If this is an area of the equine assisted world that you are interested in exploring - and let's face it, many clients even if undiagnosed bring unhealed or unaddressed trauma to any practice, then listen on - Ellie Williams can mentor us all.


    Find Ellie's Program:

    • Equiteam: https://equiteam.org/

    Find our other shows and programs:
    https://rupertisaacson.com
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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Ep 13: Jane Faulkner - Equine Assisted Therapy Australia

    Ep 13: Jane Faulkner - Equine Assisted Therapy Australia
    Jul 13 2024

    Jane Faulkner is a household name, at least in Equine Assisted circles, down in Australia.

    And with good reason. Like many people who have come to the Equine Assisted world from an originally non horsy background, she has brought a therapist's perspective to our often overly horse-focussed field. Equine Assisted Therapy, Australia - Jane's organization - draws on her experience in nursing, and Gestalt therapy - an approach to psychotherapy that helps clients concentrate on the present to understand what is actually happening in their lives at this moment and to help resolve conflicts both internally and with the world at large. She's also a yoga buff and discovered decades ago how movement and emotional and mental health are inextricably linked.

    Though a latecomer to horses, Jane dived in thoroughly - becoming a certified riding instructor and trail guide in Australia and gradually acquiring her own herd on the Gold Coast of Queensland.

    But there is much, much more to her story than this - how travels in Europe and then into the dodgier areas of South America and further afield brought her face to face with conflict, how people from different cultures even within their own country often misunderstand each other, and how to bridge those gaps, and therefore how all of us often misunderstand ourselves and what to do about it.

    And how the horse, as ever, lends itself as a healer, a mirror, a helper. So listen on, there is much to learn from Jane's story and the methodologies she has helped create.

    Find Jane's Programs:

    • Equine Assisted Australia: https://equineassistedtherapyaustralia.com.au/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equineassistedtherapyaustralia
    • Insta: https://www.instagram.com/equineassistedtherapyaustralia/

    Find our other shows and programs:
    https://rupertisaacson.com
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    2 hrs and 7 mins

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