Are we creating a sustainable life? This week, Amy and Ross explore the topic of sustainability, yet not as you may think. In this episode, the duo explore the detrimental effects for both humans and equines as a result of living an unsustainable life. Drawing on experiences, observation and the leading science, Ross and Amy discuss what they are seeing within their respective professions, from an increase in metabolic issues and impact on behaviour, in the face of a changing and unpredictable world, continuing to explore further the human experience and the changes we can make for a step towards a sustainable life.

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Joining Amy and Ross this week is author, journalist, classical horse trainer and founder of the Horse Boy Method, Rupert Isaacson. Born in London to Southern African parents with an expansive ancestral lineage, Rupert Isaacson is the best-selling author of ‘The Horse Boy’, ‘The Long Ride Home’ and founder of The Horse Boy Method, a science based intervention for Autism and ADHD that improves academic, behavioural and social goals through equine assisted methods focused on re-patterning the brain and calming the nervous system, combining movement and nature with horses. In a warm and genuine conversation, Rupert talks about his early-life experiences as a journalist and ancestral connections that paved the way to his experiences in shamanism from a young age, from the shape-shifting Bushman of Southern Africa to the the Shamans of Mongolia. Most famously told in his novel 'The Horse Boy' of Rupert's journey to the Sharmans of the steppe to heal his son, Rowan, we talk about how this experience changed his work with horses, how classical training has become pivotal to his equine-assisted programmes, and of course, how the awareness of autism has changed since Rowan began that journey. To find out more on the work of Rupert Isaacson, visit https://rupertisaacson.com/, http:www/ntls.co and www.longridehome.com - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean, Spotify and Youtube! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

During the latest episode, your co-hosting duo bring the focus to the wide-reaching subject of equine pain, condensing this subject in to an informative and thought provoking conversation on the subject of pain. Together, Ross and Amy discuss some of the science behind what pain is, some of the physical and postural presentations you might see alongside the challenges faced as an equine professional and the broader considerations of the ethics involved.

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This week Amy and Ross are talking canine, equine and the nervous system and are excited to be joined by Rose Waldrup of the Waldrup Somatic Method for canines. Founder of the Waldrup Somatic Method, a pioneering, nervous system based approach to working with dogs that shifts the focus from behaviour to regulation, the work of Rose Waldrup bridges somatic theory, neuroscience and the human-canine relationship to help dogs move from survival to safety and connection. During this episode they explore how behaviour can be misunderstood and is a reflection of the nervous system, the difference between training and regulation, how dogs mirror the nervous system of humans states and what this means for connection and the role of safety, consent and co-regulation in healing. The exploration and contrasts between the human, canine and equine nervous system that are explored in this episode are a sure-fire eye opener, whether your interest is humans, canine or equine. Rose regularly works with rescue dogs, high-arousal and shutdown cases, collaborating with shelters and organisations across the United States where she is based.

Is there a hidden agenda behind our ridden decisions?

With the potential to be one of the most controversial topics of recent episodes, Amy and Ross explore the ethics of intervention within our horses pathology and the motivation behind these decisions; where does the line sit on improving our horses quality of life for them or extending their working life for rider benefit? Ross and Amy get straight into the meat and grey areas with this weeks episode, not to be missed!

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Could dopamine be hijacking your mind? In this weeks episode, Amy and Ross discuss one of the most well-known neurotransmitters and it's relationship in shaping behaviour; dopamine. The duo discuss the role of dopamine in learning, how this can reinforce habits that keep us hooked on seeking those small 'hits, and most importantly, how we can hijack them back with a series of ways that can help you seek a more natural dopamine release and challenge those unhealthy habits.

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This wholesome conversation with Dr Susan takes us through her early journey as a lifelong horsewoman, introducing us to the horses that shaped the trajectory of her career and the quest that led her to find the sacred space, the title of her best-selling book ‘Sacred Spaces’, and her work promoting communion of the horse with a blend of science and spirit.

Together with Amy and Ross, Dr Susan discusses the challenges of a writer in a world of artificial intelligence, the kind of change needed within ourselves to better our horsemanship, and the announcement of her new and upcoming book series. Ross and Amy are pleased to be hosting Dr Susan for her first UK clinic in August 2027; stay tuned for details!