Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms

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Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

Rupert Isaacson

42 episodes

3 days ago

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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Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms | EP 38

Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

1 hour 29 minutes

1 month ago

Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms | EP 38

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.