Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being

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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.

All content for Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson is the property of Rupert Isaacson and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being | EP 35

Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

2 hours 3 minutes

2 months ago

Healing Horses, Healing Humans: Dr. Janet Varhus on Ulcers, Posture & Equine Well-Being | EP 35

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson sits down with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM—a veterinarian whose decades of practice bridge old-school horsemanship, holistic care, and cutting-edge therapies like acupuncture, fascia release, and low-level laser treatment. From endurance riding roots to working alongside Linda Tellington-Jones, Dr. Varhus offers a rare, practical roadmap through the complex world of equine health.

Together, they explore ulcers, fascia, posture, contaminated feeds, and how barns can combine tradition with holistic practices to keep therapy horses sound, safe, and thriving.

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

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why posture reveals hidden health issues (Starts at 00:29:00)
The role of ulcers in behavior, stress, and performance (Starts at 00:33:00)
Glyphosate in grain feeds and what to do about it (Starts at 00:34:00)
Herbs and natural remedies for ulcers and liver health (Starts at 00:54:00)
Low-level lasers: how they heal nerves, trauma, and chronic injuries (Starts at 00:57:00)
Why companionship and enrichment matter as much as feed and shelter (Starts at 01:19:00)
The difference between movement, enrichment, and true exercise for horses (Starts at 01:20:00)
How to give horses choice, voice, and options for play (Starts at 01:32:00)

🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

Janet on diagnosing ulcers with acupressure and laser points (00:17:00)
Why “I see you” is her starting point with every horse (00:29:57)
Why at least half of horses she sees suffer from ulcers (00:33:12)
The dangers of glyphosate in grain feeds—and humic acid as a solution (00:37:39)
How low-level lasers cut healing time in half for horses, dogs, and even people (01:13:00)
Living in a barn with her horses: “They come in for coffee with my husband.” (01:38:06)

🤝 Connect with Dr. Janet Varhus, DVM:
Email: jvarhusdvm@yahoo.com

🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com

📲 Follow Us:
Long Ride Home
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!