Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/70/c5/9f/70c59f2c-e6b0-739e-4e84-1c5c71e1bf56/mza_16163514967108409246.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

Rupert Isaacson

42 episodes

2 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.

Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

Equine Assisted World with Rupert Isaacson

1 hour 58 minutes

2 months ago

Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

Episode Title:

Guest Introduction:

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

“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” – Dr. Mark Uranga

In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Dr. Mark Uranga, a pediatrician from Boise, Idaho, with deep Basque roots and a lifelong connection to horses and mules. Blending his medical expertise with his equestrian experience, Dr. Uranga explores how resilience, community, and attunement shape both childhood development and equine-assisted practices.

From the cultural heritage of the Basque people to the sure-footed wisdom of mules, this conversation dives into what resilience really means, why attunement is vital in pediatrics and horsemanship, and how nature and equines offer healing pathways beyond clinical walls.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Basque traditions of tribal upbringing and resilience (Starts at 00:05:00)
The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting (Starts at 00:23:00)
How attunement with children and horses builds trust (Starts at 00:38:00)
Why mules embody persistence, safety, and discernment (Starts at 00:42:00)
The role of stubbornness vs. flexibility in human growth and horsemanship (Starts at 00:51:00)
The mammalian caregiving system and why nurture drives resilience (Starts at 01:35:00)
Why doctors should “prescribe nature” alongside medicine (Starts at 01:46:00)

🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:

“A comfortable child is a more reliable patient.” (00:04:00)
On Basque childhood: “An 8-year-old carrying an 8-month-old — that’s resilience in practice.” (00:08:00)
“Authoritative parenting provides the framework — without the conflict of authoritarianism.” (00:26:00)
The mule’s pause as a model for resilience: “Their sense of self-preservation keeps us safe.” (00:47:00)
“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” (00:59:00)
On magic and awe: “We’re still monkeys on horses, moved by the mystery of it all.” (01:20:00)
Why every pediatrician should spend time in nature-based learning environments (01:51:00)

🤝 Connect with Dr. Mark Uranga:

🎙️ Podcast: The Kid Wrangler (Spotify)
📧 Email: theidahokidwrangler@gmail.com
🌐 Warm Springs Care Farm (Boise, ID): https://www.warmspringscarefarm.org/

🌐 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!