Panel 5:
Mark Rashid, Crissi McDonald & Dr. Steven Peters

In this fascinating conversation, Paula is joined by Mark Rashid, Dr. Steven Peters, and Crissi McDonald, the authors of A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare. Together, they explore how neuroscience helps us better understand what our horses experience beneath the surface, and why that understanding leads to kinder, more effective horsemanship.

Rather than viewing behavior as something to fix, this episode invites us to see every response as meaningful communication. Through heartfelt storytelling and practical science, you'll discover how patience, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the equine nervous system can help build trust, support healing, and strengthen the partnership between horse and human. 

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to the panel and the new book
00:59 – How the collaboration began and the book came to life
02:02 – Blending storytelling with neuroscience
04:15 – Understanding the horse's nervous system through real-life cases
06:59 – Why familiar horse stories take on new meaning through science
07:34 – The collaborative writing process and lessons learned
10:34 – Recognizing the difference between calm confidence and learned helplessness

Meet the Presenters

Learn more about the experts featured in this panel.