Episode
How Science Proves the Healing Power of Horses: Dr. Pebbles Turbeville and the Horses and Humans Research Foundation | Ep 41
- Published
- Nov 6, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 5388
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/76cf8ea2
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Summary
What happens when curiosity meets compassion and data meets horsemanship? In this inspiring episode, Rupert Isaacson speaks with Dr. Pebbles Turbeville, CEO of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) — an organization that funds groundbreaking studies proving the power of horse-human interactions. For nearly two decades, HHRF has legitimized and advanced the field of equine-assisted services through rigorous, peer-reviewed research, helping programs worldwide access funding and credibility. Pebbles shares the foundation's origins, from founder Molly Sweeney's question of how horses help humans to the global network of researchers and practitioners now carrying that torch. Together, she and Rupert explore the science behind equine-assisted therapy, innovative studies linking brain scans to equine activity, and the growing focus on equine well-being — because healing must go both ways. If you’re in the equine-assisted world, this episode is your guide to the data, ethics, and compassion shaping the future of our field. If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome ✨ “When we make horses healthier and happier, we make humans healthier and happier, too.” – Dr. Pebbles Turbeville ✨ “Research legitimizes what we do. It helps the world see that playing with ponies is powerful medicine.” – Rupert Isaacson 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Horses and Humans Research Foundation began — and the story of founder Molly Sweeney ([00:03:00]) How HHRF’s Shark Tank-style grant process ensures integrity and safety in research ([00:08:00]) The challenges of funding equine-assisted research and why quality control matters ([00:10:00]) Highlights of HHRF-funded studies, including brain mapping in therapeutic riding ([00:27:0…