About this episode

Kim Barthel and Leana Tank discuss the importance of what happens off the horse in equine-assisted therapy, focusing on neuroscience and practical tools for clients.

Kim Barthel is an occupational therapist, international educator, and author based in British Columbia, Canada, trained in sensory integration, neurodevelopmental therapy, and holotropic breathwork. Leana Tank is an occupational therapist and consultant working with complex populations including individuals in the criminal justice system, combining equine-assisted practice with deep expertise in movement, trauma, and the nervous system. Together, they bring a rare combination of neurological precision and on-the-ground practicality to one of the most overlooked questions in equine-assisted work: what are you doing with your clients when they are not on — or with — the horse? This conversation digs into the neuroscience of the vestibular system, interoception, bilateral stimulation, and why movement is far more than muscles. Kim and Leana share concrete tools — from saddle stools at home to pickle juice to the long gaze — and explore why the relational environment may ultimately matter even more than the physical one. ✨ "The brain can change until you stop breathing." – Kim Barthel If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome 🔍…

People in this episode

Host: Rupert Isaacson

Guests: Kim Barthel, Leana Tank

Topics covered

• neuroscience
• equine-assisted therapy
• occupational therapy
• movement
• vestibular system
• interoception

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: British Columbia

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