Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding

Send us Fan MailMany riders work incredibly hard to improve their riding—but sometimes the beliefs guiding that effort are the very things holding them back. In this episode, we explore three common illusions that can quietly limit progress in the saddle.Episode DescriptionIn the previous episode of Mane Brain, we introduced the Neuro Rider Stack, a framework describing the layers of performance required for effective riding: capacity, coordination, and communication.We also discussed why improving fitness alone doesn’t automatically translate into better riding.But even when riders understand that skill development requires more than strength and conditioning, many still fall into a set of very common traps. These are what I call the Three Riding Illusions—ideas that feel intuitive from inside the rider’s body but don’t hold up when we look at riding through the lens of neuroscience and motor control.The Strength Illusion: “Strength creates stability.”Strength is important for building physical capacity. It improves joint stability, tissue resilience, and the ability to absorb forces from the horse. But true stability in the saddle depends on how the nervous system coordinates movement, not simply how strong the muscles are.The Effort Illusion: “Trying harder creates coordination.”When riders struggle, the natural instinct is to try harder—tightening muscles, concentrating more, or applying more effort. But excessive tension can actually interfere with the sensory feedback the brain needs to coordinate movement. Skilled riding depends on organizing effort efficiently, not simply increasing it.The Stillness Illusion: “Stillness equals control.”Quiet riding is often mistaken for stillness, but effective riders are not motionless. They are dynamically synchronized with the horse’s movement, continuously adapting posture and timing. What appears quiet is actually the result of well-timed coordination, not rigidity.Understanding these illusions helps riders rethink how progress actually happens.Instead of chasing strength, effort, or stillness alone, riders can begin developing the deeper coordination and timing that live in the upper layers of the Neuro Rider Stack.Because good riding isn’t about becoming stronger, tighter, or more still.It’s about learning how to organize movement in partnership with the horse.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYou can be strong, flexible, and in great shape—and still struggle in the saddle. That’s because riding performance isn’t just about fitness; it’s about how the nervous system organizes movement.Episode DescriptionOver the past several episodes of Mane Brain, I've explored how cardiovascular conditioning and strength training support riders. Fitness improves tissue resilience, increases force production, and helps riders tolerate the physical demands of the horse’s movement.But many riders eventually encounter a frustrating reality:They get fitter.They get stronger.And yet their riding doesn’t improve the way they expected.This episode explores why.The answer lies in understanding the difference between capacity and coordination, and how the nervous system develops skilled movement.To explain this, I'll introduce the Neuro Rider Stack, a framework describing the layers of performance required for effective riding:Capacity – the physiological foundation, including cardiovascular fitness and strengthCoordination – the nervous system’s ability to organize balance, posture, and movementCommunication – the precise timing and interaction between rider and horseMost off-horse fitness programs focus almost entirely on the first layer. Riders improve their strength, flexibility, and endurance, but rarely train the sensorimotor skills that allow the body to coordinate movement with the horse.That’s why fitness alone doesn’t automatically translate into better riding.This is where the Level Up Your Seat Blueprint comes in.The Blueprint provides the training progression that develops the layers of the Neuro Rider Stack in a logical order:Breathing → autonomic regulation and core supportFlexibility → mobility and movement optionsStrength → force production and cardiovascular capacityBalance → postural controlCoordination → sensorimotor integrationTiming → predictive motor control and communication with the horseTogether, the Neuro Rider Stack and Mane Brain Blueprint explain both what riders need and how to develop it.The Stack describes the architecture of performance.The Blueprint shows the pathway for building it.Understanding this progression changes how my riders approach their training. Instead of chasing strength or stillness alone, riders begin developing the deeper coordination and timing that ultimately produce feel, balance, and an independent seat.This episode sets the stage for the rest of the Mane Brain season, where we’ll dive deeper into the coordination, balance, and timing skills that transform fitness into true riding performance.Because good riding isn't just built in the gym.It's built in the brain.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailWhat muscles do riders actually need to train—and how do elite riders use them differently? Research shows the difference between amateur and elite riders isn’t necessarily in strength, but in how and when those muscles are coordinated to work in the saddle.In the last episode of Mane Brain, we explored the general principles of strength training for riders and how resistance training improves tissue resilience, joint stability, and force production. But that episode intentionally stayed broad.In this bonus episode this month, we get more specific.We dive into the research on which muscle groups riders rely on most, and how elite riders use those muscles differently from amateur riders. Studies examining muscle activation patterns, rider biomechanics, and postural stability reveal that while riders may appear similar in general fitness tests off the horse, their movement strategies in the saddle are very different.Rather than simply producing more muscle activity, elite riders tend to activate the right muscles at the right time, allowing them to move with the horse rather than against it.In this episode, we discuss the major muscle groups riders should consider training. We also explore how these muscles function differently during riding compared to traditional gym exercises—and why coordination of these muscles matters just as much as strengthening them.Understanding which muscles contribute most to riding stability can help riders design smarter off-horse training programs and avoid the common trap of focusing only on general fitness.Because in riding, performance isn’t just about building stronger muscles.It’s about teaching the nervous system how to coordinate them effectively in the saddle.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailMany riders believe that getting stronger will automatically make them more stable in the saddle. Strength absolutely matters—but strength alone doesn’t create harmonious rides with your horse.Strength training is one of the most valuable off-horse tools riders can use to support their performance in the saddle. In this episode of Mane Brain, I explore how strength training improves the body’s ability to tolerate the physical demands of riding and why it plays an essential role in rider development.Every stride of the horse sends forces through the rider’s body—through the pelvis, spine, hips, knees, and ankles. Without adequate strength and tissue capacity, riders often compensate with tension, gripping, or unstable posture. Strength training helps riders develop the resilience needed to absorb these forces more effectively.Research shows that resistance training improves several important physiological and neurological factors, including:motor unit recruitmentmotor unit synchronizationrate of force developmenttendon stiffness and connective tissue strengthjoint stability and injury resilienceThese adaptations increase the body’s ability to produce and tolerate force, which is a critical component of athletic performance.But strength alone does not automatically translate to better riding.One of the most important distinctions in athletic performance—especially in riding—is the difference between capacity and coordination.Strength improves the body’s capacity to produce force.Coordination determines how effectively that force is used.Motor control research consistently shows that improvements in strength do not automatically produce improvements in skilled movement unless the skill itself is trained. This is why riders can be strong, flexible, and generally athletic while still struggling with balance, timing, or feel in the saddle.In simple terms:Strength builds the engine.Coordination teaches you how to drive it.Tune into this episode to learn more! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan Mail🎯 A key thought as we wrap up our discussion on cardiovascular fitness:Cardiovascular fitness doesn’t make you a better rider by itself, but it does help protect and strengthen the skills you’re working so hard to build.If we are not training for cardiovascular fitness we may find that we feel exhausted, tense, or mentally fried late in our ride or on a competition day. Fatigue shows up as loss of balance, uncoordinated aids, delayed reactions, or difficulty staying focused — even when we try to "power" through.In this episode of Mane Brain, I unpack what fatigue really is, why it’s not just tired muscules, and how cardiovascular training, breathing, and nervous system regulation interact to shape rider endurance.This episode completes the cardiovascular training series by explaining why endurance fails — and what riders can do differently.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy fatigue is not just physicalFatigue is a complex interaction between:cardiovascular capacityrespiratory efficiencyneural capacityperception of effortmuscular enduranceRiders often experience brain-based fatigue before their muscles are truly “done.”In riding, brain-based fatigue can often show up first — affecting balance, coordination, timing, and decision-making.As cardiovascular demand increases, your brain continuously evaluates its performance against overall safety. If you lack cardiovascular fitness or have poor breathing rhythm, this can lead to an increase in perceived effort. The result? The brain may down-regulate its motor performance to protect overall health. It's not a flaw; it's a protective signal we should respect. It helps to explain why riders can feel “fried” even during relatively short rides.Perception of effort and riding performanceResearch shows that perceived effort — not just physical output — determines endurance.In riding, we often experience:higher cognitive loadsemotional stressorscontinuous postural demandsall these lead to an increase in perceived effort - accelerating fatigue.Fatigue is not failure.It’s information.Understanding fatigue helps riders:train smarter out of the tackpace effort more effectivelystrategically plan their ridesimprove consistency across competition days🔗 As we complete this series on cardiovascular performance, think of how improving your endurance out of the tack delays fatigue and protects your performance. It ties in the concepts we've discussed on:heart rate zone trainingbreathing and respiration under effortnervous system regulationMane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailRiders might focus on cardiovascular conditioning — but many still struggle with fatigue, tension, and loss of coordination when effort increases. The missing piece is rarely motivation or fitness. More often, it’s how the rider breathes under load.In this episode of Mane Brain, I explore how breathing rhythm and respiration directly shape cardiovascular efficiency, nervous system regulation, and motor control in the saddle.This episode builds directly on the previous discussion of heart rate zone training and explains why many riders can’t fully access the fitness they’ve built without training their breathing as a performance skill.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy breathing is not separate from cardio trainingCardiovascular performance depends on how well oxygen is delivered and regulated under effort. Breathing determines:oxygen availabilityheart rate response at a given workloadhow quickly fatigue sets inTwo riders can ride the same test or course at the same heart rate — but have very different outcomes based on how they breathe.How breathing rhythm organizes the nervous systemBreathing provides a timing signal to the brain. When breathing is rhythmic and predictable:the nervous system remains regulatedmotor coordination improvesperceived effort decreasesWhen breathing becomes erratic or held:sympathetic drive increasesheart rate rises unnecessarilyprecision and endurance declineWhat breath pacing actually means for riders:Breath pacing isn’t about taking “deep breaths.” It’s about matching breathing rhythm to movement and effort.I'll explain how:breath rhythm can align with stride rhythmconsistent exhale timing can help regulate effortmaintaining rhythm under stress can support endurance and focusDiscipline-specific breathing demandsThis episode breaks down how breathing challenges differ across disciplines:Dressage: managing sustained effort without breath holding during precision workStadium jumping: regulating breath between fences to prevent sympathetic spikesCross country: maintaining rhythmic breathing during prolonged high-intensity effortEach discipline places unique demands on the respiratory system and nervous system.Why respiratory muscle fatigue mattersAt higher intensities, poor breathing efficiency can accelerate overall fatigue — even in riders with strong cardiovascular fitness. The brain then shifts towards protection rather than performance - negatively impacting balance, timing, and decision-making in the tack.Therefore...Fitness isn’t just physical capacity — it’s how well the brain and body communicate under load.Breathing is the bridge between:cardiovascular fitnesspostural controlcognitive clarityemotional regulation🔜 What’s Coming NextIn the next episode, I will take this concept and discuss its opposing concept - fatigue. I'll share why we want to train for stamina to avoid this, and show you how fatigue can impact your riding performance. Helpful links: The PAR-Q+: https://eparmedx.com/par-q/An article on breath rhythm/pacing from the American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org/blog/breathing-basics-for-runnMane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailRiders often hear that they need “better cardio,” but few are told how to set up a program targeting cardiovascular fitness that their discipline actually requires.In this episode of Mane Brain, I will break down the cardiovascular demands placed on the rider and how heart rate–based zone training can help you build endurance, clarity, and consistency in the saddle.Rather than guessing or defaulting to generic workouts, this episode aims to give you a framework to train with intention — grounded in physiology, neuroscience, and real-world riding demands.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy rider cardio matters more than you thinkRiding is a cognitively demanding sport performed under higher physical demand. As your heart rate rises, your nervous system still has to multi-task - managing balance, coordination, timing, and decision-making. Cardiovascular fitness isn’t just about endurance — it directly affects how well your brain stays online under effort.The real heart rate demands of riding disciplinesI will walk you through research and field data showing how rider heart rates differ across:Dressage (moderate, sustained aerobic demand)Stadium jumping (short bursts of high intensity)Cross country (prolonged high aerobic load with stress)Understanding these differences helps you to train specifically for what you actually experience in competition.What heart rate zones mean for ridersYou’ll learn how common riding heart rate zones map to familiar exercise intensities (METs) used in cardiac rehabilitation and sports performance — translating riding demands into practical off-horse training strategies.Why “just working out” isn’t enoughMany riders train hard but not specifically. This episode explains why mismatched cardio training can lead to:early fatigueloss of coordination late in a ridedifficulty maintaining posture, breathing, and effective aidsZone-based training helps close the gap between fitness and performance.How this fits into the Mane Brain frameworkCardiovascular fitness supports:motor learningbalance and postural controlnervous system regulation under effortThis episode sets the foundation for applying neuroscience to rider fitness in a way that actually transfers to the saddle.PARQ+: https://eparmedx.com/par-q/🔗 What’s Coming NextThis episode is the second in a short series on rider cardiovascular endurance.In the next episode, I dive into:why breathing rhythm and respiration are a missing link in cardiovascular performance — and why many riders can’t fully access the fitness they’ve built without addressing how they breathe under effort.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Friday’s With Frankie,  Frankie Lovato Jr. and I sit down with Caroline Nesbitt — a rider, Connemara breeder, author, theatre professional, and newer Equicizer owner. Caroline’s journey through the equestrian world blends passion with depth: from breeding and riding iconic Connemara ponies to writing equestrian novels and sharing stories from behind the scenes of her acting roles.Caroline brings her rich life experience to the conversation, talking about:How her love for her Connemara ponies led to the name of her EquicizerThe stories and fun behind writing her novels, and what she is planning next!How she has balanced her time between riding, writing, and acting, blending her creativity with practical horsemanship.What led her to the Equicizer, how she uses it now, and why riders at any level can benefit from this kind of unmounted trainingWhether you’re a breeder, rider, writer, or lifelong learner in the horse world, this episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and anecdotes that will resonate long after the last note.📚 Ready for the next great book you can curl up with? Here's how to find more from Caroline: Ride On the Curl’d Clouds 📚 https://a.co/d/coehnljFortune’s Fool 📚 https://a.co/d/3F1Ch0XThe Pony Breeder’s Companion: A Guide for Owners and Breeders 📚 https://a.co/d/gEQjNveStay tuned! On the next episode of Mane Brain, I will explore heart rate zones and discipline-specific fitness tips for riders — tying together neuroscience and how to train smarter out of the tack. Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailWe often focus on the horse’s conditioning, but what about the rider? Research shows that riders experience significant cardiovascular demand during competition across all disciplines, and this incorporates environments that include being under pressure and/or fatigued, all while trying to execute precision-based tasks. Understanding these demands, and preparing for them, is the first step toward smarter unmounted training.Heart Rate Demands Across DisciplinesEventing: sustained higher cardiovascular load + managing a higher stress situationShow jumping: short bursts of higher intensity cardiovascular effort with rapid recovery demandsDressage: lower peak heart rate, higher and frequently changing neuromuscular and postural demandsEach discipline challenges the rider’s system differently—but all require cardiovascular endurance and stamina.Studies demonstrate that rider heart rate rises not only with physical effort but with:anticipatory stressbalance demandspostural endurancecognitive loadThis explains why riders may feel “gassed” even when they aren’t visibly working hard.What This Means for Your Training:Conditioning improves your ability to deliver clarity with your aids, not just stamina to ride longerBetter aerobic capacity supports balance, breathing, and decision-makingFitness allows skill to show up under pressureWhat’s Coming Next:In the next episode, we’ll look at how riders can train cardiovascular fitness without just doing more cardio, and how tools like interval work, position-specific conditioning, and off-horse strategies translate directly to performance.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailSEASON 2 of the Mane Brain Podcast opens with an episode of Friday’s with Frankie and reframes what fitness for riders really means — and how off-horse tools like the Equicizer can support cardiovascular conditioning, balance, and motor learning.As riders, we often think of fitness as something separate from skill. In this episode, Frankie Lovato Jr and I explore why that separation doesn’t hold up — especially when viewed through a neuroscience lens. Fitness influences not only endurance, but also how well the brain can organize movement, maintain balance, and stay regulated under load.In this episode, we cover:Why rider fitness is more than just strength or staminaWays riders can challenge cardiovascular fitness that match their riding goalsHow the Equicizer allows riders to work on balance and conditioning simultaneouslyI introduce the concept of heart rate zones and explains why different riding disciplines place different demands on the rider’s nervous system and cardiovascular capacity. These ideas are teased here and explored more fully in the next full Mane Brain episode, where riders will learn how to match off-horse cardio training to the demands of their discipline.This episode sets the tone for Season 2: evidence-based, rider-focused, and grounded in how the brain and body work together — both in and out of the saddle.🎧 Next up on Mane Brain:A deep dive into zone-based cardiovascular training for riders, including METs, heart rate ranges, and how you as the rider can train effectively off the horse for dressage, show jumping, and eventing.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailVision is powerful — but sometimes, it’s doing too much of the work.In this episode of Mane Brain, Audrey Paslow, PT, DPT, NCS, dives into the neuroscience behind visual input and rider balance, exploring why temporarily reducing vision can actually improve motor learning, postural control, and coordination.Building on prior episodes about the learning sweet spot, lunge line lessons, and why mistakes matter, this conversation focuses on how the brain integrates sensory information — particularly vision, proprioception, and vestibular input — to control movement. When vision dominates, riders may feel “secure,” but the nervous system can become less accurate at detecting true balance errors.Audrey explains:Why vision often overrides proprioceptive feedback in ridersHow limiting visual input helps the brain identify errors more clearlyWhy this strategy works so well in lunge line lessons and balance trainingThe difference between removing vision versus removing information overloadYou’ll also hear practical, safety-conscious ways to experiment with reduced visual input:Unmounted balance and coordination drillsIn-the-saddle applications (no actual blindfolds required!)How to recognize when vision is helping — and when it’s hindering — your learningThis episode reinforces a core Mane Brain message: better riding isn’t about doing more — it’s about giving the brain the right information at the right time.Whether you’re working on an independent seat, struggling with consistency, or looking to understand why certain exercises feel transformative, this episode will change how you think about what your eyes are doing while you ride.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Mane Brain, Audrey dives into one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — truths about rider development:Mistakes are not the problem. Missing the learning opportunity is.Building on her episodes published in November about finding the learning sweet spot, this conversation explores the neuroscience behind why mistakes are essential for skill development and how riders can use them intentionally to improve balance, timing, and confidence.🧠 Why the Brain Needs MistakesFrom a motor learning perspective, the brain doesn’t change when things go perfectly. It changes when there’s a mismatch between what it expected to happen and what actually happened — a process known as prediction error. These small, safe errors are the fuel for neuroplasticity.Audrey breaks down:Adams’ Closed-Loop Theory, where sensory feedback and error detection refine movement accuracySchmidt’s Schema Theory, which explains how variability and mistakes build adaptable motor programsModern neuroscience concepts of prediction error, showing how the brain updates movement strategies based on errorsTogether, these models explain why perfection slows learning — and why controlled, intentional mistakes accelerate it.🏋️ Applying Error-Based Learning in Unmounted TrainingYou’ll learn key ways to use mistakes productively during off-horse work, including:Why slowing down helps you notice errorsHow controlled instability improves balance and body awarenessWhy repeating a movement after a mistake matters more than chasing perfect repsHow changing one variable at a time sharpens motor learning🎯 The TakeawayRiders who improve fastest aren’t the ones who make fewer mistakes. They’re the ones who recognize them sooner, stay curious, and use them as data.If you want to train your brain — not just your body — this episode will give you a completely new lens on what progress really looks like.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailIn this festive installment of Friday’s With Frankie, Frankie and I unwrap our favorite brain-boosting, balance-enhancing, ride-changing gift ideas for the equestrians in your life (including you!).We cover:✔️ Gear that improves rider feel and balance✔️ Tools that sharpen rein awareness and contact✔️ Smart accessories to support rider fitness✔️ Upgrades that make home practice sessions more effective✔️ A few of Frankie’s own top picks from the Equicizer shop✔️ Audrey’s favorite neuro-centric training aids that blend beautifully with Franklin Method workAnd of course — we’ll link to all items mentioned in the episode so you can shop smarter, not harder this holiday season.For Frankie's top picks: https://equicizer.com/collections/equicizer-stableFor Audrey's top picks, it's best to send an email! She has many of the items she mentioned in stock and ready to ship! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Mane Brain Podcast, Audrey welcomes one of the most important guests in her riding journey: her trainer and mentor, Cailin Sanford, a USDF Level 1 Certified Instructor known for her thoughtful, biomechanics-backed approach to horse and rider development.Following last episode's conversation about “The Learning Sweet Spot” and how simplifying a task creates the ideal environment for motor learning, this episode brings that concept directly into the arena — through lunge line lessons.Whether you’re a developing rider or an experienced adult amateur trying to refine your seat, the lunge line is one of the most underused but most powerful tools you have. Audrey and Cailin break down:🔹 Why lunge line lessons work from a neuroscience perspectiveHow reducing the task's demands frees the brain to focus on balance, timing, symmetry, and postural reflexes — without the steering responsibilities.🔹 Two types of lunge line lessons (and why riders can benefit from both)Cailin outlines how each type targets different pieces of rider development, and why they might help shed light on a missing puzzle piece in the learning process. 🔹 Exercises that may be best accomplished on the lunge lineFrom no-stirrups work, to stability drills, to upper-body coordination — these are the game-changing practices that build a truly independent seat.🔹 How Audrey and Cailin blend Franklin Method into their clinicsThey share why these sessions are popular each year and how this type of training can strengthen a rider's balance, proprioception, and confidence.🔹 Safety considerations for riders and horsesHow to determine if you have the right combination for a lunge line lesson - from thinking about the horse, environmental setup, and handler experience (as well as when NOT to schedule a lunge line session).🔹 Why lunge line lessons aren’t “just for beginners”Cailin explains how even seasoned, competitive riders can unlock breakthroughs with this style of training.This episode combines evidence-based motor learning theory with the practical wisdom of a seasoned and experienced instructor — and echoes the deep trust of a trainer/client relationship.If you want better balance, better posture, better timing, and stronger connections between your brain and body… this episode is for you.Interested in working with Cailin & Audrey? Look for details hereClick to learn more about Cailin Sanford, Level 1 USDF Certified Instructor & Winterwood FarmMane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the special series on Mane Brain — Fridays with Frankie, Audrey Paslow PT, DPT, NCS and Frankie Lovato Jr. sit down with Esther Nofziger, Occupational Therapist, Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (AHA), Therapeutic Riding Senior Instructor (CanTRA), Instructor of Beginners in English Riding (Equine Canada), and longtime Equicizer user.In this interview, we dive into: The differences between therapeutic riding and hippotherapyWhy choosing the right credentialed provider matters, and how to find themHow Esther uses the Equicizer both as an essential assessment tool and as part of her treatment sessionsThe therapeutic impact of equine movement for Esther's patients and clientsOpportunities and resources for education for instructors, volunteers, and caregiversIf you’ve ever wondered how equine-assisted therapies work—or how the Equicizer fits into clinical practice—this episode offers clear, practical insight.🔗 Helpful Links Mentioned in This EpisodeProfessional OrganizationsAmerican Hippotherapy Association (AHA)https://americanhippotherapyassociation.orgProfessional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)https://pathintl.orgFind a Certified ProfessionalFind a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructorhttps://pathintl.org/education/certifications/find-a-certified-professionalResources To Learn More About Esther Nofziger: Equicizer Therapy Page + Webinar “In Case You’re Not a Doctor”https://equicizer.com/pages/equicizer-therapy(This page includes Esther’s downloadable webinar and additional educational content.)Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailAs riders, we’re often asking for more from our bodies on each ride - be it more refined communication, better timing, or better balance. Trying to train for MORE of these elements may seem helpful, but neuroscience says otherwise. In this episode, Audrey unpacks how the brain truly learns new movement patterns and why simplifying your ride — by reducing variables and focusing your attention — can lead to more progress, not less.You’ll discover how the Challenge Point Framework, a concept from motor learning research, reveals the elements to find the optimal “sweet spot” for skill acquisition. When challenge and skill level align just right, your brain gets the highest return on its investment: faster encoding, more efficient balance reactions, and smoother coordination.Audrey also explains:Why removing complexity can actually help your nervous system learn fasterHow feedback and - yes, even mistakes! - can strengthen your brain-body connectionWhy the brain's attention matters in skill acquisitionIf you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow progress or inconsistent breakthroughs, this episode will help you understand how to set your brain — and your riding — up for true learning success.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the very first Fridays with Frankie, a special Mane Brain mini-series featuring Frankie Lovato Jr., creator of the Equicizer and former professional jockey.In this inaugural episode, From Box to Balance, we’re walking you through the first five things every rider should know when unboxing and riding their Equicizer for the first time.Frankie shares his insider, logistical tips — from proper wheel installation to ensuring the Equicizer’s head cables are suspended just right — along with resources every new owner should bookmark.Then, Audrey dives into the rider’s side of the setup: options to ensure proper rider alignment, initiating a gait, establishing proper rein aids, and how to stay aware of your breathing and balance throughout. Together, we even guide you through your first two-point on the Equicizer — safely, effectively, and with intention.Whether you’re brand new to the Equicizer or using it to refine your biomechanics and balance, this episode will help you start strong, set up safely, and ride smarter from day one.🎧 Tune in to learn:Frankie's top setup tips for Equicizer safety and performanceHow to create a smart rider setup with mirrors or video feedbackThe brain-body link between breath, rein aids, and rhythmA step-by-step approach to your first two-point sessionAs mentioned on the episode, here is the links to: Your Free Breathing Guide Episode 7 of Mane Brain: From Breath to Balance - The Missing Piece in Rider FeelMane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYour brain learns new and novel movements through repetition and good feedback — and that’s exactly what the Equicizer can deliver. In this episode, Audrey wraps up her interview with Frankie Lovato Jr, by diving into the neuroscience and biomechanics behind why she loves using the Equicizer as a tool for riders.Through the lens of neuroplasticity, motor learning, and rider biomechanics, Audrey explains how simulated riding helps the brain and body connect more effectively, improving balance, rhythm, stability, and harmony in the saddle.Whether you’re working to improve your seat, build more awareness, or supplement your unmounted training, this episode reveals how tools like the Equicizer can transform the way you ride.In this episode, you’ll learn:How concepts of neuroplasticity help riders rewire better movement patternsWhy repetition, intensity, and saliency are keys to motor learningHow simulation training can improve balance, stability, and confidenceHow the Equicizer complements mounted lessons and rider fitnessThis is a must-listen for adult amateur riders seeking evidence-based ways to enhance their seat and deepen their connection with the horse.Resources Mentioned:Equicizer Official WebsiteStay Connected:Follow Audrey [@anchoredseat]Visit [www.anchoredseat.com] for resources and upcoming workshopsSubscribe, rate, and review Mane Brain to support the show!Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a rider’s body is injured, but their drive to ride remains unshakable? In this episode, Audrey sits down with Frankie Lovato Jr., former professional jockey and creator of the Equicizer, to share his incredible journey from career-threatening injury to innovation.After a devastating riding accident, Frankie faced the same fears and frustrations many equestrians do after injury — loss of balance, confidence, and control. Determined to find a way back into the saddle, he designed the Equicizer, a mechanical horse that allows riders to train more safely, rebuild strength, and restore rhythm and confidence from the ground up.In this heartfelt conversation, Frankie opens up about:His racing career and the injury that changed everythingThe inspiration and development of the EquicizerHow simulation-based training can help riders regain strength and stabilityHis mission to support riders in rehabilitation, fitness, and educationWhether you’re recovering from injury, looking to improve your balance off the horse, or curious about how innovation meets neuroscience, Frankie’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of determination.Resources Mentioned:Equicizer Official Website (https://www.equicizer.com)Stay Connected:Follow Audrey [@AnchoredSeat] on Facebook and InstagramVisit [www.anchoredseat.com] for resources and future episodesSubscribe and leave a review to support Mane Brain!Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYour breath is the gateway to pelvic floor health — and the key to unlocking better movement, balance, and strength in the saddle. In Part 2 of my conversation with Emily Suttor, PT, DPT, OCS, we move beyond the basics and into the how: simple strategies to connect your breathing, pelvic floor, and riding performance.Emily explains how breath and pelvic floor function are inseparable, why diaphragmatic breathing matters for riders, and which exercises can help equestrians develop a more stable, coordinated seat. Together, Audrey and Emily connect the dots between pelvic health, biomechanics, and the evidence-based foundation for smarter riding.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why breathing is the foundation for pelvic floor health and core stabilityHow improper breathing patterns can limit your effectiveness in the saddlePractical breathing techniques every rider should practiceBeginner-friendly exercises to build pelvic floor awareness and strengthHow to integrate breathwork into your riding and unmounted trainingThis episode will help you ride with more balance, confidence, and control — all starting with the breath.Stay Connected:Connect with Emily Suttor, PT, DPT, OCS (KORT Physical Therapy, KY)Follow Anchored Seat (@anchoredseat)Visit www.anchoredseat.com for resources and podcast updatesWant to see the references discussed and helpful images? Visit manebrainpodcast.com/13 to learn more! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailThe pelvic floor is the foundation of a rider’s strength, stability, and confidence in the saddle — yet it’s one of the most overlooked areas of fitness. In this two-part series for the month of September, I sit down with Emily Suttor, PT, DPT, OCS from KORT Physical Therapy in Kentucky, to break down what every female equestrian should know about pelvic floor health.In Part 1 of this series, we dive into the basics: what the pelvic floor actually is, how it impacts riding, and why both weakness and tension can cause problems both in and out of the saddle. Emily shares how to recognize whether your pelvic floor is functioning well, common diagnoses, and how awareness is the first step toward building a stronger, more effective seat.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the pelvic floor is and why it matters for equestriansSigns your pelvic floor may be weak — and signs it may be overactiveHow pelvic floor function ties into stability, posture, and rider effectivenessTop tips for beginning to build awareness of your own pelvic healthWhether you’re struggling with balance, seeking more stability in your seat, or simply curious about how your body supports you in the saddle, this episode lays the foundation for stronger, smarter riding.Want the list of references and helpful images for today's episode? Visit manebrainpodcast.com/12 for more! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYour helmet is more than just gear — it’s your brain’s first line of defense. But how much do you really know about proper helmet fit, sizing, and care? In this follow-up to my last episode, I'll share my reflections from speaking with Deb Reardon, the manager at my local tack shop; I'll cover the basics of helmet fit and features and why getting the details right makes all the difference.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why helmet fit is critical for concussion preventionCare and maintenance tips that help protect your helmet (and your investment) - for example, did you realize the impact of fly spray? Suggestions on when and why to replace your helmetBecause protecting your brain means you can keep learning, keep growing, and keep riding.A major thank you to Deb Reardon and Dover Saddlery in Latham for sharing some time with me a few weeks ago to work on this episode. I did my best to capture our highlights and appreciate each second I got to chat about the essentials! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailConcussions are more common in equestrian sports than perhaps many riders realize—and yet, remain one of the more misunderstood injuries in our community. In this powerful and personal episode, I dive deep into the facts, statistics, and preventative strategies around concussions in our beloved sport.Join me on this episode as I share my professional journey into concussion management, including my experience working in the clinic as well as teaching on this topic on a national level. I want to share that expertise with the equestrian world, highlighting what every rider, trainer, and parent should know.In this episode, you'll learn:The statistics we know surrounding equestrian head injuries and why they may actually be underreportedHow concussion rates in horseback riding compare to other sports.The key signs and symptoms of concussion—and why they can be missed.Evidence-based prevention strategies, from helmets and vests to tips for mounted and unmounted trainingWhether you’ve taken a fall yourself, ride alongside younger athletes, or just want to be better informed, this episode is essential listening for any proactive equestrian.Resources:CDC Heads Up InitiativeBrain Injury Association of America USEF Return to Ride GuidelinesMane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYou've heard this riding advice before: "inside leg to outside rein." It's the holy grail of connection with your horse. But if you're like many adult amateur riders, you've probably found yourself wondering how to work toward improving your ability to coordinate your aids so you can build that harmony with your horse.Here’s the truth: learning to coordinate your aids doesn't start in the saddle. It starts with training your body and brain—on the ground.In this episode of Mane Brain, Rider Balance Coach and neurologic physical therapist Audrey breaks down why coordination training is an often-overlooked but important element of unmounted fitness training. You'll learn:Why traditional strength training alone isn't sufficient to build balance and coordinationHow unmounted coordination exercises can help you become faster and more efficient with learning new skills - both in and out of the tackWhat kinds of exercises actually work—and what to do and not to do when building them into your current routineWhether you’re prepping for another show or working through feedback from your last test, this episode will help you to think beyond just muscling your way through workouts and start training smarter.🧠 Want a customized coordination training plan for your body and your riding goals?👉 Reach out to book your Rider Balance Assessment and let’s build your roadmap.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailEver watched a rider stay perfectly centered during a buck, spook, or stumble—and wondered how they pulled it off? What you witnessed was their reactive balance skills in action. In this episode of Mane Brain, neurologic physical therapist and Rider Balance Coach Audrey Paslow pulls back the curtain on what really creates a “sticky seat.” Spoiler alert: it's not just strong abs. And while it's a challenging skill to train — Audrey will share tips so that you CAN work on this before you ever get in the saddle.You’ll learn:✅ Why reactive balance is a better predictor of stability than core strength alone✅ How this specific postural strategy contributes to fewer falls and could be a game changer in your unmounted training✅ Simple, science-backed ways to start building your own sticky seat out of the tackWhether you're aiming for more confidence, safety, or performance in the saddle, this episode shows you how to train your brain and body like the riders who just seem to stick in the tack, no matter the situation.🎯 Want help building your own rider-specific training plan?Let’s work together—reach out to start building your out of the tack balance training today.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailIf you're an adult amateur dressage rider working to improve your position, stability, and harmony with your horse—this episode is for you.As a neurologic physical therapist and rider balance coach, I’m here to show you how your diaphragm—yes, a muscle that controls breathing—is actually a cornerstone of better riding. When trained properly, it enhances your balance, improves your fitness, and helps to unlock the elusive skill of “feel” in the saddle.In this episode, I break down:What the diaphragm really does (spoiler: it's more than just breathing in)How it supports proper posture, shock absorption, and nervous system regulationWhy traditional "core training" and bracing in your abdominals may actually work against youMy favorite cues and coaching tips to help activate the diaphragm correctly—both in and out of the tackWhether you're in a training lull, prepping for a show, or trying to crack the code on postural control, this is foundational work that can make the rest of your training fall into place.🎁 Don’t forget to download your free Breathing Guide for Riders—a focused resource to help you build awareness, improve breath quality, and take your next step toward a more stable, effective seat.Final note: Reminder that this show and recommendations are for educational purposes only, as my disclaimer at the beginning of the podcast states. Make sure you are cleared by your physician before beginning in any activity program, even one as simple as working on proper breathing! Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYou know the feeling — a little tight in the hips, stiff through the back, maybe even one-sided tension you can’t quite shake off. Naturally, you stretch… but what if stretching isn’t the whole answer?In this episode of Mane Brain, I'm taking a closer look at what “tight” really means in a rider’s body, and why stretching alone might not fix your issues in the tack. I walk you through the concept of eccentric strengthening, explain how it differs from traditional stretching, and show you how to start applying it to your riding routine — whether you're working through asymmetries or just trying to feel more balanced in the saddle.We’ll talk about:Why that “tight” sensation might actually be a sign of instability or weaknessThe difference between flexibility and functional controlWhen to stretch vs. when to strengthenHow eccentric strengthening can improve your balance, coordination, and overall feelPractical tips and examples you can try today — in or out of the tack💡 This episode is perfect for any adult amateur rider looking to train smarter, not harder — and feel more in sync with their horse.🎧 Tune in and let’s level up your seat — one smart decision at a time.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailYou don’t need to be in the tack to improve your ride. In this episode of Mane Brain, you’ll learn how to use motor imagery and visualization to sharpen your skills, improve body awareness, and mentally rehearse for better performance in the saddle.Visualization is more than positive thinking—it’s a proven tool that taps into your brain’s motor planning system. Let’s break down the science and I'll show you how to apply it to your rides today.🎧 Tune in now and start riding smarter—before you even mount up.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailEvery rider wants to develop feel—that subtle, intuitive connection with your horse that makes it all click. And here’s the truth: feel isn’t magic. It’s not something you either have or don’t. It’s a skill—and you can train it.In this episode of Mane Brain, you’ll take the next step after setting your summer riding goals: figuring out exactly where you are right now in your rider journey. This is about building self-awareness in and out of the tack so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.You’ll learn:Why recording a ride (or your workout) can give you insight into how you actually moveHow to spot weaknesses in your current routine using the Level Up Your Seat BlueprintWhat it means to “check in” with your posture and balance—so you start feeling your position, not just thinking about itYou’ll also discover how principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity make “feel” a trainable, repeatable outcome—if you train with quality reps and clear intent.🎁 Download your free Breathing Guide to get started. It’s your personalized tool to set intention with your workouts and your rides, tune into your breath, and start laying the groundwork for true connection in the saddle.🔗 Find Your Better Breathing Habits Here!You’ve set the destination. Now let’s figure out exactly where you're starting from—and how to train smarter from here.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailSet Smarter Riding Goals—Plan to Win from the Ground Up.Your dressage season doesn’t begin in the warm-up ring—it begins with a plan.In this episode of Mane Brain, you will learn about the goal-setting process that puts the rider at the center of a successful training plan. Whether you’re aiming to move up a level in your dressage tests or simply improve your balance and coordination for your lessons, it all starts before you get in the tack.From Strategy to Saddle, you’ll learn:How to set clear, focused goals based on your unique rider needsHow to build a training plan using the Level Up Your Seat Rider Training Scale Which off-horse skills deserve your attention this season Download the free Goal Planning Guide to apply what you learn and map out your rider-focused season strategy—step by step.Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailWant a better seat? You don’t have to be in the saddle to get there. In this episode of Mane Brain, I break down the Level Up Your Seat Blueprint—a sport-specific, unmounted training guide built on five key skills: breathing, flexibility, strength, balance & coordination, and timing.🎁 Grab your free Breathing Tip Sheet and use the self-reflection questions to find your training focus.🔎 Search episode hashtags like #ManeBrainStrength or #ManeBrainBalance to dive deeper!Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.

Send us Fan MailIn this initial episode, I share my story to building this podcast as a physical therapist and equestrian as well as reflection questions to help you evaluate your training program both in and out of the tack. Mane Brain Podcast is part of Anchored Seat's mission to bring neuroscience to the saddle! Learn more about training programs and clinic opportunities at www.anchoredseat.com.