Dear Horse World, It's Dr. Stephen Peters: Evidence-Based Horsemanship & the Equine Mind - Part 1

From the Navy to Neuroscience: What Horses Can Teach Us About the Brain Before he became one of the most sought-after voices in equine neuroscience, Dr. Stephen Peters lived an entirely different life — growing up between Japan and England in a military family, serving as a Navy officer, and even working at Goldman Sachs. But a personal tragedy pulled him into the world of brain science, setting him on a path that would change not just his career, but the way thousands of horse owners understand their animals. In this conversation, Stephen reveals how a clinical neuroscientist's view of the brain reshapes everything we think we know about training horses. You'll learn: Why attention is a finite resource in young horses — and the surprising age when their brains can actually sustain it. How fear rewires the brain and why "making it happen" often comes at a long-term cost. The three essential ingredients for learning that apply to horses and humans alike. Why "dwell time" isn't just downtime — it's the brain's most powerful consolidation tool. How stable design, sensory deprivation, and even whisker clipping can make a horse less capable of learning. The simple science-backed approach that can literally make a horse smarter. It's a masterclass in connection, not control — rooted in evidence, but brought to life with the kind of cowboy wisdom you can only learn in the round pen. Whether you've never sat on a horse or you've spent a lifetime in the saddle, this episode will change how you think about brains, learning, and the delicate art of trust. -------------------------------------- Stay tuned for part 2. -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld