Publisher and Editor Lauren Abbott with her mother, Mary Ann Pigford, and Kevin, Lauren’s Off-the-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB). Mary Ann is a lifelong equestrian and stroke survivor whose strength, resilience, and love of horses continue to inspire those around her. As horsewomen, we are conditioned to care for everyone and everything around us before we care for ourselves. We schedule the farrier before our own doctor appointments. We monitor our horses’ nutrition more close

Fear in riding is a nervous system response, not weakness. Learn how the amygdala, trauma conditioning, and neuroplasticity shape fear in the saddle—and how to retrain it.

Horses detect subtle changes in human cortisol, heart rate, and nervous system state—revealing how emotional stress transfers between species.

Struggling with brain fog? Horseback riding stimulates the nervous system, improving focus, memory, and mental clarity. Discover the neuroscience behind equestrian brain health.

Think horseback riding protects your bones? Research shows female equestrians may still be at risk for bone loss. Learn how to build bone density and prevent osteoporosis.