The Equestrian Connection

Dr. Steve Peters is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and internationally recognized equine neuroscientist. With more than three decades of experience in brain research and clinical practice, he brings together human and equine neuroscience to support thoughtful, science-informed horsemanship.

For more than a decade, Dr. Peters has presented neuroscience concepts to equestrian audiences across the United States and internationally. And in recent years, he founded Horse Brain Science Clinics, combining classroom instruction, live horse demonstrations, and equine brain dissections to provide clear, practical insight into behavior, learning, stress, and welfare.

His vision is that understanding the horse’s brain is the most direct path to better communication, reduced stress, and deeper connection between horse and rider — science serving the art of horsemanship.

Connect with Dr. Steve Peters:
Website: https://www.horsebrainscience.info/

Shannon Beahen specializes in teaching her own consent-based approach to natural dressage and liberty, equine care and co-living, as well as the creation of species-appropriate habitats that promote dynamic movement and autonomous equine lifestyles.

She is passionate about exploring and articulating the ethics of embodied horse-human relationships. And her hope is that, through teaching a deeper awareness of human-animal and human-environment relations, equestrian education ceases to be a privileged pastime that replicates outdated domination logics; and instead may just provide some of the seeds to birth a new earth.

Shannon has been an Equestrian Canada certified Competition Coach since the late 90s, studying topics related to human-animal ethics, language and philosophy since 2008 (BA, MA, PhD Candidate). She holds certifications in horse-human trauma-recovery and lives on Vancouver Island where she tends acreage with her multi-species family.

Connect with Shannon:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humminghorse_sb/
Website: https://www.humminghorse.com/

Elisa Walfish (also known as the Data-Driven Equestrian) is a biologist by training, host of the EquiScience Podcast, and a certified Equine Manual Therapy practitioner through Equineology (EEWB), specializing in Functional postural rehabilitation, Myofascial and nervous system relaxation and Equine sports massage.

Elisa’s approach combines a scientific understanding of the body with targeted manual techniques to guide the horse towards greater comfort, balance and overall well-being.

Her platform of the Data-Driven Equestrian explores the intersection of biology, physiology, and horsemanship to offer evidence-based solutions for improving the physical and mental well-being of sport horses. Through a scientific lens, Elisa aims to optimize care practices to promote not only peak performance but also longevity and happiness for the equine athlete.

Connect with Elisa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedatadriven.equestrian/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZXRgWpbKBKw36ivyJPNM3?si=6f891e4a010540ee

Franke Sloothaak is a true legend of show jumping: During his active career, he became World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, winning numerous major prizes. He trained and competed in top-level competition with more horses than almost anyone else. Today, he works behind the scenes, coaching students all over the world.

In conversation with Christian Kroeber, he looks back on his career, recounting how he began teaching at the age of 15, how his time at Alwin Schockemöhle's stable shaped him, and his first appearances for the German team. What unites all the stages of his equestrian career is a keen eye for a horse's strengths and weaknesses. He discusses how seemingly minor details can be crucial and always returns to one key principle: His focus is on training horses in a way that promotes their health, improves their movement, and motivates them for long-term work with humans.

An inspiring conversation full of horsemanship, about Franke's personal journey, his will to win, and current challenges in the sport.

*Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection.

Michelle Bannink is an equine behaviour and trauma specialist, operating internationally with horses and humans facing complex behavioural and emotional challenges, who are looking for ways to bring balance and joy back into their lives.

In her work, Michelle became known for helping horses who were labeled as "difficult" or "dangerous" return to regulation, connection and trust.
She helps horses move out of survival state, back into clarity, balance and trust. And, she helps humans become the calm, grounded presence their horse can rely on.

Michelle’s work integrates a holistic view on equine behavior and communication and practical training structures. This allows horses and humans to experience real, lasting change. And creates a place where learning, connection and true partnership become possible again.

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_stable_educationcenter/
Website: https://www.bestable.nl/ / https://www.bestable-skandinavien.com/