Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding
Welcome to Mane Brain, the podcast where neuroscience meets the saddle! Hosted by Audrey Paslow, a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and expert in rider biomechanics, this show dives deep into the brain-body connection that makes great riders.
Each episode explores the science behind balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, breathing, and timing—essential elements for equestrians looking to improve their performance. Through expert interviews, rider fitness strategies, and neuroscience-backed insights, you’ll learn how to train smarter, ride better, and unlock your full potential in the saddle.
Episodes
12 episodes
Strong Seat, Strong Core: Pelvic Floor Basics Every Rider Should Know (Part 1)
The 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,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
42:10
Brain First, Ride Second — Helmet Fit for Every Equestrian
Your 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 Rear...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
20:57
Not Just a Bump: The Real Data on Concussion in Equestrian Sport
Concussions 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 preven...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
52:29
From Chaos to Connection: Why Coordination Training Should be a Key Element in Your Unmounted Workouts
You'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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
33:10
Rider Reflexes & the Sticky Seat: The Neuroscience Behind Staying On
Ever 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 th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
40:02
From Breath to Balance – The Missing Piece in Rider Feel
If 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 <...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
35:08
The Hip Flexor Stretch Trap: Why You Might Be Focusing on the Wrong Fix
You 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
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
38:43
See It, Feel It, Ride It: Visualization as a Competitive Edge
You 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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
41:13
Feel Isn’t Magic: How Smart Riders Build It From the Ground Up
Every 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....
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
40:11
From Strategy to Saddle: Goal Setting for Competitive Dressage Riders
Set 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 th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
20:28
Train Smarter, Ride Better: The Level Up Your Seat Blueprint
Want 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, fl...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
19:31