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.
Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding
Riding Blindfolded (Sort Of): How Vision Affects Balance and Why Riders Rely on It Too Much
Vision 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 riders
- How limiting visual input helps the brain identify errors more clearly
- Why this strategy works so well in lunge line lessons and balance training
- The difference between removing vision versus removing information overload
You’ll also hear practical, safety-conscious ways to experiment with reduced visual input:
- Unmounted balance and coordination drills
- In-the-saddle applications (no actual blindfolds required!)
- How to recognize when vision is helping — and when it’s hindering — your learning
This 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.