Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding

About 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.

Publisher

Audrey Paslow PT DPT NCS

Category

health & fitness · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Mar 2025

Latest episode

14 May 2026

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 May 2026

   Balance Before Aids: Building the Postural Control for an Independent Seat

   Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Mane Brain, we shift from the foundational fitness layers of the Neuro Rider Stack into one of the more overlooked aspects of rider development: balance. Many riders assume balance in the saddle is simply a matter of core strength, single-leg stability, or “sitting still.” But true riding balance is far more complex. Balance is a dynamic process that depends on the brain’s ability to continuously integrate and adapt information from three major systems: Ves...

2. 

   28 Apr 2026

   The Three Riding Illusions: Strength, Effort, and Stillness

   Send us Fan Mail Many riders work incredibly hard to improve their riding—but sometimes the beliefs guiding that effort are the very things holding them back. In this episode, we explore three common illusions that can quietly limit progress in the saddle. Episode Description In the previous episode of Mane Brain, we introduced the Neuro Rider Stack, a framework describing the layers of performance required for effective riding: capacity, coordination, and communication. We also discussed why...

3. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Why Getting Fit Isn’t Enough: The Missing Layer in Rider Training

   Send us Fan Mail You can be strong, flexible, and in great shape—and still struggle in the saddle. That’s because riding performance isn’t just about fitness; it’s about how the nervous system organizes movement. Episode Description Over the past several episodes of Mane Brain, I've explored how cardiovascular conditioning and strength training support riders. Fitness improves tissue resilience, increases force production, and helps riders tolerate the physical demands of the horse’s movement...

Who has been a guest on Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Frankie Lovato Jr
• Audrey Paslow
• Cailin Sanford
• Ester Nofziger
• Emily Suttor

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

31

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Mane Brain: The Science of Smarter Riding