Nikky Rich Calming the Equine Nervous System

The Vagus Nerve and the Horse: A Polyvagal Approach to Equine Well-being Unlocking Calm, Connection, and Recovery in Every Horse What if understanding your horse's nervous system could transform your relationship and their well-being? This groundbreaking book merges neuroscience with compassionate horsemanship, offering the first comprehensive guide to supporting equine nervous system health through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Drawing on the latest scientific research, The Vagus Nerve and the Horse explores the hidden drivers behind your horse's behavior-stress, trauma, and subtle physiological cues-while equipping you with practical tools to restore calm, resilience, and trust. Whether you're a rider, trainer, equine therapist, or simply a horse lover, this book gives you the knowledge and strategies to help horses feel safe, understood, and at ease in their bodies. You'll discover: • How to identify true calm versus freeze or shutdown • The role of vagal tone in emotional regulation and behavior • Non-invasive techniques like breathing, bodywork, and biofeedback • The impact of tack, housing, nutrition, and daily care • Science-backed methods to support traumatized, anxious, or shut-down horses • A powerful toolkit for your own nervous system as a rider or caregiver With 22 science-rich chapters, a bonus section for riders, and real-life case studies, this book is both an educational reference and a heartfelt guide to healing and harmony-based not only on behavior, but on biology. Whether you work with wild, rescued, performance, or companion horses, this book will change how you see them-and how they feel in your presence. Includes scientific snippets in every chapter for deeper insight. Let this book be your roadmap to connection.