Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship

An Evening with Janet L. Jones, PhD | Horse Brain, Human Brain | May 28 | 5–7 pm | National Sporting Library & Museum

What truly happens in the space between horse and rider? Science is only beginning to tell us — and the answers are extraordinary.

Join us for a cocktail reception and a captivating evening with Janet L. Jones, PhD, author of the groundbreaking book Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship. Drawing on decades of research in neuroscience and a lifetime of experience with horses, Dr. Jones has achieved what few have dared: she's looked inside the minds of both species to reveal what's really going on when horse and human move as one.

In her talk, Dr. Jones will unveil something that horsemen and scientists alike have long overlooked — a remarkable, rare phenomenon at the heart of cross-species communication. She'll take us on a fascinating deep dive into embodiment: the extraordinary psychological state of true harmony between horse and rider. What is it? How does it happen? Can it be taught? And why, when it occurs, does it feel like nothing else in the world?

Whether you're a competitive rider, a passionate horse lover, or simply curious about the frontier of neuroscience and animal behavior, this is an evening that will forever change the way you think about the human-horse bond.

Space is limited — don't miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind conversation.

Bio Janet L. Jones, PhD

Janet Jones applies brain science to the training of horses and riders. She earned her Ph.D. from UCLA and taught the neuroscience of perception, language, memory, and thought for 23 years. Janet trained horses at a large stable early in her career, and later ran a successful horse training business of her own. She has worked with close to a thousand horses, specializes in green or difficult horses, rides many breeds and disciplines, and has competed in hunter, jumper, halter, western riding, and reining. She employs the principles of basic dressage in all horse sports.

Janet travels all over the world explaining brain-based horsemanship to riders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, breeders, and equine physiotherapists. She co-teaches large animal behavior at Colorado State University Veterinary School and consults on equine topics with companies such as Disney World and Nissan Motor Corporation. Janet still rides her own horse every day and keeps a few other horses and riders in partial training. Learn more at https://janet-jones.com.