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Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

/ 01:58:06/E36
Episode Title:
Guest Introduction:
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“Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” – Dr. Mark Uranga
In this episode of Equine Assisted World, Rupert Isaacson is joined by Dr. Mark Uranga, a pediatrician from Boise, Idaho, with deep Basque roots and a lifelong connection to horses and mules. Blending his medical expertise with his equestrian experience, Dr. Uranga explores how resilience, community, and attunement shape both childhood development and equine-assisted practices.
From the cultural heritage of the Basque people to the sure-footed wisdom of mules, this conversation dives into what resilience really means, why attunement is vital in pediatrics and horsemanship, and how nature and equines offer healing pathways beyond clinical walls.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
  • Basque traditions of tribal upbringing and resilience (Starts at 00:05:00)
  • The difference between authoritarian vs. authoritative parenting (Starts at 00:23:00)
  • How attunement with children and horses builds trust (Starts at 00:38:00)
  • Why mules embody persistence, safety, and discernment (Starts at 00:42:00)
  • The role of stubbornness vs. flexibility in human growth and horsemanship (Starts at 00:51:00)
  • The mammalian caregiving system and why nurture drives resilience (Starts at 01:35:00)
  • Why doctors should “prescribe nature” alongside medicine (Starts at 01:46:00)
🌟 Memorable Moments from the Episode:
  • “A comfortable child is a more reliable patient.” (00:04:00)
  • On Basque childhood: “An 8-year-old carrying an 8-month-old — that’s resilience in practice.” (00:08:00)
  • “Authoritative parenting provides the framework — without the conflict of authoritarianism.” (00:26:00)
  • The mule’s pause as a model for resilience: “Their sense of self-preservation keeps us safe.” (00:47:00)
  • “Being attuned to hesitation is what allows for finding the next step.” (00:59:00)
  • On magic and awe: “We’re still monkeys on horses, moved by the mystery of it all.” (01:20:00)
  • Why every pediatrician should spend time in nature-based learning environments (01:51:00)
🤝 Connect with Dr. Mark Uranga:
🎙️ Podcast: The Kid Wrangler (Spotify)
📧 Email: theidahokidwrangler@gmail.com
🌐 Warm Springs Care Farm (Boise, ID): https://www.warmspringscarefarm.org/
🌐 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:
Rupert Isaacson: https://rupertisaacson.com
Equine-Assisted Programs: https://newtrailslearning.com
📲 Follow Us:
🧺 Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!
Resilience, Mules & Pediatric Wisdom: Dr. Mark Uranga on Community, Horses & Healing | EP 36

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