Rupert Isaacson

Rupert Isaacson is an internationally recognized horseman, author, and educator who bridges classical horsemanship with neuroscience and human development.

With a background in foxhunting, eventing, and jumping, he came to classical dressage through his work with his autistic son, seeking a more connected and regulating way of working with horses.

As co-founder of Long Ride Home and New Trails Learning Systems, he has co-developed a therapeutic riding methodology now used in over 30 countries worldwide.

His work is grounded in the teachings of the old masters, drawing from extensive study of classical texts.

With a background as a journalist, Rupert has a unique ability to break down complex concepts into clear, understandable instructions. He is particularly focused on riders who feel stuck, lost, or unsure why their progress has plateaued — helping them finally understand what is happening and how to move forward. His sessions consistently include a strong theoretical component, so riders understand not just what to do, but why they are doing it.

Rupert teaches riders how to adapt to the individual horse through in-hand work, long reins, classical exercises, and real-world riding, creating softness, balance, and willingness.

He teaches using highly trained schoolmaster horses across disciplines — trained through the high school of dressage, yet also able to work in real-world environments — allowing riders to develop feel, timing, and clarity in a practical and transferable way.

He has worked with a wide range of breeds including warmbloods, Lusitanos, PREs, Quarter Horses, and others, always adapting his approach to the individual horse. He is particularly known for helping riders develop the piaffe in their horses through clear, progressive, and horse-friendly methods.