Doctors Said He’d Never Live… Now He Rides - From Survival to Joy: Gitti Berkhoff on Horses, Healing & Germany’s Green Care Farms | EP 38

When doctors advised abortion after a devastating prenatal diagnosis, Gitti and Henrich Berkhoff chose a different path. Their son Julian was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, enduring multiple life-threatening surgeries. Against all odds, Julian not only survived but thrived—becoming a rider, public speaker, and inspiration.Out of this journey, Gitti built one of Germany’s most innovative equine-assisted programs, blending neuroscience, horsemanship, and joy. From wheelchair fox hunting to pillow fights on horseback and even toilet-brush “microphone” interviews, her farm is a living testament to humor, creativity, and resilience.Now, as she and her husband bring equine-assisted therapy to the German parliament, Gitti shares how horses, family, and a belief in joy over suffering reshaped her life—and how they can reshape equine therapy itself.If you want to support the show, you can do so at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LongRideHome✨ “If you have something that makes you happy and you share it, then it grows. That gives you energy.” – Gitti Berkhoff✨ “If you are not consciously creating joy, you may be unconsciously creating suffering.” – Rupert Isaacson🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Choosing life: why Gitti and Henrich refused abortion despite grim medical predictions ([00:03:00])Julian’s early years—nine surgeries, brain infections, and the fight for survival ([00:09:00])The role of prayer, resilience, and one unforgettable moment of recognition ([00:14:00])From nurse to horsewoman: how Gitti’s medical background shaped her practice ([00:21:00])Building an “active stable” and preparing horses far beyond typical therapy standards ([00:29:00])Why play, rebellion, and humor matter more than therapy ([00:33:00])Pillow fights, toilet-brush games, and fishing thistles—turning frustration into joy ([00:35:00])Green Care farming: integrating agriculture, nature, and equine work ([00:56:00])Bringing animals into schools after trauma and conflict ([01:05:00])Validation, empathy, and the art of truly believing what children and dementia patients feel ([01:13:00])Taking equine-assisted work to the German parliament with David Doyle ([01:22:00])🎙️ Memorable Moments from the Episode:A doctor cries when baby Julian shows he can recognize faces—proof his brain is working ([00:15:00])Handing her child over for surgery with a fever of 41°C, not knowing if he’d survive ([00:16:20])Discovering Horse Boy Method in 2017 and deciding to go all the way to Texas for training ([00:07:00])Children on horseback “hunting” their parents with toilet brushes full of water ([00:36:00])Turning burdock weeds into an Olympic sport of “fishing” from horseback ([00:41:00])Installing an old toilet in the sandpit to help autistic kids laugh at and overcome toilet fears ([00:43:00])A schoolboy tells Gitti after a farm day: “This was the best day of my life.” ([01:07:00])Preparing to bring equine-assisted programs before the German parliament ([01:23:00])📚 Contact, Projects, Thinkers, and Ideas Mentioned:Gitti Berkhoff – Hof Berkhoff / Green Care Farm Hof Berkhoff: https://greencarefarm.de/David Doyle & Liskennett Farm, Ireland – pioneering government-backed equine-assisted workTemple Grandin – autism advocate and authorThe Horse Boy, The Long Ride Home, and The Healing Land – books by Rupert IsaacsonHorse Boy Method, Movement Method & Takhin Equine Integration – https://ntls.co🌍 See All of Rupert’s Programs and Shows:Website: https://rupertisaacson.com📲 Follow Us:Long Ride HomeWebsite: https://longridehome.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/longridehome.lrhInstagram: https://instagram.com/longridehome_lrhYouTube: https://youtube.com/@longridehomeNew Trails Learning SystemsWebsite: https://ntls.coFacebook: https://facebook.com/horseboyworldInstagram: https://instagram.com/horseboyworldYouTube: https://youtube.com/newtrailslearningsystems📊 Affiliate Disclosure:Links to books and products may include affiliate tracking. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show.