The Long Ride Home: The Continuing Story Of A Father's Quest To Heal His Son Rowan

When Healing Requires Another Journey

"You're not looking to stop the autism at all because the autism is brilliant. It's amazing. It's fantastic. There's so many qualities and gifts in it. What you're trying to do is alleviate suffering."

These words from Rupert Isaacson, spoken during our interview with Anna Louise, reveal the profound philosophy that drives this extraordinary sequel to the bestselling "The Horse Boy." When Rowan began regressing exactly one year after his Mongolian breakthrough, his father remembered the shaman's words: three more healing journeys were needed.

Who Desperately Needs This Book (And Who's Wasting Their Time)

Perfect For:

• Parents who've seen initial therapy success but are facing regression in their autistic children

• Families seeking evidence-based alternatives when conventional approaches plateau

• Practitioners wanting to understand the neurological science behind indigenous healing methods

• Anyone who read "The Horse Boy" and craves the rest of the story

• Educators developing movement-based programs for neurodivergent children

Skip This If:

• You're uncomfortable with combining shamanic practices with modern neuroscience

• You want quick fixes rather than understanding long-term developmental approaches

• You prefer single-method solutions over integrated therapeutic approaches

This isn't just a sequel; it's the blueprint for understanding why healing autism requires sustained, multi-faceted approaches that honour the child's unique neurological gifts.

What Makes This Book a Revolutionary Follow-Up

As the publisher describes it: "Father and son embarked on a new quest, journeying from the bushmen of Namibia to the coastal rainforests of Queensland, Australia and finally to the Navajo reservations of the American southwest, where Rowan was transformed - they had begun the Long Ride Home."

What makes this sequel extraordinary is Isaacson's evolution from a desperate father to a methodical researcher. During our interview with Anna Louise, Rupert explained how the regression forced him to collaborate with neuroscientists from the University of California and Sorbonne University Paris to understand why the initial healing worked—and why it needed reinforcement.

The book chronicles three pivotal journeys: to the Bushmen of Namibia (where Rowan connected with ancient storytelling traditions), the coastal rainforests of Queensland, Australia (discovering the power of surf therapy), and finally to Navajo reservations in the American Southwest (where the pieces finally came together). Each journey revealed new layers of how movement, nature, and traditional healing could address the neurological roots of autism.

Most importantly, these adventures led to the development of both the Horse Boy Method and Movement Method, now serving approximately 20,000 families weekly across 20 countries.

The Journalist-Turned-Healer Behind the Method

Rupert Isaacson brings unique credentials to this continuing story. His background as a former journalist compelled him to document not just what happened, but why it worked. When Rowan's regression began "a year almost to the day since his improvement," Isaacson refused to accept that the initial breakthrough was temporary.

When Anna Louise spoke to Rupert about this period, he revealed the terror that drove this second quest: "Something had to be done." But rather than repeating their Mongolian journey, he remembered the shaman's specific instruction about three additional healing journeys.

His mission crystallised during these travels into what he calls ending "the notion that suffering is necessary for learning"—a principle that would transform autism therapy worldwide. Working alongside Dr Temple Grandin and leading neuroscientists, Isaacson discovered that his "accidental" method of triggering oxytocin production through rhythmic movement had solid neurological foundations.

Why This Book Transforms Understanding of Autism Recovery

The Long Ride Home revolutionises long-term autism support in five crucial ways:

• Addresses the reality of regression (showing that initial improvements often need reinforcement through continued neurological stimulation)

• Demonstrates the power of cultural diversity in healing (each indigenous community offered unique therapeutic approaches that built upon each other)

• Provides scientific validation for traditional methods (collaboration with neuroscientists proved that shamanic practices trigger measurable neurological changes)

• Creates sustainable, replicable programs (the journeys led to Horse Boy Method and Movement Method, now used globally)

• Shows autism as a neurological difference requiring support, not cure (celebrating Rowan's gifts while addressing his challenges)

The book's genius lies in showing how sustained commitment to following a child's lead, even when progress stalls, can unlock entirely new therapeutic possibilities.

What Readers Are Saying

"An even better book—if that were possible—than The Horse Boy." - John Mitchinson, Unbound

"Literally couldn't put 'The Long Ride Home' down. It's a wonderfully powerful story of love in so many ways." - Autism Media Channel

"Pure inspiration, healing, and hope!" - Kristine Barnett, Author of "The Spark"

"If you want a method that will really help your kid, read this book." - Thalia Michelle, Thinking Moms Revolution

"As a mother of a 19-year-old son with autism, I urge parents to read this compelling book that ultimately is about love, hope and miracles." - Polly Tommey, The Autism Trust

Beyond the Book

Isaacson's work has evolved far beyond these healing journeys. The Long Ride Home chronicles the development of what became the Horse Boy Foundation's global network, now operating in over 100 locations worldwide. The book shows how their personal family journey transformed into evidence-based programs offering scholarships to families internationally.

The narrative reveals how collaboration with institutions like ChildVision in Dublin and the Liskennett Farm Equestrian Therapy Hub in Ireland emerged from these travels. Isaacson's partnership with Dr Temple Grandin and leading neuroscientists, documented throughout the book, demonstrates how traditional healing methods can be validated and scaled through modern science.

Most powerfully, the book shows Rowan's continued growth, now 23, living independently, travelling alone across continents, and occasionally helping his father with trainings. As Rupert emphasises: "Rowan is still autistic. He'll always be autistic to the day he dies"—but he's thriving.

Get Your Copy Today

Don't just read about sustained healing; discover the roadmap for long-term autism support. Order your copy of The Long Ride Home from our Curious Equestrian Collection on Bookshop.org and support independent bookstores while accessing this transformative sequel.

This purchase connects you to a story that began with desperate love, faced the reality of regression, and ultimately created a global movement proving that healing autism requires patience, persistence, and the courage to keep following your child's unique path.

Explore the Full Story

Watch the complete interview: Rupert Isaacson on Equine Therapy and Autism - YouTube

Read our in-depth analysis: Equine Therapy, Autism, and The Horse Boy Method - Curious Equestrian Substack

Visit the Horse Boy Foundation: www.horseboyfoundation.org

Browse our complete collection: Curious Equestrian Book Collection

This review is part of the Curious Equestrian Collection, featuring transformative equestrian and backed by our interviews with their authors.