Janet Jones, PhD gives Masterclass in Santa Barbara

The room was packed and the audience delighted with Janet Jones and her presentations delivered on March 7^th, 2026, at the Santa Barbara Golf Club. CDS members, local equestrians, and some who travelled a fair distance, heard about the neurological underpinnings of how horses think and learn, and also how they don’t. Next time you imagine that your “mischievous” horse was scheming that prank on purpose, think again! We also learned that horses try to communicate with us all the time. As we get a better understanding of their language and signals, and pay attention, our relationship with our horse will become a partnership that's more productive and fun.

Dr. Janet Jones wrote, "I presented "Brain to Brain: Cross-Species Communication" in the morning, followed by "Embodiment for True Harmony" in the afternoon, to about 60 horse enthusiasts at the beautiful Santa Barbara Golf Club. We followed it up with private lessons for those who wished to try new ideas with their horses. Lots of wonderful people with great questions to assure excellent communication with their beautiful animals. Kudos for a great seminar!"

And kudos to Janet! Her current book, "Horse Brain/Human Brain" is a great place to get started. Be sure to read the last chapter. Janet’s new book comes out June 23 of this year, titled "A Horse's World".

Enjoy the picture gallery of the fun event!

It takes a village and many thanks to the people who helped with this event. We are especially grateful to the scholarship committee at CDS, for awarding our chapter a $1000 educational grant.  Gary Getz, the new CDS President, said this type of event is exactly what CDS is looking to support - an educational gathering that reaches large groups of equestrians, versus a clinic for 8 riders. We appreciate that view! To Mary Couch we thank-you for suggesting the venue that worked so well. Our hats are off to Margaret Fleming for attending the CDS annual meeting in 2024 and first hearing Janet Jones speak. She championed the idea for over a year, wrote the grant application to CDS, and saw to the many details of the event. Lisa White posted Janet Jones flyers as far south as Thousand Oaks, up North in the Valley, and provided room and board for Dr. Jones' stay in Santa Barbara.  Carolyn Adams supported us as reception and on-site point person. We are grateful to the staff at Mulligans Cafe & Bar for excellent lunch and room set up, and the AV team for their expertise. And we so appreciate all of you who were able to attend. We hope to have more events like this going forward!