In this fan favourite episode we look at why is back pain a common recurring issue in horses. This question should be front and center in your mind as a horse owner or bodywork practitioner. So here‘s the reality. If your horse suffers from a period of back pain, it’s common for it to re-occur. Seriously. Frustrating…. Right?! There are a variety of reasons why. Join us for this episode where we discuss 4 reasons for recurring back pain and a simple “back hack” to help your horse....
In this week’s episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast we dive into the unsung hero of your horse’s spine: the multifidus. This small but mighty muscle plays a massive role in both human and equine spines, but it’s uniquely adapted to support your horse’s four-legged, weight-carrying lifestyle. We’ll explore the key differences between the human and equine multifidus, why these distinctions matter for movement, and how understanding this muscle can elevate your horse’s training and bo...
Join me for this fan favourite episode where I share my thoughts on shortening distances between jumps and training bounces in order to produce a better quality jump and step in the horse. As a bodywork practitioner, I'm often concerned that the essential prerequisites for these exercises are overlooked, putting horses at significant risk. In this podcast episode, I share insights on preparing horses to manage bounce and shortened distances, covering both bodywork and training perspectives. I...
The rib cage is more than just a protective structure for a horse’s vital organs; it’s a dynamic framework that significantly influences movement and comfort. However, stiffness, misalignment, or tension in the rib cage can disrupt this harmony, leading to back pain, even in the lumbar region. This episode explores how biomechanics, nerves, muscles, and fascia intertwine, revealing the rib cage’s critical role in equine health. Issues like poor saddle fit or uneven riding can cause rib ...
In this episode, we uncover the magic of leg circles, a simple yet powerful exercise to elevate your horse’s mobility, health, and performance. This science-backed technique involves gently rotating a horse’s front or hind limbs to lubricate joints, engage stabilizing muscles, and awaken the nervous system through non-habitual movements inspired by the Feldenkrais Method. By improving range of motion (ROM) and fostering neuroplasticity, leg circles help horses move with greater ease, prevent ...
In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I chat about overhearing a skeptical trainer dismissing kinesiology tape as a gimmick, sparking my mission to educate listeners on its real value. I dive into decompression taping over nerves, postural taping, and taping for hyper-reactive muscles. I am addressing skeptics head-on, emphasizing that kinesiology tape succeeds with proper anatomical application—failing only when misused—and sharing stories of transforming horses' comfort a...
Ever wondered why your horse’s mane flips stubbornly to one side or suddenly switches direction? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of mane direction, a quirky topic that sparks curiosity among horse owners and equine bodyworkers alike. We start by exploring the science behind why a horse’s mane falls the way it does, tracing it back to embryonic development where hair follicles and whorls are set in motion around 30-60 days of gestation. With a nod to equine behavior researc...
In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I explore a compelling case of a horse with chronic back pain, revealing that the issue wasn’t a poorly fitting saddle but a deeper problem rooted in the horse’s body. Through a real client story, I uncover how intercostal pain (between the ribs) and mid-gluteal dysfunction caused referred pain to the thoracic and lumbar regions, leading to hypersensitivity and stiff movement. Despite the horse’s strong back the dysfunctional movement p...
Ever noticed your horse acting stiff or reactive in one spot, but the area feels fine when you check it? You might be dealing with referred pain—a sneaky phenomenon where discomfort shows up in one part of the body but stems from a problem elsewhere. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of referred pain patterns in horses, exploring how to crack the code using Reaction Points and the science behind it all. Referred pain is common in horses due to their complex anatomy and stoic...
Why do clients skip their equine bodywork homework? Despite having the information, many struggle with application due to mistrust in simple exercises (like carrot stretches), expecting instant results, or busy schedules. This episode dives into why homework matters—it’s tissue training that builds your horse’s athletic foundation for skills required under saddle. To make it stick, reframe exercises as essential, set realistic expectations (commit to 3 weeks!), and integrate them into daily r...
In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, we dive into the essential concepts of integration pauses and processing in bodywork, exploring their significance for horses. These terms describe critical moments during sessions—whether massage, craniosacral therapy, or other forms of equine bodywork—where practitioners pause to allow the client’s body to respond and adapt to the work. We’ll unpack the difference between processing (the body’s immediate reaction to touch, like a hors...
Dive into the fascinating world of equine bodywork with our latest podcast episode, where we explore the art and science of myofascial work! In this engaging discussion, we break down the differences between sustained gentle pressure and true myofascial release with relative tissue motion, revealing how each technique can transform your horse’s comfort and mobility. Whether you’re a seasoned equine professional or a devoted horse owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you underst...
Saddle up for an inspiring episode with our expert guest, Christa Myers! This week, we’re unpacking practical strategies to build a thriving equestrian business, even in challenging economic times. From stashing away an emergency fund, to diversifying income streams with services like online workshops or bundled offerings, Christa shares how to keep your business galloping forward. We also explore crafting crystal-clear marketing messages to attract loyal clients and low-cost ways to reach th...
Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of equine biomechanics with this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast! We’re breaking down how a horse’s static posture—the way they stand at rest—reveals critical clues about their movement, or locomotive posture. For bodyworkers and savvy horse owners, this episode is your guide to understanding how conformation, muscle balance, and skeletal structure shape a horse’s performance. From spotting subtle alignment cues to predicting how th...
Diagnosing hind end lameness in horses can be a complex puzzle, far less straightforward than the telltale head bob of front limb issues. In this engaging episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Amy Bennett, a veterinarian with a special interest in equine lameness, to guide us through this intricate topic. Together, we explore the key areas where hind end issues commonly arise—from well-known trouble spots like the hocks and stifles to often-overlooked r...
Get ready to transform your horse’s comfort and performance with this exciting episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork podcast! I am diving into the world of myofascial release—a game-changing, hands-on technique that targets the fascia, the web-like connective tissue that holds your horse’s body together. Learn how to spot and release fascial restrictions that cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement, all from the comfort of your own barn. From understanding the science behind fascia’s rol...
Ever stepped onto a wobbly balance board and felt your brain scramble to keep you upright? That’s exactly what equine balance pads do for horses! In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I dive into the magic of these foam mats that create a slightly unstable surface under a horse’s hooves. They’re like a brain gym, firing up sensory signals (hello, proprioception!) to boost balance, coordination, and muscle strength. I break down the science, so you’ll understand exactly how ...
Get ready to supercharge your horse’s health and performance with our latest Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast episode! I am diving into the magic of combining sternal lifts and lumbar lifts—two dynamic exercises that’ll have your horse moving like a dream. From boosting core strength and spinal mobility to sharpening body awareness and preventing injuries, these science-backed moves are a game-changer for any hands-on horse owner or bodyworker. Whether your horse is a dressage star, a trail b...
Red light therapy offers exciting potential for horses, with applications ranging from wound healing to muscle recovery and pain relief. Benefits like faster healing, reduced inflammation, and improved performance are supported by preliminary studies and widespread anecdotal use. This topic has me excited to share! Joining me on this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast is Viktoria Hamma from EquiGlow Therapeutics. She was generous enough to sponsor this episode and tal...
Ever noticed your horse moving a bit off-kilter, like one side’s playing catch-up? Dive into this juicy episode where we unpack Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) in horses—a sneaky issue that could be throwing your horse’s balance out of whack! From spotting subtle signs like uneven hips or quirky hoof angles to tackling high/low syndrome with practical tips, we’ve got the science-backed scoop to keep your equine partner striding smoothly. Whether you’re a hands-on horse owner or a bodywork pro, y...