Hale and Hearty Horses

Trigger points are often thought of as painful knots in a muscle, but they're much more than that. In this episode, I explore what trigger points are, why they develop, why they spread, and what they can teach us about the way a horse's body adapts to injury, compensation, and chronic dysfunction. We'll discuss the difference between active and latent trigger points, the role of postur...

Most health conversations focus on cells, organs, and biochemistry — but what about the environment those cells actually live in? In this episode, we explore the extracellular matrix (ECM): the complex, living space that surrounds every cell in your horse's body. From collagen and hyaluronic acid to immune cells and nerve endings, discover how this often-overlooked system regulates nutrient de...

Are you constantly trying new treatments, supplements, or professionals for your horse — but never getting lasting results? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca breaks down the 10 most common ways horse owners get stuck chasing symptoms instead of finding real answers. With over 22 years of experience in integrative and Chinese medicine for horses and humans, she explains how to shift your mindset, identi...

Dr. Rebecca sits down with Lisa Dickman, KWPN breeder and founder of Kaneques Farm, to explore the art and science of raising exceptional sport horses. From mare nutrition during pregnancy to foal handling, hoof development, and the critical role of patience, Lisa shares hard-won lessons from over 15 years of breeding success — including inspection champions and horses competing at the Grand Prix...

This episode explains why vitamin E is a critical nutrient for equine muscle and nervous system health and why deficiency is increasingly common in modern management. It covers how vitamin E functions as a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, especially in metabolically active tissues like muscles and nerves. The script highlights that fresh past...

Discover how sound therapy actually works for horses—backed by science, not woo. In this episode, equine health expert Rebecca Douglass explains the real mechanisms behind tuning forks, vibration therapy, and frequency-based tools. Learn how sound influences: • Nervous system regulation and parasympathetic response • Fascia, muscle tension, and pain thresholds • Acupuncture points and tissue heali...

Chiropractic and osteopathy are two of the most talked about—yet misunderstood—holistic therapies in the equine world. In this episode, we demystify both disciplines and explain what they're actually designed to address, how they work, and when they truly make a difference for your horse. You'll learn the key differences between chiropractic (joint-focused, rapid changes in motion and refl...

Discover why your horse's lameness, stiffness, or asymmetry might not be a single problem. If your horse has chronic lameness issues, compensatory patterns, or you are always chasing the next thing that goes wrong then the myofascial kinetic lines may be an important part of your horse's healthcare. This episode explores myofascial lines and sinew channels—two complementary systems that ma...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of homeopathy—not as a controversial remedy, but as a powerful observational tool for horse owners. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll discover that homeopathy offers much more than just tiny pellets and mysterious dilutions. It’s a unique language and framework for understanding your horse’s health, behavior, and subtle patterns that often...

Discover the ancient art of Tui Na and its powerful application for equine health in this episode of the Hale and Hearty Horses podcast with Dr. Rebecca. Dive deep into the principles of Yin and Yang as they relate to Tui Na, a unique branch of Chinese medicine that goes far beyond traditional massage. Learn how skilled practitioners discern when a horse needs gentle, restorative touch (Yin) versu...

Unlock the secrets of craniosacral therapy for horses with Dr. Rebecca on the Hale and Hearty Horses podcast. In this in-depth episode, we explore the science and art behind this gentle yet powerful modality. Learn how craniosacral therapy supports injury recovery, reveals hidden dysfunctions, and enhances your horse’s overall well-being. Dr. Rebecca shares practical tips, real-life stories, and h...

Are you ready to transform the way you feed your horse? Dive into "Nutrition According to Ancient Wisdom Part 2" and discover the fascinating world of Chinese nutritional therapy for horses—a holistic approach that goes far beyond calories and supplements. In this episode, you’ll unlock the secrets of the five elements and flavors, and learn how to use food as medicine to nurture your ho...

Part One of a two-part series into the vast discussion on tailoring your horse's diet to the season, the energetic qualities of food, and your horse's individual constitution. Join us to discover how traditional Chinese medicine principles can transform your horse’s health! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca explores Chinese nutrition therapy for horses, explaining how ancient wisdom can be appl...

Unlock the secrets behind acupuncture for horses! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca dives deep into the science and research behind equine acupuncture, busting myths and explaining how this ancient practice is making waves in modern veterinary medicine. Discover the real conditions acupuncture can help, how it works on a biological level, and hear firsthand stories from decades of treating top sport ho...

Discover how neuroplasticity shapes your horse’s movement , performance, and rehabilitation. In this episode, we explore the science behind equine biomechanics , the power of brain mapping , and practical strategies to help your horse recove r from injury, prevent bad habits, and achieve optimal movement patterns for long-term soundness . Whether you’re a rider, trainer, or horse lover, learn how...

Discover a transformative approach to equine wellness in this episode of Hale and Hearty Horses! Join us as we explore how essential oils, when applied to specific acupuncture points, can support the natural, emotional, and energetic healing of your horse. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of Peter Holmes and Gabriel Mojay, and backed by over 20 years of experience in acupuncture and Ch...

Join us as we explore one of the oldest healingtraditions—using plants to support the health and well-being of horses. This episode dives into the fundamentals of equine herbal medicine, discussing how herbs can address both acute conditions and long-term wellness. You'll hear a personal story of herbal healing, learn about the major systems of herbal medicine (Western, Ayurvedic, and Traditio...

In this episode of Hale and Hearty Horses, we dive deep into the world of genetically modified (GMO) feeds and their impact on equine health. Join holistic equine practitioner Rebecca as she unpacks the science behind GMOs, explores the potential risks of glyphosate and other herbicides, and discusses how these ingredients may affect your horse’s gut, immune system, and overall well-being. We’ll c...

Your horse’s gut is home to trillions of microbes that do far more than just digest hay—they help regulate metabolism, balance mood, and train the immune system. In this talk, we’ll take you on a guided tour of the equine digestive tract, exploring the unique microbiome communities in the stomach, small intestine, and especially the hindgut. We’ll uncover how these microscopic partners support nut...

Join Dr. Rebecca in the inaugural episode of Hale and Hearty Horses as she explores the intersection of traditional veterinary and holistic medicine for optimal equine health. Discover how to integrate the diagnostic precision and emergency prowess of Western medicine with the whole-body and preventative approach of holistic therapies. Learn about a case study on a high suspensory injury, dive int...

Do you want your horse to be strong, healthy, vibrant, and resilient? Do you want to proactively prevent illness and injury and have your horse recover with ease when challenges do arise? Welcome to Hale and Hearty Horses. Your trusted hub for equine wellness and holistic care. Whether you're a horse owner, a trainer, or an equine practitioner, you're in the right place. Here we explore the inters...

  Do you want your horse to be strong, healthy, vibrant, and resilient? Do you want to proactively prevent illness and injury and have your horse recover with ease when challenges do arise? Welcome to Hale and Hearty Horses. Your trusted hub for equine wellness and holistic care. Whether you're a horse owner, a trainer, or an equine practitioner, you're in the right place. Here we explore...