Starline Equine Bodywork

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 skeleta...

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 iss...

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 mo...

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 balanc...

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-cha...

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 Ha...

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...

Please join me for an insightful journey into the equine musculoskeletal system on this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast. I am diving into how bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments work together like a well-orchestrated symphony—and what happens when one part goes off-key. Whether you’re a bodyworker, trainer, or horse owner, this episode is packed with practical tips to bo...

The phrase “fascia remembers trauma” is often used in alternative medicine, bodywork, and somatic therapy to suggest that the body’s fascial tissue—a connective tissue network surrounding muscles, organs, and bones—can store emotional or physical trauma, impacting health and movement. Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I look at the scientific evidence to suppor...

Have you ever met someone so inspirational that you could chat with them all day?  That’s Gen Joyce of EquiGate! Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where Gen tells us about her mindset shift that created an app, and revolutionized our industry. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW. This will help us reach more people and more horses, to support th...

This is where art meets science in equine bodywork.  It’s a whole new level of horsemanship.  Imagine being able to feel what your horse is telling you — pinpointing tension, discomfort, or hidden stress before it becomes a bigger problem. Testing specific reaction points on your horse’s body can unlock a deeper understanding of their well-being. Join me for this episode as I dive into the theory...

If your horse has a recent diagnosis of “Kissing Spine”, I’ll bet you are thinking “Now what!?!?”. In the past there has been so much stigma attached to this very common issue. It’s time we talk openly about what can be done to help these horses. Owners need a place to turn to get information without fear of misplaced judgement. This episode is intended to be just that.  Join me for this episode o...

Non-habitual motion of joints can instantly increase usable range of motion (ROM) in horses (or any animal, including humans) due to the interplay between the nervous system, joint mechanics, and soft tissue responses. This phenomenon isn’t about permanently altering the joint’s structure but rather "unlocking" existing capacity that’s typically restricted by neural and muscular habits J...

Neuromechanical training refers to a holistic approach that integrates the nervous system (neuro) and the mechanical aspects of movement (mechanical) to optimize physical performance, coordination, and recovery. It’s grounded in the idea that the brain, nerves, and muscles work as a unified system, and training should enhance their communication and efficiency. Join me for this episode of the Star...

Have you ever noticed muscles twitching when you are doing a palpation assessment on a horse? These are fasciculations, and they tell us a lot about a horse’s well being and muscle health. Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I talk about the science behind this phenomenon, and what it means for your horse, and the type of bodywork intervention you need. PLEASE CO...

Great horsemanship is the way to ensure horses remain safe. Education. Change making. That’s the important stuff. Sensationalist posts, blaming, and bullying are not the way to make a difference within our sport, or in the perception of our sport. The Safe Horse Community has become an important movement that I encourage all equine professionals to be a part of! Joining me on the episode of the St...

Acupuncture has always fascinated me.  How can such a superficial mechanical stimulation work so effectively on the central nervous system?  In this episode I chat with expert equine acupuncturist Dr Sam Molson. She explains the science behind acupuncture, when to use it, and how to integrate it into your horse’s bodywork routine. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW. This wil...

Having a clear idea of what your physiological or therapeutic goal will be helps to guide your choice of manual inputs. Therapeutic goals are different than desired outcomes. In fact, they dictate your course of action to reach the desired outcome. This intentionality and specificity has made me a more focused practitioner, all thanks to a fantastic instructor I met during a continuing education c...

While most owners and practitioners are quick to recognize back pain in horses, they don’t realize it’s a symptom of a bigger issue. Thus, when they direct their attention at the back alone, they don’t get impactful or lasting bodywork results. In this episode I chat about the real issues causing unresolved back discomfort, bodywork moves I have developed as a part of The Starline™️ Method, how th...

“You are always leaning”, Jay Duke said to me as he was talking about watching other top trainers in the warm up ring. What an amazing and humble approach from a trainer of his level!  Jay Duke is a former Canadian Equestrian Team member, top trainer and course designer, who has one of the most positive approach to training of anyone I have ever spoken to. His depth of knowledge and patient manner...

We spend a lot of time perfecting the diets of our beloved horses. But what about the riders, and caretakers of the animals?  Often long work hours, life with a mobile business, and stress take over and we neglect our own health. On this week’s episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I chat with Trina Lompa. As a holistic nutritionist and live blood analyst, Trina focuses on root cause he...

“If you could learn anything from another bodyworker, what would it be?” I asked this question in an Instagram poll and was just shocked by the responses. Lots of people wanted to hear about Assessments. Not a single person wanted to hear about palpation. I break down assessment in this episode, and why touch-based assessment is key to successful bodywork sessions. Oh, and grab my free guide “Asse...

We’ve all heard the 5 P’s of Equestrian Sport- “Prior Practice Promotes Perfect Performance”.  But the reality is that isn’t the case for most people who aim to reach the top of one of the most cost prohibitive sports in the world.   This has always troubled me, and has become the reason why I do much of what I do.  Learn why I have become passionate about bridging the gap between talent and oppor...

If your horse feels like it’s heavy in one rein, pops its shoulder wide or has started to stop at jumps, the issue could be poll tension. Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I take a deep dive into the symptoms and causes of poll tension, and some of my bodywork techniques to address it. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW. This will help us...

Your bodywork business will stand out and grab people’s attention IF you have the correct imagery. Chelsea Findlater of Seafind Photography is business branding photography expert. Her ability to capture moments and what makes each person unique is a remarkable talent. Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where Chelsea walks us through branding photoshoots. She reveals...