Starline Equine Bodywork

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...

This episode is based on a listener question about prepping her dressage horse for the demand of show season without overloading the horse’s tissues. I chat about assessing weaknesses, planning exercises to overcome them and how to gauge where the point of fatigue/ failure is. I also reveal my 2 secret tips for a body “re-set” to help horses maintain correct form in workouts while we are increasin...

One of the toughest parts about performance horses is not attaining greatness, it’s maintaining greatness. There are a few key things that you can do to improve the likelihood that your horse will stay on track and produce more consistent performances Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I map out my favourite strategies for consistency in sport horses. PLEASE CON...

Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I walk you through my personal technique for palpating a horse’s back. This system is the key to my assessment of what is happening in a horse’s back. We will go step-by-step through my thought process, protocol and what I am trying to identify. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW. This will help us reach...

I am a huge advocate for intentional use of exercise to enhance rideability and correct use of the body. I just can’t get behind the use of the bounce to achieve “a better jump” for the majority of horses. Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I explain my position on jumping bounces and what I encourage people to replace this exercise with. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING,...

Cold winter temperatures in much of the world mean significant feed changes to keep our horses in top condition. LCT (Lower Critical Temperature) should be calculated in order to know what your horse’s intake needs will be to keep them warm and healthy in the cold. It’s a little bit of math, and a little bit of science. It will keep your horses looking and feeling great when winter ends!  Joining...

A sincere thank you to everyone for listing to the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast this year.  For the last show of the year we are recapping some of the best and most memorable moments of 2024. Stay tuned for all new episodes in 2025!  PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW. This will help us reach more people and more horses, to support their journey and relationship together...

Rein lameness is an inexplicable lameness that can be intermittent and wandering. It has nothing to do with pain, and everything thing to do with dysfunctional movement patterns.  This is a situation that is extremely frustrating to solve! In this episode I chat about an amazing article on the cause of rein lameness, and ways to solve the issue! PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS...

The language we use to describe our services either is helping us as an industry, or hindering us. The words we choose either respect other professionals or create ill-will. Phrases used outside of their true meaning make promises to consumers that cannot and should not be made. We explore the language of bodywork in this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REV...

Momentum. It’s one of those words I just love. Once we start down a path with our horses we build momentum. We build on the body, and gradually create a better and more efficient version.  All of a sudden we will notice a massive amount of positive change from the small habits we commit to each and every single day.  This is your sign to do the homework exercises left to you by your bodywork pract...