Advertise on podcast: Starline Equine Bodywork

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 fan favourite 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 cage stiffness, forcing the lower back to compensate, which may result in muscle fatigue, joint stress, or behavioural and performance changes. Practical solutions for ensuring your horse is comfortable through its rib cage is the focus. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Free assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the Starline Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

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 fan favourite episode, I chat about the real issues causing unresolved back discomfort, bodywork moves I have developed as a part of The Starline™️ Method, how they will help you simplify the inputs you make in bodywork sessions and tackle lumbar back pain in horses.  LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Free assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the Starline Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses SHOW SPONSORS: OCTRA  Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, we explore a quiet truth many bodyworkers and horse people notice: the positive changes you feel under your hands often fade by the next day. The tissues soften, the shoulder glides more freely, the back yields, yet the old patterns quietly return. We’ll look at why this happens through the lens of sensory-motor amnesia, and how the nervous system can keep running familiar protective programs even after the body has been released. You’ll discover why purposeful, slow movement after bodywork is not just “exercise,” but the missing half of the process that allows the brain to update its map of the horse’s body. We’ll walk through simple, gentle groundwork practices that help close the sensory-motor loop, so the changes you create can actually take root. Because the session isn’t finished when your hands come off; it’s finished when the nervous system has had a chance to finish the job. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) has grown into one of the most talked about techniques in bodywork. Not all tools or approaches are the same, though. The instruments, the methods, and the results can vary widely. Whether you’re a practitioner thinking about adding IASTM to your services or a horse owner curious about including it in your horse’s care routine, understanding when and how to use it makes all the difference. In this fan favourite episode, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Crawford of On Course Chiropractic to explore what IASTM really does, the outcomes you can expect, and practical ways to weave it into your horse’s bodywork program. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

In this episode we explore how gentle light touch approaches can invite the horse’s own remarkable systems to find greater ease and harmony. Rather than aiming to correct or overhaul, the focus rests on simply opening space for the body to settle into its natural balance, something many owners describe noticing in smoother movement, a brighter outlook, quicker bounce back after work, and a deeper sense of partnership that often appears sooner than expected. Your horse’s body remains a living work of quiet brilliance, where muscles create the drive, tendons carry that energy with steadfast reliability, and a web of sensitive messengers maintains constant awareness. Nested within that web are the Golgi tendon organs, those finely tuned sensors found where muscle meets tendon, ready to support the whole system when given the right kind of quiet attention. Links Related To This Episode: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

The shoulder girdle (or thoracic sling) is the group of muscles that converts the hind end’s forward propulsion into the “lifting” of the withers during movement. This is what enables the horse to travel forward against gravity. Because horses carry roughly 60% of their body weight on the front end, developing and understanding the thoracic sling is essential for building a strong, sound equine athlete. Join me for this fan favourite episode as we explore the key signs of a weak shoulder girdle and practical ways to manage and strengthen this critical area. I’ve loaded it with a big variety of groundwork and ridden exercises. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Get ready to transform your horse’s comfort and performance with this exciting episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork podcast!  I dive into myofascial release, a hands-on technique that targets the fascia, the web-like connective tissue holding your horse’s body together. Learn to spot and release fascial restrictions that cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement right from your own barn. From the science of fascia as a body-wide network to simple, safe techniques you can use at home, this episode offers practical tips to help your horse move more freely and feel better. I also explore Reaction Points as key guides for bodywork and explain why creating relative tissue motion is essential for true release. Whether you are a horse owner or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will inspire a deeper connection with your horse. Tune in as I share powerful techniques (such as skin circling and myofascial holds) that you can begin using today to ease tension and improve mobility. You will learn to identify sticky, tight, or twitchy spots in the skin that signal fascial issues and apply gentle, science-backed methods to restore glide and elasticity.  I offer insider tips from my popular skill accelerator in Equine Reaction Point testing so you can read your horse’s body with confidence and address concerns before they affect performance. With clear guidance focused on working with your horse, this episode empowers you to support well-being and strengthen your bond. Discover how myofascial release can help your horse feel happier, healthier, and ready to shine. Saddle up and listen now! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Have you ever sensed that something feels a little off in your horse’s hindquarters or engagement, even when nothing obvious stands out?  Maybe your horse shows reduced impulsion, shortened strides, toe scuffing, a roached back, compensatory gluteal problems, or resistance under saddle? In this episode we explore a deep and often overlooked source of discomfort that can quietly affect movement, performance, and overall wellbeing- iliopsoas dysfunction.  Join me as we uncover what these powerful muscles do, how to spot the subtle signs that they need support, and the gentle practical steps that can help restore strength and ease. You will leave with a clearer understanding and fresh ideas for helping your horse move with greater comfort and confidence. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Episode 200 marks a huge milestone and I wanted to take a moment to really let that sink in. In honour of pausing to process how far we have come I am reairing this fan favourite episode all about integration pauses and processing in equine bodywork. In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast we explore the essential ideas of integration pauses and processing, and why they matter so much for horses. These are the intentional moments during a session whether massage, craniosacral therapy, or other forms of bodywork when the practitioner stops to give the horse’s body time to respond and adapt. We unpack the difference between processing the body’s immediate reaction (such as a yawn or a softening) and integration (the longer term incorporation of those changes into movement and emotional balance). These pauses support the body’s natural healing keep the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed and encourage lasting benefits through relaxation neuroplasticity and homeostasis. For horses visible signs like licking and chewing often show processing is underway while the pauses themselves help those responses settle into true integration. Tune in to discover how these deliberate breaks strengthen both the physical and emotional connection and form a cornerstone of effective bodywork. 200 episodes. I will be taking a pause to process and integrate that. Thank you all so much! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Horses are masters at hiding discomfort until it becomes impossible to overlook, and recognizing that stoicism is one of the most valuable skills we can develop as owners and bodyworkers. In this episode we explore how pain neuroscience in horses closely mirrors what we understand in humans, from the shared biology of nociceptors and neural pathways to the ways acute pain protects while chronic pain reshapes the nervous system itself. You will discover how central sensitization and the brain’s predictive patterns influence everything from shortened strides to lasting myofascial tension, and why subtle signs like a tight poll or reluctance to canter deserve our full attention. We also look at how the Starline™️ Method brings this science into practical, compassionate bodywork. Through thoughtful assessment, gentle mobilization, nervous system support, and intentional movement re-education, we help horses update their internal maps of safety, restore range of motion, and release both acute guarding and chronic holding patterns. The result is freer movement, better performance, and a deeper partnership that honors the horse’s own capacity to heal. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

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 fantastic favourite episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I look at the scientific evidence to support claims both for and against whether fascia can store trauma. I can’t wait to hear what you think! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

In this episode we explore how the brain, nervous system, and body work together to shape a horse’s movement and performance.  Many common challenges such as tight shoulders, restricted hind ends, or persistent asymmetry run deeper than the muscles and joints we can feel. The brain constantly predicts what is safe and possible based on past experiences, sometimes creating protective patterns that linger long after an injury has healed. Through thoughtful bodywork we gently introduce new, comfortable sensory information so the brain can update its internal map, allowing freer, more confident movement.  At the same time the nervous system serves as the vital communication network that governs muscle tone, proprioception, and the balance between tension and relaxation, while mechanical restrictions in joints, fascia, and tissues often respond best when we also address the neurological patterns that maintain them. Great bodywork considers the whole horse, including fascial connections, internal influences, inflammation, daily management, and even emotional holding patterns that can reinforce protective postures.  When we partner with these interconnected systems we help horses move with greater ease, reduce compensatory habits, and feel safer in their bodies, which translates into improved performance and overall well-being.  For practitioners this bigger picture underscores the skilled, science-informed nature of the work and helps clients understand its lasting value. For owners it highlights the importance of choosing thoughtful practitioners and combining bodywork with sound farriery, saddle fit, training, and lifestyle choices that support natural movement.  By respecting the brain’s predictive power, supporting the nervous system, and addressing structural needs, we give our equine partners the best chance to thrive. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

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. This is 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, you’ll learn how to identify LLD, why it matters for your horse’s performance, and easy exercises to boost symmetry.  Don’t miss this fan favourite episode! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Horses speak a quiet, sophisticated language of subtle signals that reveal tension, referred pain, and discomfort long before obvious lameness or behavioural issues appear. As prey animals, they evolved to mask weakness, so what looks like “naughtiness” or laziness is often a carefully guarded message that something hurts. By learning to notice these tells (especially through gentle responses at key anatomical Reaction Points™️) you can better understand what’s happening inside your horse’s body and respond with greater care. Recognizing common signs of protective nervous-system responses early allows you to support your horse’s welfare, performance, and comfort, strengthening the partnership in the process. Tuning into this secret language transforms everyday observation into a powerful way of listening, and of helping your horse feel truly understood. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of equine biomechanics with this fan favourite 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 they’ll move in the arena, we’ll share practical insights to sharpen your skills and elevate your work with horses. Plus, we’ve got a free Posture and Performance Guide waiting for you right here. Join us as we explore key static posture cues, like leg alignment, topline shape, and hoof balance, and see how they translate to fluid gaits or potential challenges in motion. We’ll unpack the biomechanics behind stride length and propulsion, and dive into the physiology of muscles and joints that power every step. Whether you’re assessing a dressage star or a trail companion, you’ll learn to connect the dots between a horse’s stance and their performance, spotting issues like uneven strides or lameness risks before they escalate. Don’t miss this juicy episode packed with actionable tips to boost your equine bodywork game.. and grab your free guide Posture and Performance guide and let’s get started! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: FREE: Posture and Performance Guide Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Free assessment guide for your horse’s back Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.