Starline Equine Bodywork

In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I sit down with Lindsay Regan of Firefly Energy Healing to explore the world of energy healing for horses. We dive into how subtle energetic practices can support equine well-being, addressing everything from emotional balance and physical comfort to overall relaxation and performance. Lindsay shares her insights on working with horses through energy healing, including practical approaches, common observations from sessions, and the unique ways horses respond to this gentle modality. Whether you’re a horse owner, bodyworker, or simply curious about holistic equine care, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on integrating energy healing into equine wellness routines. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Lindsay Regan- Firefly Energy Healing: @firefly_energyhealing Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Equine Reaction Points Skill Accelerator Course 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.

When we take a horse for a trial ride, we’re really just seeing a snapshot of what its body can do in that exact moment. It’s not always a reliable indicator of its long-term sustainability, suitability, or soundness. Join me for this fan favourite episode as I chat about why we need a better way to measure and assess a horse’s preparedness for sport. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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, I sit down with Averill Pessin, a social media, communications, and business development expert specializing in the equine industry. We explore how bodywork business owners can thoughtfully define their social media ethics and create a responsible online presence that builds trust while protecting everyone involved. Averill shares practical guidance on balancing social proof with client privacy, what to include in client agreements (including sample wording), handling comments and negative feedback, representing sale horses and before-and-after images, deciding whether to tag owners, navigating kids on social media, and maintaining professional interactions… even when opinions differ. Whether you’re growing an equine bodywork practice or simply want to show up more ethically online, this conversation offers clear strategies to check the boxes of education, advertising, and social proof without compromising integrity. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Contact Averill Pessin: averillpessin@gmail.com Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s backJoin the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about!Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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.

What we practice is what we get. Walking horses prepares them for…. (insert drumroll here)…Walking. The true fitness of a horse dictates what happens in a bodywork session and what homework will be left for the horse between sessions. There are many aspects to fitness: general fitness, sport specific skill acquisition, and tissue training. This last type of fitness is what is most commonly overlooked and misunderstood by practitioners. It includes ROM, control of ROM, strength in ROM and lastly, stamina. The specific exercises left for horses by a bodyworker should come from an understanding of tissue training. This is the key to moving forward with a horse’s training! In this fan favourite episode I jump into the concepts behind true body fitness in horses. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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.

Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where we look at the thoracic sling. This is the horse’s built-in shock absorber and suspension bridge. It is a powerful muscular-fascial hammock made of the serratus ventralis, pectorals, subclavius, trapezius, rhomboids, and longissimus that lifts the thorax between the front legs and carries 60–65 percent of the rider’s weight. When the sling is weak, tight, or restricted, horses often compensate with a high head carriage, hollow back, short forelimb stride, tripping, or forelimb lameness. Tune in to learn simple five-minute range-of-motion and strength tests you can run on level ground, plus owner-safe bodywork techniques that directly free and strengthen the sling. You’ll also pick up daily groundwork homework that builds lasting support, clear ways to tell whether the problem sits in the sling itself, the withers, or the neck-shoulder junction, and a green-light checklist to confirm your horse is truly ready before you add collected work, lateral movements, or jumping. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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.

This fan favourite 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 increasing fitness levels. We love listener questions! Feel free to send us topics you want to hear more of. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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 are thrilled to welcome Isabelle D’Costa of Honos Nutrition Co., a leading horse nutrition expert. She has helped many horses, from young ones in training to older retired friends, build strong and healthy toplines. Join us as we explore how the right food can create and keep that great topline from the inside out. We chat about the basic foods horses need for strong muscles and some common feeding mistakes to watch out for. Then we share easy tips for every stage of a horse’s life, whether they are training hard, competing, or enjoying their later years. No matter if you ride in shows or just love time with your horse, you will pick up simple ideas to help your horse build its best topline yet. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Isabelle D’Costa : Honos Nutrition Co. Instagram: @honosnutritionco Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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 dive into the subtle world of equine behaviour, exploring whether your horse is genuinely at ease or subtly working to calm itself amid lingering stress. As prey animals, horses are naturally primed for survival, often exhibiting self-soothing actions when they’re still in a heightened state of arousal. We break down the key differences between these de-stressing signals (rooted in the fight-or-flight response) and true relaxation, helping you better interpret your horse’s cues during training, bodywork sessions, new environments, or everyday interactions. Discover practical insights into body language and contextual clues that reveal your horse’s inner state, from tension-releasing behaviors like licking or yawning to signs of deep contentment such as a lowered head or cocked leg. Whether you’re a rider, trainer, or horse owner, this discussion equips you with tools to foster a safer, more harmonious bond, ensuring your horse isn’t just coping but truly thriving in a stress-free zone. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Equine Reaction Ponts Skill Accelerator Course 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 seen a horse stretch its neck waaaay up during a bodywork session? Well, then you’ve witnessed a pandiculation! Pandiculation is very different from passive stretching. Join me for this fan favourite episode of the podcast where I examine the scientific differences between these two types of stretches. I examine what is happening in the body in each situation, and why it is extremely important to know the difference between the two! Hint: The body processes the sensory information completely differently! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s backJoin the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about!Equine Reaction Points Skill Accelerator Course 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.

Join us on the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast for an enlightening conversation with sports medicine veterinarian and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Bri Henderson, where we delve into the realities of equine recovery. Discover why rehabilitation is not always a straight path, exploring the biological factors (like inflammation, proliferation, and the lengthy remodeling phase) that sometimes lead to progress plateaus and setbacks. Dr. Henderson also discusses key objective markers for advancing rehab stages, from symmetry assessments and palpation, helping you understand when asymmetry signals a red flag versus normal recovery. In this episode, we shift focus to building resilience post-injury, unpacking the neuromuscular benefits of proprioceptive exercises like pole work to “wake up” core stability and prevent compensation patterns that could lead to re-injury. We emphasize the vital role of teamwork among vets, farriers, bodyworkers, and owners, addressing common communication pitfalls and ideal re-check schedules to ensure aligned care. Whether you’re a dedicated horse owner or equine professional, this science-backed discussion offers practical takeaways for supporting your horse’s journey back to strength. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Rivendell Equine Veterinary Services- Dr Bri Henderson Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.

Cantering and galloping can offer more therapeutic value than bodywork and stretches put together. Still, too many of us miss out on the opportunity to head out and let our horses really stretch their strides. Address gait rhythm issues, back hollowing, back stiffness, and one-sidedness through galloping. Come along as we dive into the advantages of galloping in this fan favourite podcast episode. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.

Join me as we dive into the world of equine dentistry with our guest, Dr. Christy Barnes, a veterinarian with a special interest in dental care. As an equine bodywork practitioner, I’ve often uncovered hidden mouth issues during assessments that explain puzzling performance hurdles, and Dr. Barnes sheds light on how dentistry is a cornerstone of overall equine well-being. We’ll explore the fundamentals of jaw balance and TMJ function, uncovering how occlusal harmony influences everything. Whether you’re a fellow bodyworker spotting compensatory patterns or a dedicated horse owner attuned to subtle signs, this conversation invites you to connect the dots between dental health and your horse’s performance. We’ll also cover routine floating procedures (debunking myths about tools and sedation), and collaborative strategies for bodyworkers and owners to partner with vets for preventive care. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Bennett Equine Veterinary Services- Dr. Christy Barnes Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.

Struggling with lead changes? Notice your saddle shifting to one side? The culprit could be your horse’s ribcage! It may seem unexpected, but the ribcage and its surrounding muscles play a massive role in your horse’s overall performance and well-being. Tune in to this fan favourite episode as I dive into the ribcage and share my top bodywork method for getting it mobilized! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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 spinal segmentation issues in horses, where the spine’s motion segments (comprising vertebrae, discs, facet joints, and ligaments) lose normal micro-mobility or neurological coordination, often before visible structural damage like arthritis appears. Common types include hypomobility, hypermobility (unstable excessive movement), facet inflammation, and multifidus muscle inhibition leading to longissimus over-recruitment. This dysfunction causes pain through reduced shock absorption, abnormal mechanoreceptor signaling, muscle spasms, atrophy, shortened strides, and a vicious cycle of sympathetic upregulation, with specific spinal areas indicating causes like saddle fit problems or psoas referrals. We also detail several practical tests to spot back discomfort early, used by equine bodyworkers. These non-diagnostic hints help identify the overwhelming majority of functional issues before advanced imaging is needed. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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 fan favourite episode, I talk about an article I read warning people to avoid practitioners who claim that taping can strengthen a muscle of a horse. The article had undertones of attempting to discredit other practitioners. That’s just unfair, especially because it used a very narrow definition of what is actually meant by “assisting a muscle” to strengthen it. In today’s episode I talk about why I feel this article is unfair, and dig into the broader science behind what it actually means to assist muscles to strengthen them. 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. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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 hands-on episode, we dive into the horse’s hindquarters—the true “engine” that powers propulsion and performance. Restrictions in the hip flexors (iliopsoas), lumbosacral junction, or sacro-iliac joints often lead to compensatory issues elsewhere, affecting everything from the stifle and hock to the back and neck. Designed specifically for equine bodyworkers, massage therapists, and dedicated horse owners, this episode provides safe, effective tools to identify and address these common problem areas, helping you support your horse’s comfort and long-term soundness. 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. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! SHOW SPONSORS: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.

A massive THANK YOU for tuning in to the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast all year. Your support means everything! We're closing out 2025 with a bang! The final episode is here, packed with the BEST and most unforgettable moments from the year. Fresh, all-new episodes are coming your way in 2026, so stay tuned! Shoutout to this week's incredible featured guests! Go give them a follow on Instagram: Christa Myers: Equestrian Entrepreneur @equestrianentrepreneur Isabelle D'Costa: Honos Nutrition Co. @honosnutritionco Dr Amy Bennett: Bennett Equine Veterinary @bennettequinevet Dr Tovah Caldwell: Full Circle Equine Veterinary @fullcirclecircleequinevet Judith Rathbone: Starline Equine Bodywork @starlineequinebodywork 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. Show Sponsors: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.

Full disclosure: I think this method of horsemanship is GENIUS. And looking back at this fan favourite episode, I believe everyone can benefit from this technique and philosophy- regardless of their profession or discipline within the equine industry. Communicating with horses in way they understand is key to our safety as bodywork practitioners, and to the safety of our client’s horses while in our direct care. Tom Shields is a Master Certified Chris Irwin Method Practitioner who is a wealth of horse behaviour knowledge. Join me for this episode where Tom and I chat about how to read the body language of the horse you are working on, and how to make the horse feel safe and open enough to receive the benefits of our work as bodywork practitioners. This is a topic that just isn’t discussed enough!! 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. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Connect with Tom Shields Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back PRIVATE PODCAST LINK: Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about Show Sponsors: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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 had show season sneak up on you, only to realize midway through that your horse isn't firing on all cylinders? On this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork podcast, I sit down with Dr. Amy Bennett from Bennett Equine Veterinary Services. She shares her essential pre-season, mid-season, and post-season checklists for managing performance horses. We're talking soundness checks, targeted treatments, bodywork timing, routine vaccines, and why proactive planning is everything. The result? Your horse gets top-tier care and performs at peak potential all season long. 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. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Connect with Dr Amy Bennett: Bennett Equine Veterinary Services Get on Dr Bennett’s email list for horse management pro tips Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back PRIVATE PODCAST LINK: Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Show Sponsors: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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 dive into the fascinating science and practical application of 128 Hz weighted tuning forks – a gentle yet powerful tool for accelerating tissue repair in horses and humans alike. Often called the “Otto 128,” this low-frequency fork creates coherent mechanical vibrations that travel beautifully through bone and dense connective tissue. Backed by principles of vibroacoustics, mechanotransduction, and piezoelectricity, the 128 Hz frequency triggers nitric oxide release for better circulation and reduced inflammation, upregulates healing genes, stimulates collagen synthesis and osteoblast activity, and even generates tiny bioelectrical currents that mimic the body’s natural repair signals. The result? Faster recovery from injury, decreased pain, relaxed fascia, and a calmer nervous system – all without drugs or invasive procedures. 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. LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back PRIVATE PODCAST LINK: Join the FREE “Stick With It” private podcast series here and learn 3 ways to use kinesiology tape that nobody ever told you about! Show Sponsors: IG: @equigate FB: @equigate https://www.equigate.com 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.