Shows
Starline Equine BodyworkRemembering 2025A 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 @equestrianentrepreneurIsabelle D'Costa: Honos Nutrition Co. @honosnutritioncoDr Amy Bennett: Bennett Equine Veterinary @bennettequinevetDr Tov...
2025-12-3120 minStarline Equine BodyworkHoofbeats And Hustle With Robert FeraRecently I had the honour of being a guest on Robert Fera’s new podcast Hoofbeats And Hustle. I am so excited that he has given us permission to play that episode here.Rob and I chat about the science behind equine bodywork, the evolution of my business, the role of social media in modern marketing and why we need to look at research more. Plus, we chat about the business of being in the bodywork business, and how to keep focus and drive in a tough industry.When you have finished listening, pl...
2024-10-091h 15Starline Equine BodyworkClient Expectations With Dr. Kendle DykstraHow realistic are your expectations for outcomes in a single bodywork session? What are realistic expectations to reach physiological and anatomical goals?How do you balance client expectations and practitioner expectations for sessions, and for reaching training goals?Join me and special guest Dr Kendle Dykstra of Unity Chiropractic as we chat about our ideas on bodywork, reaching goals and bridging the gap between client expectations and physiological realities. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will help us reach more people and more horses, to...
2024-09-0441 minStarline Equine BodyworkPosture and Movement BiasGetting stronger. Watching static posture. We talk about this as bodywork practitioners, but it’s often COMPLETELY misinterpreted.Practitioners cannot forget the nuances of neutral stance being a sensation from the CNS, and not an inflicted stance from a practitioner’s perspective.Moreover, learning to read posture to understand movement bias is a huge part of being a successful practitioner.Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I walk through the subtleties of Posture, Neutral Stance, Strength and Movement Bias.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS...
2024-08-2812 minStarline Equine BodyworkMarketing With Respect To OthersWhen marketing a bodywork business it is common for practitioners to show images and say what a great job they did. It is also common for them to say how much better off that horse is with them now “leading the team”.But this self-aggrandizing approach to marketing is really unfair to the team of practitioners that came before. Perhaps the original team was responsible for a huge chunk of the transformation thus far. Their work should not be disrespected and discredited.A wise farrier once told me “I won’t comment on what the other gu...
2024-08-2107 minStarline Equine Bodywork“Girthiness”“Girthiness” is one of the most commonly expressed concerns from horse owners in my 1:1 practice. As soft tissue practitioners faced with a girth-sensitive horse, we address all of the muscles that are related to the saddle area, shoulder and girth.However new literature has proposed that this “girthiness” may actually be coming from the withers.Join me for this episode where I discuss girth pain syndrome in horses, and the astonishing new thoughts on its cause, prevalence and treatment. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will hel...
2024-08-1411 minStarline Equine BodyworkDo Supplements Work With Isabelle D’CostaOn client intake forms I often see lists of supplements the horses are on. Some are a mile long!I have to ask: How many actually work?How many are necessary?How many clash with the other supplements the horse is on?When should we alter what we supplement with?Join me for this episode where science backed nutrition expert Isabelle D’Costa of Honos Nutrition talks to me about supplements. We dive into requirement supplements and support supplements and how to know what your horse actually needs.PLEASE CO...
2024-08-0731 minStarline Equine BodyworkSocial Media Makes Lies TrueSocial media seems essential for marketing a bodywork business.Social media also seems responsible for spreading incorrect information about the science of bodywork. Sadly, sometimes this is coming from the accounts of bodyworkers themselves! Ugh. How frustrating for other bodyworkers and for consumers. How do we find a happy place with social media? How do we use it to have conversations that elevate our practice? Join me for this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, where I chat about the dangers of education from social media, and how to make...
2024-07-3110 minStarline Equine BodyworkFascia - Myths vs Facts“Fascia” has become both a buzz word and a scapegoat for all that ails our horses. The claims made my many manual therapists are far fetched and don’t reflect the science and literature around what this connective tissue is, and really isn’t capable of.Join me for this episode where I look at common false claims, and the need to re-evaluate the language we use as manual practitioners to better describe what it is we are doing with our horses in bodywork sessions.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.
2024-07-2415 minStarline Equine BodyworkRider Biomechanics with Dr. Stephanie CrawfordCompensation patterns, subconscious patterns, neural pathways, speed and strength of recruitment of muscles…. Oh my!There is so much to consider when we look at our own biomechanics and how we affect our horses.Join me for this episode where Dr Stephanie Crawford of On Course Chiropractic gives us an inside look into the art and science of rider biomechanics!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 EP...
2024-07-1739 minStarline Equine BodyworkHay Analysis with Madeline BoastHay analysis isn’t just for those purchasing hay. It’s for every owner of every horse to ensure a healthy and balanced diet is being reached. Good forage is the foundation of diet can’t be chosen by sight alone!Knowing not only what hay analysis is, but what results mean to your horse is of utmost importance.Join me for this episode of the podcast where I chat with Madeline Boast of Balanced Bay Nutrition. She is a wealth of information and full of practical solutions for the horse owner!Grab your f...
2024-07-1027 minStarline Equine BodyworkInjury and Return to PlayPain is only one outcome measure we are looking at when bring a horse back into work. Statistics show that the #1 thing you are most likely to injure when returning to play is the thing you injured in the first place.This means that we need to look at the rehabilitation process very closely and use several outcome measures to live through the phases of recovery.Join me for this episode where we look at the phases of injury and rehabilitation. We break down when global exercises are indicated and when tissue specific inputs...
2024-07-0311 minStarline Equine BodyworkHow To Make Money (And Improve Your Business) In Quiet TimesQuiet times in a service based business are inevitable. Instead of feeling panic, there are ways to turn these times into money making times.Join me for this episode where I look at some strategies for using this time to improve your 1:1 business, your skill set, and to expand into new, revenue generating areas. 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: >> https://starlinebodywork.com/book>>Enrol...
2024-06-2610 minStarline Equine BodyworkHow To Have A Successful Bodywork SessionWant to get the most from your horse’s bodywork session?In this episode of the podcast I chat about ways to plan and prepare for a session. I run through what the working environment should be like, and of course what to do after a session.I dive deep into the topic of post-session homework. And, I even spill the secret to my success with my 1:1 clients; it’s the 10 step protocol I suggest they do to assess and address tension in their horses between professional bodywork sessions.(Check the “Links Related To Thi...
2024-06-1912 minStarline Equine BodyworkHyoid Apparatus and Stride LengthThe hyoid apparatus in horses is both complex and delicate! It’s related anatomically to movement, stride length, and posture.Join me for this episode where I chat about a recent conversation I had with a client about their horse’s stress, tongue carriage, hyoid and resulting inability to make lines easily. 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: >> https://starlinebodywork.com/book>>Enrol in our...
2024-06-1208 minStarline Equine BodyworkHigh Street Horse Shows with Rachel BaresichMy dream list for developing competitive performance horses at shows includes:-Controlling stress load on the horse at the show -Being able to compete at a high level facility with good footing, stalls, jumps and officials -Realistic time commitments (yup, 2 weeks away from work, family and our farm just isn’t possible)-Affordable showing-Indoor and outdoor facilities for competing -Enjoyable riders experience (washrooms, food, vendor’s booths, photography)Join me for this episode where I chat with Rachel Baresich of High Street Horse Shows about the incredible and unique show expe...
2024-06-0525 minStarline Equine BodyworkClients Behaving “Badly”Running a mobile bodywork business isn’t easy. And truth be told, a lot of what makes it tough is a glitch in the communication/understanding process between practitioners and clients.We asked a huge number of equine bodyworkers to chime in and tell us what frustrates them. Oh my goodness, there were some very similar themes!We look at those in this episode, and look at troubleshooting strategies to help your practice run smoothly.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will help us reach more people and mo...
2024-05-2926 minStarline Equine BodyworkGauging A Horse’s Suitability For SportWhen we do a trial ride on a horse we are looking at a demonstration of what the horse’s body is capable of at that exact moment. It may not be a good indication of its sustainability, suitability and long term soundness.Join me for this episode where I chat about why we need a better measurement to make decisions about the body’s preparedness for sport.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....
2024-05-2205 minStarline Equine BodyworkWhy Massage Isn’t Always The AnswerUnderstanding physiology is the key to strong assessments of what is happening with horses. Strong assessments are the key to well planned bodywork sessions, that bring about the best possible outcomes.Knowing when to call in different types of bodywork practitioners comes from a keen understanding of how the body functions.In this episode of the podcast I go through types of tension and how they respond to the different inputs of bodywork.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will help us reach more people and more horses...
2024-05-1508 minStarline Equine BodyworkThe Common Hoof ConditionThe fact that thrush is common doesn’t mean it’s no big deal.When thrush is advanced it can cause not just intermittent lameness, but it can create permanent lameness and damage to the hoof tissues.Mud season, hoof shape and stall rest can increase the likelihood of infection.In this episode we chat about the mindset shift I had recently when tackling thrush in one of the horses on our farm, and how it’s been a game changer for my approach to hoof care.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOW...
2024-05-0809 minStarline Equine BodyworkFeeding Metabolic Performance Horses with Jenna BeachMetabolic conditions in horses pose a challenge for feeding and performance. One of the major factors in the success of managing metabolic conditions is the horse’s feed and nutrition program. Joining us is MasterFeeds equine nutrition specialist Jenna Beach. Jenna walks us through all the things to consider when choosing feed for your metabolic horse. 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: >>MasterFeeds- email: happyhorses@masterfeeds.co...
2024-05-0128 minStarline Equine BodyworkPost-Workout Leg RoutineIt’s fair to say that the majority of horse owners have every single hair, lump, bump, and scratch of their horse’s legs memorized.Today I chat about my post- workout routine for low leg care on my own horses.It’s more in depth than you might think!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: >> https://starlinebodywork.com/book>>Enrol in our...
2024-04-2410 minStarline Equine BodyworkBiosecurity with Dr Megan DonatiBodyworkers choose their profession because they want to improve the lives of horses. This desire should include keeping horses safe from the spread of disease and illness when traveling from barn to barn.Join me for this episode where I talk to Dr Megan Donati of Bennett Equine Veterinary Services. We chat about biosecurity measures that facility owners, horse owners and bodyworkers can follow. These help to reduce the spread of illness spread from facility to facility, and from horse to horse.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will help...
2024-04-1724 minStarline Equine BodyworkStrategies For Aging Performance Horse UpkeepIf you have an aging horse still competing, congratulations! You are doing a great job!If you want to prolong the career of your aging performance horse there are some physical considerations you have to account for.Join me for this episode where I chat about the physiological changes that happen during aging, and strategies to promote long term soundness and wellbeing. 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...
2024-04-1018 minStarline Equine Bodywork12 Year Old Equestrian Entrepreneur Phoenix of Phoenominal Equine ProductsWhen 12 yr old Phoenix saw a vet bill for his Cushings horse, he vowed to help! His Cushings horse had crumbling hooves, so he wanted a product that could help his horse’s hoof health, and he thought perhaps help his mum out by paying some of his own vet bills.He jumped into action mode. He researched and read all about hooves, what can permeate the wall, and what true and false claims are out there.Join us for this episode where our producer Jay interviews 12 year old Phoenix from Phoenominal Equine Pr...
2024-04-0319 minStarline Equine BodyworkIASTM with Dr Stephanie CrawfordIASTM, or “Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization” has become a very popular bodywork technique.There are many types and they differ greatly, both from the instruments to the outcome goals.Whether you are a bodywork practitioner looking to add this service to your practice, or a horse owner looking to integrate it into your horse’s bodywork routine, it is important to know how and when to use it.Join me for this episode where Dr Stephanie Crawford of On Course Chiropractic chats with me about IASTM, its effects, its outcomes and how to int...
2024-03-2741 minStarline Equine BodyworkRunning a Smooth Business with Gen Joyce/ EquiGateOne of the hardest things about having a mobile business is scheduling. This is closely followed by client record management. For those of you with a mobile bodywork business, you know that these are the two most time consuming and incredibly expensive parts of doing business. And honestly, they are the least fun part too.But fear not, you are not alone! And there is help from another bodyworker available to you.Join me for this episode where I chat with Gen Joyce of EquiGate. We compare notes on the challenges of practice...
2024-03-2031 minStarline Equine BodyworkJay Interviews JudithWell this one is different. But after this many episodes, perhaps it’s time to learn a little bit more about your host, Judith Rathbone.Join our producer, and this week’s host, Jay Perry as he interviews Judith about her life in horses, how she decided to do what she does, and what she wants from her career in the industry.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 EPIS...
2024-03-1318 minStarline Equine BodyworkThe Equine IliopsoasThis is the muscle group, that in my opinion, is too often overlooked. I believe that it is largely responsible for long term soundness in the pelvic limb and its joints, low back health and correct way of going. Join me for this episode where I look at the equine iliopsoas group. I look at anatomy, function and dysfunction that appears in horses. Of course I will also look at ways to exercise to promote the health and optimal function of this muscle group. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This...
2024-03-0611 minStarline Equine BodyworkGastric Ulcers with Dr. Megan DonatiSome of the symptoms of gastric ulcers in horses are similar to signs that your horse needs bodywork. With that in mind it’s important to rule out the medical issue of ulcers before anything else!Join me for this episode where I learn about gastric ulcers in horses from Dr Megan Donati of Bennett Equine Veterinary Services. 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: >>bennettequine.ca
2024-02-2817 minStarline Equine BodyworkReading Feed Labels with Jenna BeachHave you ever been overwhelmed reading a feed label? I have! I wish I knew more about where to start, and what to look for when trying to interpret the label.I am so grateful to have Jenna Beach of MasterFeeds to chat to about nutrition. Join us for this episode where Jenna walks us through the different things listed on a feed label, what they do, and how to choose a feed for our horses.PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.This will help us reach more people and more...
2024-02-2123 minStarline Equine BodyworkThe Debate Over K-Tape Strengthening MusclesRecently I read an article 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.
2024-02-1409 minStarline Equine Bodywork“No Pain, No Gain” WorkoutsWho themselves hasn’t worked out to the point of being a little bit stiff and sore? Horses aren’t different.But, there is a fine line between working muscles to an appropriate place to allow tissue adaptation and fitness to increase, and a place where you have pushed too far. Join me for this episode of the podcast where I discuss delayed onset muscles soreness, muscle micro-damage, and tissue adaptation. I will also have a look at bodywork strategies for faster recovery from workouts for your horse!PLEASE CONSIDER RATI...
2024-02-0708 minStarline Equine BodyworkShowMD: Dr Barb BlaskoThis week we turn our attention to the wellbeing of the riders at shows. With prolonged periods away from “home base” that winter circuit brings, it’s nice to have an emergency medicine physician (and fellow rider) right on site!Join me for this episode where I chat with Dr Barb Blasko of ShowMD. We look at the parallels between horses and human athletes including hydration, pain management, follow up care for long term issues. After all, our wellbeing directly affects the wellbeing of our horses! PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLLOWING THIS SHOW.Th...
2024-01-3125 minStarline Equine BodyworkWell Rounded Programs: Lise ElderNutrition TeethSaddle FitVeterinary CareFarrier CareBodyworkCorrect TrainingThese are all building blocks of a strong and well-rounded program. Join me for this episode where we chat with trainer Lise Elder. After years of running a highly successful boarding and training farm, Lise gives us tips on all the building blocks of her successful program.She also gives us tips as to how to approach those “difficult” conversations with trainers and clients about changes to their program. PLEASE CONSIDER RATING, REVIEWING AND FOLL...
2024-01-2437 min