Shows
No Bucks GivenHow I went from being a COLLEGE DROPOUT to becoming a SIX FIGURE Equine Bodywork Business Owner...and you can too! If you like this episode, don't miss our FREE Masterclass Six Steps to Six Figures on December 10th at 2pmET on Zoom. Sign up here: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/pl/2148591465
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.
This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to...2024-12-0658 minNo Bucks GivenSkeptical of trends in the horse world? Breaking data down w/ Data Driven EquestrianAre you skeptical of trends in the horse world? Here's how to look at equine research in a way that actually HELPS your horse!
This week, we’re joined by Elisa Walfish of The Data Driven Equestrian — a true game-changer in the equine world. Elisa has a knack for breaking down complex equestrian studies, making science accessible for every horse owner. Whether you're struggling to understand the latest equine products or unsure how to evaluate research for your horse's unique needs, this episode is for you.
We dive into how Elisa’s backgrou...2024-09-241h 20No Bucks GivenWhy Massage Works: Case Studies & Student SuccessesThis one is for the skeptics of bodywork - does it really work? This week on NBG, we sit down with three educated equestrians whose horse's lives have been changed by equine myofascial release; a professional equine bodyworker, and two adult amateurs from different sides of the world. Each of them took my course, Equine Massage 101 and were able to utilize that knowledge to meaningfully help their own horses as well as others in their areas!
We start with Liz Butler of Barrio Performance Therapy who has a wild backstory on how she entered the world of equine...2024-07-301h 02No Bucks GivenCommunicating with your Horse with Pet Talk w/ AlexUnlocking the Secrets of Equine Communication with Alex Anderson
Ever wondered how your relationship with your horse could change if you truly understoodd what your horse is trying to tell you? Spoiler alert: You're probably picking up on more than you realize. This week on NO BUCKS GIVEN, we're diving deep into the psychology behind animal communication with Alex Anderson of Pet Talk with Alex.
And no, you don't have to believe in telepathic communication to get a lot out of this episode; so hear me out...
Honestly, it is a bit magical to...2024-07-0958 minNo Bucks GivenWin the Warm Up w/ Equine Emotion Specialist Melissa GallagherOk real talk: we know warming up is certainly not the most exciting part of your ride and more often than not, it gets glossed over because as equestrians, we are busy and often strapped for time BUT here's why it's integral that we make the warm-up a priority for our horse's sake...
This week, we're back with dressage trainer and equine emotion specialist, Melissa Gallagher, with a few key tips on how to elevate your training routine. Whether you're prepping for a show or a regular ride, Melissa shares her expert insights to ensure your horse is...2024-06-181h 19No Bucks GivenThe Secrets to Elevating Your Riding Ability w/ Equibody Fitness' Jack LaTorreNo Bucks Given Listeners! We're offering a limited-time discount for my signature massage course, Equine Massage 101 specifically for you! From now through June 8th, take $100 off the price of EM101. Use the code NBG100 or visit this link to learn more! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/zpbZ3xQz?coupon_code=NBG100
Let's talk about the biggest problems riders face when it comes to elevating your riding...
Meet Jack LaTorre of Equibody Fitness. If you've ever wondered how the top riders in the world perfect their craft both in and out of the saddle, turn in th...2024-06-041h 02No Bucks GivenBonus: What I learned from losing my heart horse...We're back this week with a bonus episode that is incredibly close to my heart. I'm honoring my heart horse, Westley, who passed away two years ago with one more solo episode and sharing the three most powerful things I learned from suddenly losing him; my riding partner for over seven years.
Bodywork was integral to keeping Westley comfortable during his life and he is a huge part of why I do what I do today. Join me as we dive into this emotional retrospective on my heart horse who is truly the reason I have the ca...2024-05-2815 minNo Bucks GivenWhat I Learned From My Heart HorseThis week I'm honoring my heart horse, Westley, who passed away two years ago with a solo episode and sharing the top ten things I learned from him that changed my entire outlook on horsemanship.
We're also offering a limited time discount for my signature massage course, EM101 - from now through Sunday June 2nd, take $100 off the price of EM101. Use the code EM101SUMMER or visit this link to learn more! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/zpbZ3xQz?coupon_code=EM101SUMMER
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us...2024-05-2142 minNo Bucks GivenThe Back Health REVOLUTION w/ Saddlefitting US & Dr. Kate WorkmanUnpopular opinon: riding your horse is not always the answer to improving their physical well being. In fact, prioritizing your horse's muscular health and fitness is MORE important than your riding goals when it comes to your horse's overall health and longterm soundness - and sometimes that means taking a break from ridden work to focus on rebuilding muscles with, you guessed it, groundwork. Ok, we know this sounds boring but hear us out...
This week we're unpacking the foundational advantages of equine fitness with friend of the pod, Amanda Anderson of Saddle Fitting US and veterinarian D...2024-05-141h 26No Bucks GivenWhat I Wasted $1000's on as an equestrian...This week I'm spilling my own tea on the BIGGEST mistakes I've made in the horse world (which ultimately cost me thousands of dollars) so you don't fall into the same patterns I did!!
In my first solo episode of NO BUCKS GIVEN, I'm getting real about buying horses that match you as a rider, how investing in a properly fitted saddle can transform your riding (in my case, literally overnight), and why listening to your horse's needs is absolutely integral to your partnership.
I also go over common misconceptions about ulcers, talk through the pressures of...2024-05-0729 minNo Bucks GivenEquine Nutrition for Dummies w/ Feed Room Chemist Dr. JymeDID YOU KNOW that nutritional deficiencies can impact a horse's physical performance and behavior? (As an added bonus, results of deficiencies in the diet can often be misconstrued as training issues...)
If you want to learn a few subtle signs that horses may display due to problems with their diet, and how a horse's food plays a pivotal role in addressing these underlying issues, come along with us for this episode on EQUINE NUTRITION FOR DUMMIES!
This week we dig into the world of equine nutrition alongside special guest Dr. Jyme Nichols, PHD and Head of N...2024-04-231h 18No Bucks GivenMaking It Work: Training Non-Purpose Bred Horses w/ The Blonde and The BayThis week on No Bucks Given, we have special guest Maddie Houser from The Blonde and The Bay on to talk about her unique journey with her quarter horses in dressage.
Tune in to hear Maddie share her story of transitioning from a seasoned purpose-bred dressage horse to embarking on a new path with untraditional breeds. She opens up about her experiences with her horses, including achieving milestones like earning her USDF silver medal and navigating the challenges of training her western pleasure reject and ex-roping quarter horses for dressage.
We delve into the realities of...2024-04-0957 minNo Bucks GivenSleazy Saddle Sales (and how to avoid them) w/ Saddle Fitting US's Amanda AndersonBuying a well-fitting saddle for your horse and yourself is already hard enough but if you factor in not-so-ethical sellers, it becomes even tougher. Amanda and I are back this week to discuss slimy saddle sales tactics and how equestrians can be aware of red (and green) flags when it comes to selecting and buying a saddle.
This week, we're joined by special guest Amanda Anderson of Saddle Fitting US. Amanda is a saddle fitter who is well known for advocating for equine welfare and how it's affected by saddle fit.
Amanda has over...2024-03-261h 36No Bucks GivenIs Saddle Fit An Equine Welfare Issue? w/ Saddle Fitting US's Amanda AndersonWe're back to discuss the question: Is saddle fit an equine welfare issue? This week, we're joined by special guest Amanda Anderson of Saddle Fitting US. Amanda is a saddle fitter who is well known for advocating for equine welfare and how it's affected by saddle fit.
Amanda has over 24 years of saddlefitting experience and participates in yearly continuing education with multiple brands in Germany and UK/Scotland. Since 2001, Amanda has attended over 20 US, German, and UK based independent and brand-sponsored saddle fitting courses/schools. Amanda has specifically trained on Passier, Euroriding, WOW™, Kieffer, Hennig, Courbette, Stubben, Cardanel...2024-03-191h 36No Bucks GivenDoes Rider Weight Affect Horse Welfare? w/ Haybales x Barbells' Jamie GrahamRider fitness might impact your horse's overall welfare more than you might realize...
This week, we have special guest Jamie Graham of Haybales x Barbells to talk about rider fitness and why it's so good for the overall welfare of our horses. As an equestrian fitness expert, Jamie dives into the importance of balance while riding and the scientific studies that prove rider balance is infinitely more important than simply looking at the weight of the rider. Join us as we dive into the science and biomechanics behind how rider fitness not only can improve your own ri...2024-03-1226 minNo Bucks GivenBreaking Down "Social License to Operate" w/ Andrew PhilbrickThis week, we sit down with Andrew Philbrick to talk about "social license to operate" in the horse world. What does this practically mean in the wake of recent scandals for the future of equine sports?
Before we dive into this week’s interview with Andrew around social license to operate, the Katie Prudent scandal and what it all means for the future of the equestrian community, I want to note that we recorded this episode before the Cesar Parra video came out. Andrew and I both want to emphasize that we are vehemently against horse or rid...2024-03-0551 minNo Bucks Given"No Hoof, No Horse" // Equine Biomechanics Breakdown w/ Dr. Hilary ClaytonYou’ve probably heard the phrase “no hoof, no horse” but let’s breakdown the science behind the biomechanics of equine locomotion of the legs and the feet with one of the top leaders in equine biomechanics, Dr Hilary Clayton. Today, we'll talk about how the hoof and horse's limbs move and react to different types of footing. Learn what kind of footing is best to train in to give them an advantage in any riding discipline and keep them sound and comfortable for years to come!
Listeners, this week I have a special offer on my flag...2024-02-2855 minNo Bucks GivenA Conversation on Equine Welfare w/ Michael Kilmke & Melissa GallagherToday we sit down with our friend with Melissa Gallagher and Michael Kilmke to talk about equine welfare in competitive equestrian sports. We dig deep into how we should define welfare in the first place and what changes should be made (or perhaps even old traditions that should be revisited) to get back to what matters most: the well being of the horse in these competitive environments.
Michael has been one of Germany’s top dressage riders since the early 90’s, even though he has never been on the team for a World Championship or an Ol...2024-02-131h 09No Bucks GivenBuilding A Bodyworking Business: First Year RoadmapThis week, Maija and fellow equine massage therapist, Brittany Gray of Grayscale Equine sit back down to discuss what their first year building their respective bodyworking businesses looked like and how you can do it too! If you want to grow and scale your business while making a lasting impact on the horses you work with, don't miss this episode!
In other news: did you know that MOST horses experience some level of back pain?
Be sure to check out our latest mini course - BACK IN BALANCE - which teaches eq...2024-01-3048 minNo Bucks GivenMythbusting with Maija: Massage Guns + HorsesAs an equine massage therapist, a question I am asked ALOT is if massage guns and their use on horses is safe or beneficial. The answer is a bit more complicated than you'd think! This week we dive into the science of massage guns and how best to approach using them on your horses! Join me and my best friend and amateur equestrian, Laura Adriaanse, as we break down the benefits of this tool!
In other news: did you know that MOST horses experience some level of back pain?
Be sure to check ou...2024-01-2446 minNo Bucks Given(Re)Training OTTBs: Finding Successful Second Careers for Off-The-Track ThoroughbredsThis week, we sit down with Tori Kager who has a long history working with off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTB's) and helping them learn to have successful second careers. Tori's horses all have had their own unique set of behavioral issues, cognitive issues and catastrophic injuries BUT despite all of those hurdles, Tori was able to work with each of these horses to rise up the levels in eventing and dressage.
Listen in as we talk through Tori's journey, from producing these horses herself, winning her USDF Silver Medal in dressage, proactive management of ulcers, hoof care for high...2024-01-1756 minNo Bucks GivenYoung Horses: How much work is too much (or not enough) when starting horses?USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses!
Join Maija and Dr. Chuck Arensberg to discuss the anatomical development of young horses and the effects of training (or not training) at a young age will have on the horse for the rest of its life.
Studies discussed in the episode today:
Training Young Horses: The Science Behind the Benefits: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7916178/
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Inst...2024-01-091h 17No Bucks GivenSo, You Want To Become An Equine Massage Therapist?Happy New Year! This week, sit down with Maija of Freely Forward Bodywork and Brittany Gray of Gray Scale Equine as they chat through the process of becoming an equine bodyworker.
If you are an asipiring equine bodyworker, you'll learn what having a career as a bodyworker is really like, what you need to know before getting into it from both a business and legal perspective and the intial steps to take to get started!
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
...2024-01-0257 minNo Bucks GivenThe Equine Emotion Specialist: Understanding what your horse is telling youThis week, we're back with Equine Emotion Specialist and trainer, Melissa Gallagher of Collective Roots Dressage to talk about reading equine emotion and understanding what they are trying to tell us. Learn how you can better read and interpret your horse's emotional responses to protect their emotional well being.
Did you know: Nearly all working horses have some level of muscle soreness.
If you're looking for a last-minute gift for yourself or the educated equestrian in your life, check out our holiday sale on our latest mini course - EASY EQUINE MASSAGE!
In E...2023-12-191h 15No Bucks GivenPULSE PEMF: Building A Bodywork Business w/ the Power of PEMFPULSE PEMF practitioner Jen Bottalico is back on the pod as she and Maija dive into how they built successful businesses with PEMF and give advice on how to find mentorship when you're getting started building your business.
For more information on PULSE PEMF, please contact
Jennifer Bottalico jbottalico@pulsepemf.com https://www.pulsepemf.com/jennifer-bottalico/ *Use referral code: Maija Luttinger To schedule a time to meet with Jen set a time on Calendly: https://calendly.com/jenpulsepemf/30min * Please mention this episode when you schedule your call to learn more about our FREE gift! Visit Mai...2023-12-131h 31No Bucks GivenTraining with Empathy: A Trainer's Journey Building a Successful BusinessThis week we're back with Melissa Gallagher to talk about training horses with empathy and working WITH them to form a collaborative partnership vs having one-sided conversations and making demands of our horses as well as her journey from loving horses as a kid and how she turned that into a career training horses in her own distinct style.
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and...2023-12-051h 31No Bucks GivenFrom $500 to 5 STAR: HOW TO MAKE IT in the equestrian world with no connections or financial backingWant to know how to make it in the horse world with no money, connections or financial backing?
Meet Fylicia Barr, a five-star eventer who bought her horse, Sunny, on Craigslist for $500 and produced that mare into a five-star eventing horse. Listen as we talk through Fylicia's incredible journey from starting as a working student, to an assistant rider, running someone else's barn, to becoming an eventer at the top of her sport AND finally running a competitive eventing program of nearly 30 horses out of Chester County, PA.
In this episode, we give advice for anyone...2023-11-281h 18No Bucks GivenMuscle Soreness Series: Part 3PART THREE - HOW TO HELP YOUR HORSE OVERCOME MUSCLE SORENESS AT HOME! Learn Maija's top techniques that you can do at home to help your horses to resolve and avoid muscle soreness!
RESOURCES WE MENTIONED:
OUR FREE GLUTE MEDIUS MASSAGE TRAINING: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/pl/2148033965
Cavalletti by Ingrid and Reiner Klimke - https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/store/cavalletti-revised-4th-edition.html
Pilates and Stretching by Horses Inside Out - https://www.horsesinsideout.com/product-page/pilates-and-stretching
Check out The Equine Academy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_equine_a...2023-11-2146 minNo Bucks GivenMuscle Soreness Series: Part 2We're back with PART TWO in our MUSCLE SORENESS Series! This week we're covering where and why your horse might be sore, and how to spot the early signs associated with chronic muscle soreness. Usually, these are caused by environmental factors, conformational concerns or acute trauma so join us as we break down all of these factors and talk through the skills you need to identify these roadblocks and mitigate them before they cause long-term damage!
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
Th...2023-11-151h 05No Bucks GivenMuscle Soreness Series: Part 1Want to know how to stop DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS in its tracks? How about combating FASCIAL ADHESIONS? Maija & her producer Allie are back in the studio with a three-part series breaking down what causes muscle soreness at a biological level and how to KICK IT TO THE CURB FOR GOOD!
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.
This podcast...2023-11-0747 minNo Bucks GivenSPOOOKY HORSES: Halloween Bonus Episode!SPOOKY HORSES! Need we say more? Trainer and Equine Emotion Specialist Melissa Gallagher is back on the pod and we're talking about how to work with spooky horses and better manage their anxiety, read when it might be more than just nerves and what to do about it! Happy Halloween Horse Girls!
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
This episode was executive produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Drift...2023-10-3130 minNo Bucks GivenGADGETS WE DO NOT BUCK WITH!Martingales, draw reins, tie downs - OH MY! In this week's SUPERSIZED episode, we have MELISSA GALLAGHER back on the pod to talk about the training devices that we simply WILL NOT BUCK WITH! But you know we love our caveats... tune in to hear how these gadgets can be used kindly in the right hands and cautiously in other cases and some that we should simply throw in the trash!
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.
This episode was executive produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and...2023-10-312h 02No Bucks GivenWHY IGNORING SADDLE FIT is setting you AND your horse back physically & financiallyDON'T LET POOR SADDLE FIT SET YOU BACK! We're back this week with a bodyworker's perspective on the importance of saddle fitting and how ignoring it can cause more harm than you might think. Meet Alisa Pitt, a former saddle fitter and bodyworker who speaks on common saddle fit issues and what you can do to help your horse through those issues at home before involving a professional.
We also go through
how saddle fit influences both the horse AND the rider as a unit
how ignoring saddle fit is COSTING YOU in both terms of mo...2023-10-241h 11No Bucks GivenThe Power of PEMF: Recharging Your Horse's Body for Peak PerformanceThere is a reason Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is on the rise as the secret go-to wellness modality for professional athletes around the world - both of the human and equine variety.
This week on the podcast, we're diving deep into the world of PEMF as we unravel the actual science behind this cutting-edge therapy. We sat down with PULSE PEMF practitioner Jen Bottalico to unpack what makes PULSE special and more customizable to its clientele as we embark on a journey through the studies and research that have explored the incredible power of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field the...2023-10-171h 15No Bucks GivenThe Significance of SaddlefittingNOT ALL SADDLES ~ or horse’s backs ~ are built equally. Though saddle fitting may seem simple in theory, the reality is that it is an art that consists of many crucial elements to evaluate, all of which directly impact your horse’s comfort, musculature and YOUR riding experience.
This week on No Bucks Given, we sit down with Sydney Sallé, a certified saddlefitter for Stübben, to discuss the importance of saddlefitting including discussing various saddle types, wool vs foam, girth and pad fit,, BUT ALSO what to look for when you're looking for a saddle fitter...2023-10-101h 03No Bucks GivenMythbusting with Maija: Wrapping, Liniment & Poultice - oh my!STANDING WRAPS VS POLO WRAPS, LINIMENT VS POULTICE - Let's get to the bottom of what ACTUALLY is helpful for our horses!
Do you want to know the reason you might want to avoid polo wraps? Terrified of bowing a tendon from applying a standing wrap incorrectly?? We've been there and are busting up the myths around when wrapping is worth it and when it's better to just leave it alone.
This week Maija and her podcast producer (and newbie equestrian) Allie dig into the scientific benefits (and potential downsides) of the various types of w...2023-10-031h 08No Bucks GivenThe Science of Soundness in Elite Equine AthletesTHE SCIENCE BEHIND KEEPING HORSES SOUND well into their older age may NOT be what you think!
This week, we sit down with Dr. Chuck Arensberg VMD who is an equine sports medicine specialist to talk about the science and strategy of keeping elite equine athletes sound through their careers at the highest levels of their respective sports and beyond.
Dr. Chuck is passionate about maximizing, optimizing & maintaining the full sporting potential of our equine athletes. After 20 years in the equine veterinary industry, Dr. Chuck started a new venture in 2023 to ex...2023-09-2659 minNo Bucks GivenClassical vs Modern Dressage: The Pitfalls of Pursuing PerfectionROLLKUR RECON, TRAINING TACTICS & EQUINE EMOTION SPECIALISTS! In this week's supersized episode, we are breaking down the biomechanics behind extreme hyperflexion (aka Rollkur) and speak to the damaging effects on horses' bodies in the context of modern dressage as well as all the training that goes into building a happy, healthy, and sound sport horse. PLUS why we literally owe our lives to horses. Featuring our guest, Melissa Gallagher, an equine emotion specialist, Grand Prix dressage rider & owner and trainer of Collective Roots Dressage.
For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us...2023-09-191h 21
No Bucks GivenEquine Anatomy Expert: A Conversation w/ Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside OutIn this episode of NO BUCKS GIVEN, we sit down with Equine Anatomy Expert, Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out to talk about her storied career in equine anatomy and biomechanics, what she recommends for bodyworkers who are trying to break into the business and what it was like to present a painted horse to the Queen of England!!
Learn more about Gillian here!
You can find Gillian and Horses Inside Out on social media here on Facebook and Instagram.
As mentioned in this episode, here is a link to the book by G...2023-09-1928 min
No Bucks GivenWelcome to No Bucks Given!Welcome to No Bucks Given! The podcast where we have honest conversations about the horse industry, hosted by Maija Liisa Luttinger of Freely Forward Bodywork. Tune in weekly to hear Maija talk with industry professionals about the hard truths around what matters most, how to best advocate for our horses. New episodes coming SEPTEMBER 2023!! Stay tuned and subscribe here! 2023-08-2901 min