Ever noticed your horse acting stiff or reactive in one spot, but the area feels fine when you check it? You might be dealing with referred pain—a sneaky phenomenon where discomfort shows up in one part of the body but stems from a problem elsewhere. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of referred pain patterns in horses, exploring how to crack the code using Reaction Points and the science behind it all. Referred pain is common in horses due to their complex anatomy and stoic, prey-animal nature, which can mask issues and lead to ineffective treatments or frustrated owners. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to spot referred pain, use Reaction Points like a pro, and get to the root of your horse’s discomfort—plus, we’ll geek out on the science that makes it click!

Referred pain is like a game of telephone in your horse’s body: a tight muscle or inflamed joint sends a signal, but the brain misinterprets it as pain somewhere else, like a flinch at the shoulder when the real issue is in the lower back. Horses are prone to this because their interconnected musculature and fascial networks—think of fascia as the body’s shrink-wrap—transmit tension across distant areas, while compensatory movements create secondary pain points. Reaction Points, those hypersensitive spots that “light up” with a flinch or swish of the tail, are your detective tools to map these patterns. We’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to assess them: observe your horse’s movement, apply gentle pressure to key areas like the poll or withers, and connect the dots to uncover links, like a reactive loin pointing to a sacroiliac issue. Backed by science like convergence theory—where nerves from different body parts confuse the brain’s pain map—and research on myofascial connections, this episode empowers you to listen smarter to your horse’s signals. Whether you’re an owner palpating during grooming or a practitioner refining your skills, you’ll leave inspired to solve the puzzle of referred pain and help your horse feel their best.

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: 

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: 

https://starline.myflodesk.com/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!

https://starline.myflodesk.com/podcast?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL8eCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1XwG2bHf4yinPSmzhGi2iXkZE3-n9fpshGw9UcO2uHfdeQxsvXZVjnzGOGE_aem_gmApS0NKQ0jya9XxIF9ang

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FB: @equigate

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Connect with us:
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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.

Why do clients skip their equine bodywork homework? Despite having the information, many struggle with application due to mistrust in simple exercises (like carrot stretches), expecting instant results, or busy schedules. This episode dives into why homework matters—it’s tissue training that builds your horse’s athletic foundation for skills required under saddle. To make it stick, reframe exercises as essential, set realistic expectations (commit to 3 weeks!), and integrate them into daily routines like grooming. 

Overcome barriers with practical strategies: make homework convenient (keep carrots handy for stretches during blanketing), start small with one targeted exercise per horse, and leverage rewards like treats or turnout to keep horses and owners motivated. Small daily habits compound into big results—prevent costly veterinary issues by investing just 2 minutes a day. Pick one horse, one exercise, and start today! Share your progress with your barn or tag us. Great horsemanship is in the details—let’s build stronger, healthier horses together!

Join our 21-day DME’s Challenge- Self Study Edition at https://starlinebodywork.com/learn/dme-self-study complete with tracking sheets and accountability!  

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: 

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: 

https://starline.myflodesk.com/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!

https://starline.myflodesk.com/podcast?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL8eCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1XwG2bHf4yinPSmzhGi2iXkZE3-n9fpshGw9UcO2uHfdeQxsvXZVjnzGOGE_aem_gmApS0NKQ0jya9XxIF9ang

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 essential concepts of integration pauses and processing in bodywork, exploring their significance for horses. These terms describe critical moments during sessions—whether massage, craniosacral therapy, or other forms of equine bodywork—where practitioners pause to allow the client’s body to respond and adapt to the work. We’ll unpack the difference between processing (the body’s immediate reaction to touch, like a horse yawning or a human relaxing) and integration (the longer-term incorporation of these changes into movement or emotional balance). These pauses are vital for supporting the body’s natural healing processes, ensuring the benefits of bodywork are both immediate and lasting.

We’ll explore why integration pauses are so important, connecting them to key biological principles. Pauses prevent sensory overload by giving the nervous system time to process sensory input, promoting relaxation through the parasympathetic nervous system (think rest-and-digest). They also support neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new neural pathways for improved movement or posture, and homeostasis, helping the body maintain balance after changes like muscle release. For horses, visible signs like licking or chewing signal processing, while pauses allow these responses to evolve into integration, fostering lasting improvements in movement or stress reduction. Tune in to learn how these intentional breaks enhance the emotional and physical connection in bodywork, making them a cornerstone of effective sessions.

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: 

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points: https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back:  https://starline.myflodesk.com/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!

https://starline.myflodesk.com/podcast?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL8eCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1XwG2bHf4yinPSmzhGi2iXkZE3-n9fpshGw9UcO2uHfdeQxsvXZVjnzGOGE_aem_gmApS0NKQ0jya9XxIF9ang

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.

Dive into the fascinating world of equine bodywork with our latest podcast episode, where we explore the art and science of myofascial work! In this engaging discussion, we break down the differences between sustained gentle pressure and true myofascial release with relative tissue motion, revealing how each technique can transform your horse’s comfort and mobility. Whether you’re a seasoned equine professional or a devoted horse owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand how these approaches can ease tension, restore movement, and enhance your horse’s well-being. Get ready to discover practical tips and the “why” behind these powerful techniques that can make a real difference in your equine partner’s performance and happiness!

We’ll unpack how sustained gentle pressure soothes the nervous system, softens fascial restrictions, and promotes relaxation—perfect for horses with acute pain or stress-related tension. Then, we’ll dive into true MFR, which uses dynamic motion to address adhesions, restore tissue glide, and support long-term functional mobility, ideal for athletes or horses recovering from injury. Learn when to use each technique, their unique benefits, and how combining them can create a tailored approach for your horse’s needs. 

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: 

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: 

https://starline.myflodesk.com/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!

https://starline.myflodesk.com/podcast?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwL8eCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1XwG2bHf4yinPSmzhGi2iXkZE3-n9fpshGw9UcO2uHfdeQxsvXZVjnzGOGE_aem_gmApS0NKQ0jya9XxIF9ang

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.

Saddle up for an inspiring episode with our expert guest, Christa Myers! This week, we’re unpacking practical strategies to build a thriving equestrian business, even in challenging economic times. From stashing away an emergency fund, to diversifying income streams with services like online workshops or bundled offerings, Christa shares how to keep your business galloping forward. We also explore crafting crystal-clear marketing messages to attract loyal clients and low-cost ways to reach them, like engaging social media content and strategic partnerships with local barns. Plus, Christa drops tips to stay resilient and keep your passion alive when the going gets tough.

But that’s not all- Discover inexpensive scaling tactics, like targeted ads and referral programs, and why emphasizing value over price can keep clients coming back. Grab your headphones and join us for a ride packed with actionable insights to help your equestrian business soar!

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: 

Christa Myers- Equestrian Entrepreneur®️

Instagram/Facebook: @equestrianentrepreneur

Web: https://equestrianentrepreneur.ca

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: 

https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

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.

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of equine biomechanics with this 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 at starlinebodywork.com (linked below).

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—grab your free guide Posture and Performance guide and let’s get started!

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: 

FREE: Posture and Performance Guide

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63af768c61b8cd734be0c896

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: 

https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

Get instant access to ‘Stick With It’- the private, password protected podcast series: https://starlinebodywork.com/stickwithit

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.

Diagnosing hind end lameness in horses can be a complex puzzle, far less straightforward than the telltale head bob of front limb issues. In this engaging episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Amy Bennett, a veterinarian with a special interest in equine lameness, to guide us through this intricate topic.

Together, we explore the key areas where hind end issues commonly arise—from well-known trouble spots like the hocks and stifles to often-overlooked regions such as the greater trochanter. Dr. Bennett shares her professional insights on how veterinarians systematically pinpoint the root causes of discomfort, offering a clear and educational breakdown for horse owners and enthusiasts alike.

Tune in to discover practical knowledge, expert tips, and a fresh perspective on equine health that will leave you eager to learn more. Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive into the world of hind end lameness—your horse (and your curiosity) will thank you!

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: Bennett Equine Veterinary Services:

https://bennettequine.ca

FB: Bennett Equine Veterinary Services

IG: @bennettequinevet

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

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.

Get ready to transform your horse’s comfort and performance with this exciting episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork podcast! I am diving into the world of myofascial release—a game-changing, hands-on technique that targets the fascia, the web-like connective tissue that holds your horse’s body together. Learn how to spot and release fascial restrictions that cause pain, stiffness, or limited movement, all from the comfort of your own barn. From understanding the science behind fascia’s role as a body-wide network to mastering simple, safe techniques you can do at home, this episode is packed with practical tips to help your horse move freer and feel better. I’ll also explore Reaction Points—key areas that act like a treasure map to guide your bodywork—and why creating relative tissue motion is the secret to unlocking true myofascial release. Whether you’re a horse owner or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will leave you inspired to connect with your horse in a whole new way!

Tune in as I break down several powerful myofascial release techniques—like skin circling, and myofascial holds—that you can start using today to address tension and boost mobility. You’ll learn how to feel for sticky, tight, or twitchy spots in your horse’s skin that signal fascial issues, and how to use gentle, science-backed methods to restore glide and elasticity. 

I share insider tips from my new and wildly popular skill accelerator in Equine Reaction Point testing, teaching you how to “read” your horse’s body like a pro to pinpoint problem areas before they lead to lameness or poor performance. With clear, step-by-step guidance and a focus on working with your horse’s body (no forceful mechanics here!), this episode will empower you to enhance your horse’s well-being and deepen your bond. Don’t miss this chance to discover how myofascial release can make your horse happier, healthier, and ready to shine—saddle up and listen now!

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: 

Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points: https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back: https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

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 stepped onto a wobbly balance board and felt your brain scramble to keep you upright? That’s exactly what equine balance pads do for horses! In this episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast, I dive into the magic of these foam mats that create a slightly unstable surface under a horse’s hooves. They’re like a brain gym, firing up sensory signals (hello, proprioception!) to boost balance, coordination, and muscle strength. I break down the science, so you’ll understand exactly how these pads send new afferent information to your horse’s brain to help them move smarter and feel better.  

From initial wobbles to sighs of relief, these pads can spark relaxation or engage those tiny stabilizing muscles, depending on the horse and pad type. We’ll explore how they increase body awareness—helping horses use all four legs evenly—and why some horses might need a gentler intro to avoid feeling like they’re on a tightrope! 

Check out this link to my recent Instagram reel explaining how I recently used balance pads in a unique way to help a client’s horse: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIhi5oDuDUe/?igsh=aThmbXU5NWg0bDE0

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: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points - https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back:  https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

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.

Get ready to supercharge your horse’s health and performance with our latest Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast episode! I am diving into the magic of combining sternal lifts and lumbar lifts—two dynamic exercises that’ll have your horse moving like a dream. From boosting core strength and spinal mobility to sharpening body awareness and preventing injuries, these science-backed moves are a game-changer for any hands-on horse owner or bodyworker. Whether your horse is a dressage star, a trail buddy, or recovering from a hitch, this episode is packed with tips to help them shine!

Join me as I break down the biomechanics with insights from experts like Dr. Hilary Clayton and Dr. Narelle Stubbs. You’ll learn how to safely perform these exercises with just 3–5 reps a few times a week to unlock smoother gaits, better posture, and a happier, healthier horse. 

Watch me do this combo exercise here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKSIKM4OG5e/?igsh=MWppbDVmM2QwNDBtbQ==

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: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points

https://starline.thinkific.com/courses/reaction-points

Grab your FREE assessment guide for your horse’s back:  https://starline.myflodesk.com/back

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.