Starline Equine Bodywork

Judith Rathbone
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Our mission is to inspire and to motivate, and give you tools for a better life with horses. This podcast is intended to give you takeaways to apply to your own life- whether you're a horse owner seeking more, a bodywork practitioner, or even an aspiring one. In this podcast you will meet our host, Judith Rathbone. For most of the last decade she’s been a full time equine bodywork practitioner, a renowned sports specialist, an author and a bodywork educator. During the course of this podcast she will lead deep dive discussions into what she has learned from clients, top bodyworkers and vets in the industry, and unpack some of the most up to date and groundbreaking research into equine physiology, fitness and tissue training. Connect with us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/starlineequinebodyworkWeb - starlinebodywork.com

  1. 6d ago

    Understanding Iliopsoas Dysfunction

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

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 200! Processing and Integrating

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

  3. Aug 26

    Pain Neuroscience In Horses

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

  4. Aug 19

    Does Fascia Remember?

    The phrase “fascia remembers trauma” is often used in alternative medicine, bodywork, and somatic therapy to suggest that the body’s fascial tissue (a connective tissue network surrounding muscles, organs, and bones) can store emotional or physical trauma, impacting health and movement. Join me for this fantastic favourite episode of the Starline Equine Bodywork Podcast where I look at the scientific evidence to support claims both for and against whether fascia can store trauma. I can’t wait to hear what you think! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Join the Starline™️Method Online Skill Accelerator: Tackling Lumbar Pain In Horses Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

  5. Aug 12

    Are We Working With The Nervous System Or The Body?

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

  6. Aug 5

    Are Your Horse's Legs The Same Length?

    Ever noticed your horse moving a bit off-kilter, like one side’s playing catch-up? Dive into this juicy episode where we unpack Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD) in horses. This is a sneaky issue that could be throwing your horse’s balance out of whack!  From spotting subtle signs like uneven hips or quirky hoof angles to tackling high/low syndrome with practical tips, we’ve got the science-backed scoop to keep your equine partner striding smoothly. Whether you’re a hands-on horse owner or a bodywork pro, you’ll learn how to identify LLD, why it matters for your horse’s performance, and easy exercises to boost symmetry.  Don’t miss this fan favourite episode! LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE: Join the Starline™️ Method Online Skill Accelerator: Equine Reaction Points Connect with us: Instagram - @starlineequinebodywork Pinterest - https://pin.it/7kvSCpt Website - starlinebodywork.com DISCLAIMER: The ideas expressed in this podcast are opinions only, and are not substitutes for proper veterinary care, veterinary medicine and other forms of bodywork. The opinions are not intended to be prescriptive or diagnostic in nature.

  7. Jul 29

    The Secret Language Of Horses

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

  8. Jul 22

    Movement Made By Posture

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

See All (202)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Our mission is to inspire and to motivate, and give you tools for a better life with horses. This podcast is intended to give you takeaways to apply to your own life- whether you're a horse owner seeking more, a bodywork practitioner, or even an aspiring one. In this podcast you will meet our host, Judith Rathbone. For most of the last decade she’s been a full time equine bodywork practitioner, a renowned sports specialist, an author and a bodywork educator. During the course of this podcast she will lead deep dive discussions into what she has learned from clients, top bodyworkers and vets in the industry, and unpack some of the most up to date and groundbreaking research into equine physiology, fitness and tissue training. Connect with us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/starlineequinebodyworkWeb - starlinebodywork.com

Information

  • Creator
    Judith Rathbone
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Starline Equine Bodywork
  • Show Website
    Starline Equine Bodywork

You Might Also Like