Canter Therapy

Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson
  • 4.6 (5)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast hosted by Dr. Shelley Appleton of Calm Willing Confident Horses and Kathryn Christieson of Firenza Park Equine Services on all things horse and learning

  1. 4d ago

    108. Horse Parasite Management with Professor Caroline Jacobson

    Professor Caroline Jacobson joins us to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in horse ownership: parasites and worming. As Head of the School of Agriculture at Murdoch University and one of the authors of Australia's Equine Internal Parasite Management Guidelines, Caroline explains why traditional worming programs have changed, how resistance develops, what worm egg counts can (and can't) tell you, and the practical strategies every horse owner should be using. Whether you own one horse or manage an entire property, this conversation will help you make better decisions for your horse's health while protecting the effectiveness of worming treatments into the future. In this episode we discuss: Why blanket worming programs are becoming outdatedUnderstanding worm egg countsDrug resistance and why it mattersParasite management for foals versus adult horsesTapeworms, bots and small strongylesPractical paddock management strategiesThe new Australian parasite management guidelines This is one of those episodes every horse owner should hear. Show Notes & Links ⁠Australian Guidelines For Equine Internal Parasite Management⁠ Beasley, A., Abbas, G., Hughes, K., El-Hage, C., Jacobson, C., Bauquier, J., Wilkes, E., Carrigan, P., Cudmore, L., Hurley, J., Beveridge, I., Nielsen, M., & Jabbar, A. (2025). Australian guidelines for equine internal parasite management. Australian Veterinary Journal, 103(4), 151-158. ⁠https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13424⁠ To find out more about Professor Caroline Jacobson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinejacobson-livestockscientist/ To find out more about Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson and to support Canter Therapy Podcast: ⁠https://www.cantertherapy.com.au⁠

    108. Horse Parasite Management with Professor Caroline Jacobson

  2. Jun 27

    107. Premature Foals, Lifetime Consequences: Interview with Dr Jane Clothier

    What if some horses are carrying the effects of birth long before they ever enter training? In this fascinating episode of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Dr Jane Clothier shares the groundbreaking research from her PhD investigating premature and developmentally immature foals and the lifelong consequences that can follow. Together we explore how developmental immaturity may influence skeletal development, stress physiology, learning, behaviour, arthritis, soundness, and training outcomes. Jane explains why many horses may appear normal as foals, yet develop unexplained problems years later, and what breeders, owners and trainers can do to give these horses the very best chance. Whether you're a breeder, veterinarian, therapist, trainer or horse owner, this conversation will change the way you look at horses forever.To find out more about Dr Jane Clothier:Website: https://miraclefoal.comWebsite: ⁠https://thehorsesback.comFacebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/equinehealthworks⁠Contact: ⁠jane@equinehealthworks.comTo purchase the book:Managing the Miracle Foal The Essential Handbook for Owners of Premature and Dysmature Foalshttps://miraclefoal.com/managing-the-miracle-foal-the-book-2/To find out more about Canter Therapy Podcast and the hosts: Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson and support the show, visit the website:⁠⁠https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

    107. Premature Foals, Lifetime Consequences: Interview with Dr Jane Clothier

  3. Jun 8

    106. Interview with Josh Nichol Relational Horsemanship

    In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with renowned horseman Josh Nichol to explore the ideas that have shaped his approach to horses, people, and life. Josh shares his journey from growing up with horses in remote Canada to studying under Harry Whitney and developing his own framework for understanding horse behaviour through mind, space, and pressure. We discuss the difference between lightness and softness, why behaviour is often the symptom rather than the problem, how tension affects movement and soundness, and why true horsemanship begins with understanding what the horse is experiencing rather than simply trying to control what the horse is doing. This episode also explores leadership, liberty, personal growth, biomechanics, emotional regulation, and the responsibility we have as humans to create clarity, confidence, and understanding for our horses. Whether you are interested in groundwork, ridden performance, horse behaviour, or simply becoming a better horseperson, this conversation is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you. To find out more about Josh Nichol Relational Horsemanship: Website: joshnichol.com Facebook: AHorsemansPursuit Instagram: @nicholhorsemanship Contact: info@joshnichol.com To find out more about Canter Therapy Podcast and the hosts - Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson and support the show, visit the website: ⁠https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

    106. Interview with Josh Nichol Relational Horsemanship

  4. Jun 2

    105. From Racehorse to Riding Horse: The Missing Link for Success

    Many off-the-track Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds are talented, athletic, and willing horses, yet too many struggle in their second careers. In this episode of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Kathryn Christieson sits down with Dr Shelley Appleton and Isabelle Chandler to explore the often-overlooked gap between life on the racetrack and life as a riding horse. Drawing on Isabelle's extensive experience in the racing industry and retraining off-the-track horses, alongside Shelley's expertise helping owners when things go wrong after rehoming, they discuss why so many horses are misunderstood, how racing associations influence behaviour, the role of pain and physical stress, and why educating the person is just as important as retraining the horse. They also share insights from their new program, Racehorse to Riding Horse: The Off-the-Track Reboot, designed to help owners create safer, more successful transitions for these remarkable horses. Whether you own a Thoroughbred, Standardbred, retrain horses professionally, or simply want to better understand the challenges of life after racing, this episode is packed with practical insights and fresh perspectives. To find out more about Racehorse to Riding Horse: The Off-the-Track Reboot Program visit the website: https://www.racehorsetoridinghorse.com.au To find out more about Racehorse to Riding Horse's - Racehorse Reboot 8-Week Intensive visit this link: https://www.racehorsetoridinghorse.com.au/events2/racehorse-reboot-8-week-intensive To find out more about Canter Therapy Podcast and the hosts - Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson and support the show, visit the website: https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

    105. From Racehorse to Riding Horse: The Missing Link for Success

  5. May 24

    104. Django the Legendary Friesian, Wise Advice, and Lipoedemia Awareness with Lynn Jenkin

    In this episode of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson sit down with Lyn Jenkin. Lyn shares the incredible story of Django, the legendary Friesian stallion who became the first Friesian in Australia to compete at official Grand Prix dressage level, along with her experiences breeding Friesians and the horses that shaped her approach to horsemanship and learning. The conversation also explores creativity, photography, lifelong curiosity, and an important discussion about lipoedema/lipedema, a commonly misunderstood and underdiagnosed condition affecting many women. This episode is thoughtful, fascinating, and full of insight into horses, life, learning, and resilience. To Learn more about Lipoedemia, please head to Lipoedemia Australia: Website - https://www.lipoedema.org.au Please note - That Australian spelling is lipoedemia but in medical literature and in the US, it is spelt lipedemia. Support Canter Therapy Podcast: To find out more about ⁠Dr Shelley Appleton⁠ and ⁠Kathryn Christieson⁠ check out the Canter Therapy Podcast website: ⁠www.cantertherapy.com.au

    104. Django the Legendary Friesian, Wise Advice, and Lipoedemia Awareness with Lynn Jenkin

  6. May 17

    103. The Hidden Impact of Stress on Mares, Hormones & Fertility

    What if stress is affecting your mare far more deeply than you realise? In this powerful episode, Dr Chris Mortensen shares research into how stress impacts mares, reproduction, hormones, blood flow, embryo quality, and behaviour. Shelley and Kat dive into: Exercise-induced stress and fertilityHormone disruption and cyclingGut health and stressLaminitis and metabolic issuesThe role of blood flow in reproductionWhy stressed plants may contribute to metabolic diseasePractical strategies for mare managementThis is an eye-opening conversation about the interconnectedness of stress, physiology, and horse welfare. Dr Chris Mortensen is an equine nutritionist and researcher with expertise in equine reproduction, stress physiology, gut health, and performance nutrition. He completed his PhD at Texas A&M University researching the impact of stress and exercise on mare fertility and embryo quality, and now works with Poseidon Animal Health focusing on evidence-based equine health and nutrition. Dr. Chris Mortensen, PhD Head of Education, Poseidon Animal Health Website: 🇺🇸 poseidonanimalhealth.com Website: 🇦🇺 poseidonanimalhealth.com.au Website: 🇳🇿 poseidonanimalhealth.co.nz Research referred to in this episode: Here are the citations formatted for your show notes: 1. Mortensen, C.J., Choi, Y.H., Hinrichs, K., Ing, N.H., Kraemer, D.C., Vogelsang, S.G., & Vogelsang, M.M. (2009). Embryo recovery from exercised mares* Animal Reproduction Science, 110(3-4), 237-244. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.01.015] 2. Smith, R.L., Vernon, K.L., Kelley, D.E., Gibbons, J.R., & Mortensen, C.J. (2012). Impact of moderate exercise on ovarian blood flow and early embryonic outcomes in mares. Journal of Animal Science, 90(10), 3770-3777. [https://doi.org/10.2527/jas2011-4713] Special for Podcast Listeners! Use coupon code: SHELLEYAPPLETON at the checkout of Poseidon Animal Health products to receive a discount. Support Canter Therapy Podcast: To find out more about Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson check out the Canter Therapy Podcast website: www.cantertherapy.com.au

    103. The Hidden Impact of Stress on Mares, Hormones & Fertility

  7. May 12

    102. Interview with Bob Wood

    In this special episode of the Canter Therapy podcast, Shelley and Kat sit down with American horseman Bob Wood for a fascinating conversation about authentic horsemanship, rider development, leadership, and the timeless principles that underpin good horse training. Trained originally by a former US Cavalry horseman, Bob shares decades of hard-earned wisdom from a lifetime spent teaching riders, training horses, coaching eventers and polo players, restarting troubled horses, and helping people understand the deeper “why” behind effective horsemanship. In this episode, Bob explains: • What has been lost in modern horsemanship and rider education • Why good lesson horses and correct rider development matter • How to develop an independent, balanced seat by learning to move with the horse • The importance of leadership in creating true partnership with horses • Why some abused or dangerous horses may initially require “dominance” as Bob defines it, not cruelty, but clear, confident influence and boundaries • The difference between leadership, domination, and partnership • Why horses need humans to demonstrate competence and reliability • The problems created by social media horsemanship trends, over-humanising horses, and confusing sentimentality with training • How pressure, feel, timing, and attention shape horse training far more effectively than gimmicks or dependency-based approaches This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation that bridges old-school horsemanship wisdom with modern discussions about welfare, rider skill, and horse behaviour. Whether you’re a beginner rider, experienced trainer, or simply passionate about horses, this episode offers valuable insights into what it really takes to create calm, willing, confident horses and competent, grounded riders. We are incredibly grateful to Bob for sharing his experience and perspective, and we know this will not be the last conversation we have with him. To find out more about Bob Wood Website: http://www.triplecreekfarmpa.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BobWoodHorsesForLife YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UClZRgcA-CIydVmlMARcIq0A To find out more about Canter Therapy Podcast Website: https://www.cantertherapy.com.au To find out more about Dr Shelley Appleton Website: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmwillingconfidenthorses Instagram: @calmwillingconfidenthorses To find out more about Kathryn Christieson Website: https://firenzapark.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirenzaPark Instagram: @firenzapark

    102. Interview with Bob Wood

  8. Mar 3

    101. Interview with Ian Leighton (Part 3)

    Ian Leighton returns to Canter Therapy for his third appearance and, once again, delivers the kind of practical wisdom that’s hard to argue with. We dig into why nothing we ask of horses is natural, and what that means for training young horses, building trail confidence, and handling “won’t go past that” moments without accidentally rewarding the stop or turning work into punishment. Ian breaks down how to get forward in a way that doesn’t blow horses up, why you can only truly change one thing at a time, and why the best work often happens when nobody’s watching. We also talk coaching humans, including fear, ego, and learning differences, and how riders unknowingly create the very problems they blame on the horse. If you want a clearer horse, a calmer ride, and fewer arguments, this one’s for you. Support Our Episode Sponsors & Learn More This episode of Canter Therapy is proudly supported by the people behind it. If you value thoughtful, experience-based horsemanship conversations, you can support the podcast by supporting our sponsors. You can learn more about Ian Leighton, his clinics, events, and horsemanship philosophy at www.ianleightonhorsemanship.com. If you’ve ever considered attending a multi-day clinic, keep an eye on his event calendar. They tend to fill quickly, and they are genuinely transformative for riders who want depth, not gimmicks. To learn more about Shelley’s programs, courses, books, and the Calm Willing Confident Horses membership society, visit www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au. For evidence-based hoof care support and educational resources from Kat Christieson, visit www.firenzapark.com.au. And if you’d like to directly support the Canter Therapy Podcast, you can find more episodes and merchandise at www.cantertherapy.com.au. Every share, follow, subscription, and hoodie purchase helps us continue bringing experienced voices and grounded ideas to the horse world. Thank you for being part of the Canter Therapy community.

    101. Interview with Ian Leighton (Part 3)
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast hosted by Dr. Shelley Appleton of Calm Willing Confident Horses and Kathryn Christieson of Firenza Park Equine Services on all things horse and learning

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson
  • Show Website
    Canter Therapy

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