PODCAST · education
Canter Therapy
by Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson
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
Episodes
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115. When Training Isn’t the Problem: Grass, Hooves, Capacity and Listening to the Horse
It’s just Shelley and Kat this week, catching up on what’s happening in their horse worlds and, as usual, ending up somewhere much deeper. From track systems, spring grass and subclinical laminitis to a training horse who simply wasn’t progressing, they explore how management, discomfort and...
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114. Her Ride, Her Way - Sabrina Davies
What if rebuilding confidence with your horse didn’t begin with pushing yourself harder? In this episode, Shelley and Kat talk with Sabrina Davies, founder of Her Ride, Her Way, about confidence, communication, people pleasing, self-doubt and why “just ride through it” might be some of the least...
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113. What the Horse's Body is Telling Us - Interview with Mary Sargeant
What can we learn about a horse by really learning to see its body? In this fascinating and wonderfully candid conversation, Shelley and Kat talk with equine bodyworker Mary Sargeant about the experiences that transformed the way she sees horses. From dissections and compensation patterns to…
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112. The Horse Beneath Our Assumptions: A Conversation with Monique Craig of EponaMind
Join Dr Shelley Appleton in conversation with Monique Craig, CEO and co-founder of EponaMind, for a thought-provoking discussion that begins with the hoof and expands into a much bigger conversation about how we understand horses. Drawing on decades of experience, research and practical...
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111. Itch, Allergies, Asthma & Greasy Heel with Dr Talia Morgan
Why is one horse constantly itchy while another is completely unaffected? And could allergies be behind problems like head shaking, coughing, poor performance or changes in behaviour? In this fantastic episode, Shelley and Kat are joined by Equine Dermatology Vet Dr Talia Morgan from Veterinary...
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110. The Science, Art & Humility of Horsemanship with Peter Cowell
Peter Cowell returns to the Canter Therapy Podcast for another fascinating conversation about the depth and nuance of working with horses. Peter is an experienced horseman, a deep thinker and someone who never stops questioning, experimenting and learning. In this episode, we explore how...
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109. Bits, Basics & Better Horsemanship with Daniel Dauphin
Daniel Dauphin of Dauphin Horsemanship and host of The Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast is back on Canter Therapy, and this time we dive deep into bits, bitting, rider hands and the foundations we often overlook in our horses. Daniel joins Shelley and Kat ahead of his upcoming Australian and New...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 fertility...
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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...
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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...
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100. Learning Horses the Hard Way (and Why It Worked)
In this episode of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Shelley and Kat speak with Stacey Wallace about one of the most rapid and grounded transformations she has witnessed in a horse owner. Stacey returned to horses as an adult, postpartum, without a pony club background and with a young, reactive horse...
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99. The Ragged Edge of Horsemanship with Peter Cowell
In this episode, Shelley sits down with horseman and educator Peter Cowell, the “man of a thousand sayings” who quietly delivers some of the most grounded, practical horsemanship insight you’ll hear. Peter shares how he found his way into horses (yes, it started with a girl), the three formative...
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98. Stress, Gut Health, and Horses with Dr Chris Mortensen
Horses did not evolve for stalls, separation, transport, or high-pressure routines, yet this is the reality most horses live in today. That mismatch creates chronic stress, and the consequences do not stay hidden. They show up in digestion, behaviour, performance, soundness, and long-term health....
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Episode 97. A Controversial Conversation: Freedom To or Freedom From?
In Episode 97 of the Canter Therapy Podcast, Shelley and Kat walk straight into controversy and unpack one of the horse world's most heated topics: what does freedom really mean for domestic horses? Using a spicy young chestnut filly with dangerous kicking habits as a case study, they explore how...
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EPISODE 96. Inside the Horse: Dissection Lessons, Digital Pulses & the Whole-Horse Reality
Kat has just come back from a three-day equine dissection in Wagga hosted by Dr Heidi McGraw and led by Dr Raquel Butler (with nods to pioneer Sharon May-Davis). We unpack what anatomy really looks like (spoiler: nothing like the textbook), why fascia and “everything’s connected” matters, how...
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95. The Vibe You Bring: Energy, Intention & Learning (for Humans and Horses)
After a little hiatus (and 100,000+ listens—thank you!) Shelley and Kat are back. Inspired by an episode of The Canine Paradigm, they explore “vibe”: how our energy, presence and intention shape every interaction with a horse—and with people. From the “volume knob” of our presence (too big vs too...
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94. Interview with Steve Halfpenny
Horseman and educator Steve Halfpenny (Light Hands Equitation, SA) joins Canter Therapy to talk being a “horse’s lawyer,” why the mind comes before the body, building trust without force, connection and feel, and why balance comes first. We cover permission in coaching, awareness over labels,...
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93. Seeing the Whole Horse - Especially Mares!
Kat and Shelley are joined by Tami Elkayam to share highlights from her Canberra workshops on keeping horses sound. They talk about moving beyond just spotting lameness to understanding the whole horse—posture, movement patterns, and prevention. The chat also touches on simple tools for owners…
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92: 2024 Wrap Up & Book Recommendations
In this episode we wrap up 2024 with a look back at the highlights of the year, including our experiences at Equitana and the incredible visit from Tami Elkayam. We reflect on what we’ve learned, the connections we’ve made, and how these experiences are shaping our plans for 2025. Plus, we share...
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91. Interview with Daniel Dauphin Horsemanship
Daniel Dauphin Horsemanship is someone you need to know. He should be on your radar—not only because he is an exceptional horseman who has started thousands of colts, trained high-level performance horses, and conducts clinics worldwide, but also because he is the host of the popular Adult Onset...
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90: Equine Nutrition with Carol Layton
In this episode we talk to the lovely Carol Layton from Balanced Equine. Carol had brought mineral supplementation into the everyday horse owners repertoire. We talk about the importance of specific minerals and their place in our horses diets as well as how to put together a basic diet that…
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89: Questions for the Dentist
Anna Minogue is back! In this episode we talk about everything dentistry and bit fitting from the differences in mouth shape between breeds to the different actions of bits.
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88: What is "New Home Syndrome"?
In this episode Shelley explains two terms she wishes to bring into the vehicular of the equestrian world. "New Home Syndrome" to bring attention to what horse's can experience when they are moved to a new home. And, "New Horse Syndrome", which is to bring attention to what happens to people when...
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87: Finding Motivation
In this episode Kat and Shelley talk about finding motivation to ride when there are so many things that make it hard. Things such as the weather to a lack of company. They explore what they have learnt about motivation and how doing something you want to do is more about being strategic than...
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86: Hoof Care In Winter
In this episode Kat gives some great tips about hoof care in winter. We go over ways to look after your farrier during the wet weather as well as how to look after your horse’s hooves. Kat also tells us the exciting news about her new course she has released, "Hoof Care Basics - The Essential…
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85: Why Have a Training Process?
In this episode Shelley and Kat talk about "cookie cutter" training approaches for horses. They discuss why they are criticised but also about why they have merit.
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84: Understanding Mental Health with Mel Stewart
Mel Stewart has over 30 years of experience working in psychology and she brings a wealth of knowledge to this episode. We delve deep into the human mind, exploring the nuances of mental health and behaviour, and how that relates back to horses.
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83: Endurance Riding & Breeding with Jodie Luck
We are joined in this episode by the gorgeous Jodie Luck from Almarzan Stud in Birdwood, South Australia. Jodie is an experienced and successful endurance competitor, as well as a breeder of Arabians, Warmbloods and German Riding Ponies. Jodie is a dedicated learner and she takes us on a journey...
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82: Dr Raquel Butler from Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics
We had the privilege of talking to Dr. Raquel Butler from Integrative Veterinary Therapeutics. Raquel is an absolute wealth of knowledge in the industry, having initially trained as a veterinarian before immersing herself in equine bodywork and biomechanics. In this episode we talk about the role...
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81: Learning to Ride as an Adult
Learning to ride as an adult is harder than you think! This episode delves into the unique challenges faced by adults learning to ride horses. In this episode, we engage in a conversation with Sam McGilvray, unraveling her journey into horsemanship. Sam shares her experience and frustrations of...
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80: Dr. Lizzie McCready & Empowering Horse Owners
In this episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Dr. Lizzie McCready, a dedicated veterinarian on a mission to enhance the lives of animals everywhere. With a passion for ongoing learning and a heart for the equestrian community, Dr. McCready is committed to sharing her veterinary…
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79: The Lessons from 2023
In this episode Kat and Shelley reflect on what their highlights and learnings from 2023 were. 2023 was full of lots of insightful conversations and clinics and 2024 will no doubt be the same ❤️
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78: Horse Lameness & Poor Performance with Dr. Sue Dyson
Dr. Sue Dyson is a well-known veterinarian and researcher in the field of equine health and welfare, particularly in the area of lameness and poor performance in performance horses. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of pain and discomfort in ridden horses.
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77: You Can Learn Many Things from Kate Nipperess
We could say that this is an inspirational story of how Kate Nipperess, former jockey, returned to riding after a track work fall left her a paraplegic. But Kate is more than this. She is a wealth of knowledge about horses, especially thoroughbreds and how understanding their racing experiences…
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76: How to Help a Horse be Confident to Float or Trailer
In this episode, we delve into the world of float loading, training, and safe driving with horses on board. Float loading is something that should be easy and lets us get out and about and see the world with our horses, but often this isn’t the case. Kat and Shelley touch on the many different...
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74: The Places Horses Take You with Dr Heidi McGrath
After many years of nagging Kat & Shelley finally managed to get Dr Heidi McGrath on the podcast. Heidi is an incredible asset to the equine industry. She is a veterinarian with a passion for podiatry and lameness while understanding the importance of looking at the whole animal.
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73: Hooves with Lisa Agius-Gilibert
Lisa Agius-Gilibert from The Glorious Hoof provides hoof care services in the Hawkesbury region of New South Wales. In this episode Kat and Lisa combine their expert insights into hooves and we talk a lot about laminitis and the connection between the gut and hoof health. For more information…
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72: Gut Health with Linda Goldspink-Lord
We want you to meet someone pretty amazing - Linda Goldspink-Lord. Linda is the director of Poseidon Animal Health the manufacturers of well known equine gut support product Digestive EQ. This episode will open your mind to the impact of stress on gut health and the cascade of detrimental effects...
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71: What To Do With A Young Horse
So you have bred a foal or maybe purchased a young horse that is not yet under saddle... what do you do now to ensure things don't go pearshaped? In this episode Kat and Shelley take you on a captivating journey through Kat's experience with her weanling, Harley. They dive into the details,...
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70. Herd Dynamics with Kerry M Thomas Part 9
Guess who’s back?! Back again! Join us for another fun and educational conversation with Kerry Thomas. We dive into his latest creation: a comprehensive glossary of terms which further defines herd dynamics and sensory soundness. We also talk about his upcoming seminars across Melbourne, Sydney,...
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68: Equine Nutrition with Bec Ham
A special episode with Bec Ham who is an equine nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research. We delve into equine nutrition and managing fat ponies, exploring the importance of a balanced diet tailored to each horse's needs. She most correctly points out - what a horse eats can either help or hinder...
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67: Combating Misinformation with Tami Elkayam
In this episode of the Canter Therapy, we explore polyvagal theory with one of our favourite experts, Tami Elkayam. Discover how our muscular skeletal system and nervous system intertwine, debunking oversimplifications. Join us as we unravel the complexities behind this exciting topic.
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66: Good Horsemanship with Ian Leighton Part 2
Join us as Ian Leighton from Ian Leighton Horsemanship explores the captivating topic of 'Things That Aren't as They Seem.' We dive into hard-mouthed horses, soft hands, contact, and straightness while gaining many other valuable insights to enhance our understanding.
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65: The Cycle of Success with Lisa Agius-Gilibert
Dive into the world of running a successful equine business with Lisa Agius-Gilibert from The Glorious Hoof in Sydney. With a unique background in the corporate realm, Lisa brings invaluable insights and expertise to the table. In this episode, she shares her firsthand experience and breaks down...
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64: Sam - The Horse That Fractured His Hip
In this episode Kat and Shelley talk to Kat Charlton about her incredible journey helping her young horse Sam rehabilitate about breaking his hip and other serious damage after a horrific paddock accident. At the time of injury Kat was advised to put Sam down as no horse had ever recovered from...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
HOSTED BY
Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Canter Therapy have?
Canter Therapy currently has 99 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Canter Therapy 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
How often does Canter Therapy release new episodes?
Canter Therapy has 99 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Canter Therapy?
You can listen to Canter Therapy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Canter Therapy?
Canter Therapy is created and hosted by Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson.
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