Canter Therapy

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.
In this episode, Dr Chris Mortensen (Poseidon Animal Health) explains why stress and gut health sit at the centre of so many modern horse problems, and why missing this link keeps people chasing symptoms instead of causes. We unpack what the hindgut actually does, how stress alters digestion, and why the gut microbiome plays such a powerful role in how horses cope with domesticated life. Chris also clearly explains the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, cutting through common misconceptions that cost horse owners time, money, and progress.
If you care about making better decisions for your horse, this conversation will change how you think about stress, feeding, and what “supporting the horse” really means.
Show Notes:

Dr Chris Mortensen
Dr Chris Mortensen is a PhD-qualified equine nutritionist and international educator specialising in stress physiology, gut health, and equine performance.

Poseidon Animal Health
Poseidon Animal Health develops evidence-based equine nutrition and gut health solutions, working with leading scientists to support long-term horse health and resilience.

To find out more about Dr Chris and Poseidon Animal Health Products visit the Poseidon Animal Health website:
https://poseidonanimalhealth.com.au
To receive 10% off Poseidon Animal Health Products Click HERE or use code SHELLEYAPPLETON at checkout.

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 early handling, feet care and smart use of pressure can free a horse from a lifetime of stress, conflict and labels like "dangerous."
From the ideology of giving horses "freedom to" choose, consent and say no, to the more practical and welfare focused idea of giving horses "freedom from" pain, insecurity and chronic stress, Shelley and Kat pull apart the assumptions behind popular narratives about agency, choice, barefoot feet, laminitis and turnout.
This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about cognition, ethics and reality for horses living in a human world, and it will absolutely ruffle a few feathers.

To learn more about Shelley and Kat and the balanced, evidence based approaches they promote for horse training and care, visit their websites:
Dr Shelley Appleton: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au
Kathryn Christieson: https://firenzapark.com.au
For more information about the Canter Therapy Podcast, to suggest episode ideas, or to enquire about sponsorship or advertising, head to:
https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

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 X-rays can miss early change, mares’ ovaries, the ethics/wicked-problem of riding, and Shelley’s new tech toys—from the Lami-Tag for digital pulses (laminitis) to Equestric Saddle Clip for gait/HR tracking - plus what’s coming up in Shelley’s “Teaching People How to Work with Horses” course and "Whole-Horse" workshops and more!

Episode Information:

Find Shelley's Clinics and Workshop Information here:
https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/clinics

For Information on Shelley's "Teaching People How to Work With Horses" click here:
https://calmwillingandconfidenthorses.thinkific.com/bundles/teaching-people-how-to-work-with-horses-the-human-side-of-equestrian-learning

For information on the Equestric Saddle Clip (use coupon code SHELLEYAPPLETON15 to get 15% discount) click here:
https://www.equestic.com/ref/45/?apply_coupon=SHELLEYAPPLETON15

For information on the Lami-Tag (IMPORTANT: Shelley is still testing and has not yet confirmed the benefit or accuracy of this device) click here:
https://www.lami-tag.com

To find out more about Shelley, her teachings, resources and how to learn from her, click here:
https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/

To find out more about Kat and her services, courses and workshops, click here:
https://firenzapark.com.au

To find out more about Canter Therapy Podcast and put in suggestions for episode topics, click here:
https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

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 small) to practical ways to lift or soften energy, they dig into awareness, rope skills, and why the skill is in returning after you drift. They talk pivoting when you’re on the wrong train, embracing the awkward stage of learning, and why “meditation in motion” (hello, groundwork) counts. Plus: book chats—Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, Born a Crime, Man’s Search for Meaning, and Tiny Beautiful Things.
It’s honest, pragmatic, a bit cheeky, and very Canter Therapy.

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, matching horses to humans, and practical ways to avoid triggering prey instincts while creating willing movement.