Canter Therapy

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 Zealand clinic tour in October-November 2026, to unpack how bits actually work, why a bitting problem isn't always a bit problem, the importance of mouth anatomy, and why sophisticated bits should be about increasingly subtle communication, not stronger control.
We also explore retraining off-the-track horses, why cows can be such valuable teachers, the connection between the mouth, relaxation and movement, double bridles, rider fear, and why sometimes the answer to an advanced training problem lies much further back in the basics.
Whether you ride English, Western, dressage, cutting, trails or anything in between, this is a fascinating conversation about becoming more thoughtful, skilled and effective with horses.

To find out more about Daniel Dauphin:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
For more information about upcoming Australian/New Zealand clinics:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/upcoming-clinics-events/oceania-clinic-tour/
To find out more about Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast:
https://dauphinhorsemanship.com/podcasts/?v=8bcc25c96aa5
To find out more about Dr Shelley Appleton and Kathryn Christieson:
https://www.cantertherapy.com.au

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Why blanket worming programs are becoming outdated
Understanding worm egg counts
Drug resistance and why it matters
Parasite management for foals versus adult horses
Tapeworms, bots and small strongyles
Practical paddock management strategies
The 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

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

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

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