Equestrian sport performance isn’t just about the horse—or the rider. It’s about both.And it takes a team to support them as athletes.Hosted by Dr. Michelle Correia, a horse and human rehab specialist, and Dr. Rachel Buchholz, an equine sports medicine veterinarian, The Soundness Check delivers straight-talk conversations at the intersection of veterinary care, rider health, and sports performance.Each episode explores a different side of equestrian and equine sports medicine. Topics range from conditioning and injury prevention to biomechanics, rehab strategies, and balancing competitive equestrian life. With stories from the barn and the clinic, plus a touch of humor, this podcast blends science with real-world experience—making performance insights approachable and directly useful for riders, trainers, and equine professionals.Because when horse and rider are supported as athletes - both feel better and perform better.👉 Subscribe now and join us for a smarter, stronger ride.

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What actually happens during a sports medicine examination? Whether you&#39;re evaluating a horse or a rider, every assessment is about gathering meaningful information to understand the athlete in front of you. But while veterinarians and physical therapists approach that process differently, the goal remains the same: build the clinical picture before making treatment decisions.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz take listeners behind the scenes of their examination process, comparing the equine veterinary exam with the human physical therapy evaluation. From observation and visual assessment to hands-on assessment and objective measurements, they discuss what they&#39;re looking for, why each piece matters, and how those findings come together to guide clinical decision-making.Whether you&#39;re a horse owner, rider, trainer, or fellow clinician, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the thought process behind a thorough performance evaluation—and why the best treatment plans begin long before the first intervention.

Inside a Performance Exam: Building the Clinical Picture

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Joint injections are a valuable tool in equine sports medicine—but they shouldn&#39;t be considered routine maintenance or performed simply because a horse is &#34;due.&#34; Every injection should begin with a thorough clinical examination and a clear understanding of what problem is being treated.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz discuss the role of joint injections in equine sports medicine. They explore common misconceptions surrounding injections, why treatment decisions should always begin with a thorough clinical examination, and how veterinarians determine whether a horse is an appropriate candidate. The conversation also touches on the different categories of injectable therapies and how factors such as diagnosis, workload, and long-term performance goals influence treatment choices.Because successful sports medicine isn&#39;t about injecting a horse because they&#39;re &#34;due&#34;—it&#39;s about understanding the horse in front of you and choosing the right treatment at the right time.

"Maintenance" Joint Injections

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Overriding dorsal spinous processes—often referred to as &#34;kissing spines&#34;—can be an intimidating diagnosis for any horse owner. But what does it actually mean, and how does it influence performance?In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz discuss what overriding dorsal spinous processes are, why imaging findings don&#39;t always tell the whole story, and how clinical signs, physical examination, and rehabilitation all play an important role in determining the best treatment plan. Because a diagnosis is only one piece of the puzzle—and understanding the whole horse is what leads to the best decisions. **Quick disclaimer before you jump in: you&#39;ll hear Dr. Michelle accidentally say &#39;overarching spinous processes&#39; a few times throughout this episode. We promise she means overriding dorsal spinous processes—sometimes even sports medicine brains get ahead of themselves!**

Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes: Beyond the Diagnosis

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Rehabilitation comes in many forms, but not all rehab plans are created equal.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz compare and contrast the human and equine rehabilitation worlds while discussing the green flags and red flags they look for in a rehab plan. From passive treatments and exercise selection to communication, progression, and measurable goals, they break down what effective rehabilitation should actually look like.Whether you&#39;re recovering from an injury yourself or helping your horse return to performance, this episode will help you ask better questions and understand what separates a thoughtful rehabilitation program from one that may not be setting you up for long-term success.

Red Flags in Rehab

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When performance changes show up, it’s not always easy to know where the problem is coming from. Is it a training limitation, a communication issue, fatigue, weakness—or an underlying medical concern? And how do you start telling the difference?In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz unpack how they evaluate performance or behavior changes in sport horses. They discuss the subtle signs that can point toward a medical issue, as well as the situations where training, workload, or communication may be contributing to the problem instead.Because not every change in behavior under saddle requires medical intervention—but involving your team early when something changes can make all the difference in catching issues before they become bigger problems.

Is it a Training Issue or a Medical Issue?

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In the Season 2 premiere of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz dive into best practices around diagnostic imaging in the sport horse, including when imaging is helpful, how to avoid over-interpreting findings, and why clinical context matters just as much as the image itself. Sponsored by <a href="https://hallmarq.net/us/products/standing-equine-mri/" rel="nofollow">Hallmarq Standing Equine MRI</a>, this episode explores how advanced imaging fits into modern sports medicine and how riders, trainers, and owners can get the most out of the diagnostic process.Because imaging should support decision-making—not replace it.

From Image to Insight- Getting the Most Out of Diagnostic Imaging

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Not every performance problem in the ring comes from a musculoskeletal issue!In the Season 1 finale of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) dig into the hidden factors that quietly impact performance — from GI dysfunction and respiratory limitations to neurological or systemic muscle issues. They discuss how these subtle signs can show up as small performance changes, why they’re easy to miss, and how to start investigating what’s really going on beneath the surface.Because understanding performance means looking beyond the obvious — and sometimes, what you can’t see is what matters most.If you have any follow up questions OR an episode topic request for next season- let us know! You can contact us here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stablebodypt/" rel="nofollow">Dr. Michelle Correia</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/doctorrachelb/" rel="nofollow">Dr. Rachel Buchholz</a>

Hidden Causes of Poor Performance in the Equine Athlete

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Just because a horse is aging doesn’t mean their athletic career is over. But keeping senior athletes performing well takes a different approach.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) talk about what it takes to keep aging horses sound, strong, and happy in their work. From managing joint health and medical histories- to adjusting conditioning programs and expectations- they share insights on how to support horses through each stage of their athletic lifespan.Because aging is inevitable—but decline doesn’t have to be.

Managing the Aging Equine Athlete: Keeping Experience in the Game

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In today&#39;s world there’s no shortage of tools marketed to help horses recover and perform better. But what does the science actually say?In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) unpack the complex world of at-home and owner-accessible modalities. They discuss why equine research can be challenging, what evidence we do have, and how to think critically about when and how to use different options.It’s not about dismissing any tools—it’s about understanding where they fit, what they can (and can’t) do, and how to make informed choices for both horse and rider.

Therapies That Work (And Some That Don't) - Sorting Fact From Trend

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Rest isn’t the absence of work—it’s a vital part of performance management.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) dive into what intentional rest really means for both horse and rider. We talk about how to strategically fit recovery into training, what rest really looks like for the competitive sport horse, and how to use downtime to build stronger, more resilient athletes on both sides of the partnership.From recognizing early signs of overtraining to finding balance between effort and recovery, this episode helps you understand the importance of rest for both horse and human.

Intentional Rest: How to Plan Your Time Off for You and Your Horse

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Rehabilitation isn’t just about rest—it’s about rebuilding strength, resilience, and confidence in a way that lasts.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) break down what real rehabilitation should look like for both horses and riders. (spoiler: it should be PROGRESSIVE!) We dig into recovery timelines, how to safely progress after injury, and what to do when setbacks happen along the way.Whether you’re bringing a horse back from lameness or recovering from your own injury, this episode gives you practical insights on how to navigate the rehab process without losing sight of long-term performance goals.

What your Rehab Plan SHOULD look like

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Soreness and weakness can look the same—but the way you respond to them should be very different.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) explore how to tell the difference between weakness that requires targeted training and soreness that won’t improve by pushing through. We share how these issues show up in both horses and riders, why they’re often confused, and the best ways to decide when it’s time to pause and recover—or build resilience with the right work.Because knowing the difference is key to long-term performance and soundness.

When to Push and When to Pause

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Most riders don’t have hours that they can spend in the gym—and that’s okay. But your strength, balance, and movement patterns still shape how your horse performs every single ride.In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz talk about why rider fitness is often overlooked, how it directly affects the horse, and simple, realistic ways to build strength and stability outside the saddle.Because supporting your horse starts with supporting yourself.

The Forgotten Athlete

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When we talk about a “sound” horse or rider, what do we actually mean? In this episode, Dr. Michelle Correia (horse + human physio) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine vet) break down the many layers of soundness—beyond just “not being lame.” From movement quality and performance capacity to recovery and resilience, we dig into how vets and physios define soundness differently, and why that matters for equestrians.You’ll hear:<ul><li>How soundness goes beyond a clean flexion test</li><li>Why horses and riders can be “not injured” but still not fully sound</li><li>Early red flags to watch for in both horse and rider</li><li>How supporting both athletes creates better performance and longevity</li></ul> Because true soundness isn&#39;t determined just by one singular test - it is a thorough and continued assessment of horse movement and performance.

What IS Soundness?

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Welcome to The Soundness Check! In this introductory episode, hosts Dr. Michelle Correia (horse and human rehab specialist) and Dr. Rachel Buchholz (equine sports medicine veterinarian) share their backgrounds, why they started this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.We talk about our journeys in equestrian sports medicine, the gap we see between horse and rider care, and our shared goal of making performance science accessible, practical, and fun. To find Dr. Michelle Correia:<a href="http://www.stablebodypt.com" rel="nofollow"> Stable Body PT</a> or on instagram as @stablebodyptTo find Dr. Rachel Buchholz: <a href="https://equinepi.com" rel="nofollow">Northwest Equine Performance</a> or on instagram @doctorrachelb

The Team Behind the Soundness Check

Equestrian sport performance isn’t just about the horse—or the rider. It’s about both.

And it takes a team to support them as athletes.

Hosted by *Dr. Michelle Correia* , a horse and human rehab specialist, and *Dr. Rachel Buchholz* , an equine sports medicine veterinarian, The Soundness Check delivers straight-talk conversations at the intersection of veterinary care, rider health, and sports performance.

Each episode explores a different side of equestrian and equine sports medicine. Topics range from conditioning and injury prevention to biomechanics, rehab strategies, and balancing competitive equestrian life. With stories from the barn and the clinic, plus a touch of humor, this podcast blends science with real-world experience—making performance insights approachable and directly useful for riders, trainers, and equine professionals.

Because when horse and rider are supported as athletes - both feel better and perform better.

👉 Subscribe now and join us for a smarter, stronger ride.