The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Dr. Raquel Butler & Sophie Vandenberg
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This podcast is created by Dr. Raquel Butler from Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics and Sophie Vandenberg from Equine Posturelate. Dr. Raquel is a Biomechanical Medicine Veterinarian and Educator. Sophie is an Equine Science graduate and has studied Equine Osteopathy. This podcast is your ultimate source for insights into the influences of functional posture on biomechanics, health and overall well-being of horses . Tune in each week as we discuss practical tips, delve into expert interviews and explore the latest research in the impact of static and dynamic posture on your horse journey. To Learn more about Dr Raquel visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedVetherapeutics Website: https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/about To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091267906532 Join our community of proactive horse people exploring the world of equine functional posture - our next course begins November 2024!! To view the course visit: https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/store Have any questions? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

  1. 5 days ago

    Episode 103 - Guest: Sharon May Davis - Grading ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation

    Episode 103 - Guest: Sharon May Davis - Grading ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation ECVM is more than simply identifying an anatomical variation in the lower cervical spine. In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg are joined by Dr. Sharon May-Davis PhD to explore the history, research and grading of Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM), and what different presentations may mean for the individual horse. We discuss: How ECVM was first identified and how the research has developed How the C6 grading system works and why Grade 4 horses may require further support and investigation The difference between unilateral and bilateral ECVM presentations clinically How changes to the longus colli may influence cervical stability, posture and movement Early signs to observe including tripping, toe dragging, hypersensitivity and unusual behaviour Why early investigation, appropriate management and responsible breeding decisions matter To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    Episode 103 - Guest: Sharon May Davis - Grading ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation

  2. 6 Sept

    Episode 102: Equine Pain Part 2- Understanding Pain: More Than Just Tissue Damage

    Pain management in horses is rarely about finding one single treatment. In this episode, we explore how pain can be managed more holistically, why different types of pain may respond differently to treatment, and how movement, environment and daily management can all influence comfort and recovery. We discuss: Why pain management needs to be individualised to the horse Why a “bute trial” cannot always rule pain in or out The role of movement, rehabilitation and functional posture in reducing discomfort How environment, nutrition, sleep and recovery can influence pain Why behaviour can be an important form of communication How small, positive changes can support comfort, confidence and quality of life To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

  3. 30 Aug

    Episode 101: Equine Pain Part 1- Understanding Pain: More Than Just Tissue Damage

    Pain in horses is not simply a direct measure of tissue damage. In this episode, we explore what pain actually is, how the nervous system contributes to the pain experience, and why persistent pain can become much more complex than simply finding an injured structure. We discuss: Acute pain versus persistent or chronic pain Why pain can continue after tissues have healed How previous experiences can influence future pain responses Central sensitisation and an increasingly sensitive nervous system The biological, psychological, social, environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence pain How pain may appear through changes in behaviour, posture, movement and facial expression To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    Episode 101: Equine Pain Part 1- Understanding Pain: More Than Just Tissue Damage

  4. 23 Aug

    Episode 100: Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis... Or Something Else?

    A dropped fetlock is often associated with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), but does a sinking fetlock always indicate this degenerative disease? Today we explore the current research around DSLD, discuss where the evidence is strong, where it remains uncertain, and why whole-body posture and loading may be an important part of the picture. We discuss Suspensory ligament, pelvic and spinal function influences on distal limb loading Diagnostic limitations, training surfaces, hoof balance and inflammation Practical ways to support a horse who has sinking fetlocks A key question throughout the episode: are we sometimes diagnosing a degenerative ligament disorder when we are actually seeing the consequences of chronic postural dysfunction and inappropriate loading? To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

  5. 16 Aug

    Episode 99: Growth Plates: More than just an age - Part 2: Loading vs Overloading

    When should we start riding a young horse? There are strong opinions at both ends of the spectrum: start them young so the body adapts to load, or wait until the growth plates have closed before riding. In Part 2 of our growth plate series, we look at why the answer is much more individual than simply choosing an age. We discuss the difference between loading and overloading, and why skeletal maturity alone doesn’t necessarily mean a horse is physically prepared to carry a rider. In this episode we explore: How young horses can be conditioned before they are ridden Straight lines, proprioceptive exercises, transitions and varied surfaces Building core strength, joint stability and body awareness Recognising fatigue and changes in posture under load Why recovery time matters as bone adapts to exercise The importance of hoof care, saddle fit, bodywork and the horse’s environment Exercises and loading patterns to be cautious with during growth   To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

  6. 9 Aug

    Episode 98: Growth Plates: More Than Just an Age – Part 1: Understanding the Growing Horse

    Growth plates are central to skeletal development, but there is much more to them than simply knowing when they “close”. Today we are explaining what growth plates are, how bones grow, and the factors that influence healthy development. We discuss: When different parts of the equine skeleton mature What “open” and “closed” growth plates really mean Nutrition, growth rate and developmental orthopaedic diseases The importance of hoof balance, appropriate loading and posture How bone continues to remodel after growth plates close In Part 2, we’ll apply this information specifically to starting and training horses. To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    Episode 98: Growth Plates: More Than Just an Age – Part 1: Understanding the Growing Horse

  7. 2 Aug

    Episode 97: Transitioning horses to barefoot - GUEST Annette Kaitinis

    Transitioning a horse from metal shoes to barefoot can be incredibly rewarding, but it is rarely as simple as removing the shoes and hoping for the best. Guest  Annette Kaitinis, co-founder of Scoot Boot, joins us to discuss what makes for a successful transition, and how she believes nearly all horses can have a comfortable booted or barefoot lifestyle with enough patience and a well-planned management approach.  Together, they discuss: Where to begin when considering a barefoot transition Why the condition of the hoof can influence how long the process takes The importance of working with a qualified barefoot professional How nutrition, movement, terrain and trimming cycles affect hoof health Why some horses require boots or additional cushioning throughout the transition Common hoof boot fitting mistakes and how fit can change during a trimming cycle How hoof comfort can influence stride length, posture and tension throughout the body Whether hoof boots can provide suitable long-term protection How Scoot Boot’s sizing app and fitting support can help owners select the right boot This conversation is a practical reminder that successful barefoot management is not about leaving a horse unprotected. It is about providing the trimming, nutrition, movement, environment and protection the individual horse needs to remain comfortable and functional.    To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    Episode 97: Transitioning horses to barefoot - GUEST Annette Kaitinis

  8. 26 Jul

    Episode 96: ECVM Guest & Horse Owner Kate Schreiber

    Bronson was a striking and successful performance horse, but behind his appearance and achievements was a long history of unusual behaviour, sensory changes, recurring injuries and physical challenges that escalated over 10 years. In this episode, we speak with Bronson’s dedicated owner, Kate Schreiber, about his Grade 4 ECVM diagnosis and recent dissection. Kate shares Bronson's story and his legacy of ECVM awareness and advocacy for horses everywhere.  We discuss: Aggression, bolting and difficulty interacting within a herd Persistent ulcers that remained despite extensive management Unusual reactions to grooming, needles, hosing, rugging The rehab, farriery and management strategies that appeared to support him The difficulty Kate faced when pursuing an ECVM diagnosis Knowing when to keep encouraging a horse and when it is time to stop Bronson’s story is also an important reminder: you know your horse’s normal, their quirks and the small changes that others may not see. Those observations matter, and your advocacy makes a difference for your horse.  To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary TherapeuticsWebsite: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    Episode 96: ECVM Guest & Horse Owner Kate Schreiber
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About

This podcast is created by Dr. Raquel Butler from Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics and Sophie Vandenberg from Equine Posturelate. Dr. Raquel is a Biomechanical Medicine Veterinarian and Educator. Sophie is an Equine Science graduate and has studied Equine Osteopathy. This podcast is your ultimate source for insights into the influences of functional posture on biomechanics, health and overall well-being of horses . Tune in each week as we discuss practical tips, delve into expert interviews and explore the latest research in the impact of static and dynamic posture on your horse journey. To Learn more about Dr Raquel visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedVetherapeutics Website: https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/about To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091267906532 Join our community of proactive horse people exploring the world of equine functional posture - our next course begins November 2024!! To view the course visit: https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/store Have any questions? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Raquel Butler & Sophie Vandenberg
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics & Dr. Raquel Butler 2026
  • Show Website
    The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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