The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Dr. Raquel Butler & Sophie Vandenberg

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. Episode 73: The Stay Apparatus - Forelimb Stability

    1 DAY AGO

    Episode 73: The Stay Apparatus - Forelimb Stability

    Forelimb Stay Apparatus: the system that lets a horse “lock out” the front leg for weight-bearing, sleep standing up, and absorb concussion on landing. If you’ve ever seen a knee buckle, a stumble, or a messy landing, this episode will help you connect the dots and gain practical solutions. In this episode we discuss: Key structures including the soft tissue and bony structures Signs of dysfunction so that you can identify these in your own horse Causes: sleep deprivation, muscle injury, proprioception issues, postural compensations (and more!) What you can do, including the principle behind the therapy or exercise so you can discern which is important for your horse!    Thankyou to this episode's sponsor: Dr Shelley Appleton of Calm Willing Confident Horses: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au Shelley offers clear, grounded guidance that helps people get unstuck, using a whole-horse view that supports behaviour, learning, and wellbeing. Programs, practical resources, and a membership community for horse owners. Use code RAQUEL10 at checkout to receive 10% of programs and resources Website: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au Contact:admin@calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au   To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?   Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    45 min
  2. Episode 72: Guest Jochen Schleese - Saddle Fitting

    8 FEB

    Episode 72: Guest Jochen Schleese - Saddle Fitting

    Did you know your saddle-fit is shaping your horse’s posture long before you see the classic “pain signs”? In this chat with master saddler, author, rider and educator Jochen Schleese (Saddlefit4Life), we unpack how saddle design and fit can either allow your horse to move freely… or quietly push a horse into compensations that later show up as behaviour changes, resistance, and movement issues.  Jochen generously explains a few methods that he teaches in his courses that you can take straight to the paddock and use to begin assessing whether your saddle fits your horse! To learn more about Jochen Schleese and his work:  https://saddlefit4lifeacademy.com/ facebook: Saddlefit 4 Life   To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?   Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    1h 17m
  3. Episode 71: Tales of the Tail

    1 FEB

    Episode 71: Tales of the Tail

    The tail tells a story. One that reflects biomechanics, comfort and health, much than most people realise. The tail is a communicatative area of the horse, and has basic functions like fly swatting and showing irritation, to neuromotor control and a relationship to the pelvic diaphragm. In this episode we discuss: Anatomy & function: muscles, nerves, fascia and connections to the spine, pelvic diaphragm & hamstrings. Reading tail behaviour: irritation, pain indicators, & behavioural communication Common tail-related problems: clamping, flaccidity, asymmetry, injury & compensatory postures 🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.  To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?   Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    40 min
  4. Episode 70: The Mare Matters: Posture, Health, and the Developing Foal

    25 JAN

    Episode 70: The Mare Matters: Posture, Health, and the Developing Foal

    Before we chat this week.. are you ready to take this knowledge into practice yet? The next EQ100 Equine Bodyworker Certification starts March 24th, Guyra NSW. Register at Equinology Australia or Email: equinologyoffice@gmail.com  Episode 70: The Mare Matters: Posture, Health, and the Developing Foal As this time of year in the southern hemisphere is foal season we are talking about awareness, responsibility, and practical considerations for supporting broodmares as whole, functional bodies. for their own wellbeing and for the long-term health of the foals they carry. We discuss:  The impact of broodmare nutrition, including evidence linking overnutrition and obesity to altered metabolic health in foals Broodmare challenges including previous injuries, asymmetry, pain and lumbosacropelvic dysfunction How reduced movement, housing and post-foaling management can affect recovery  To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?   Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    41 min
  5. Episode 69: Carrot Mobilisations Mistakes & Challenges

    18 JAN

    Episode 69: Carrot Mobilisations Mistakes & Challenges

    Learning information is valuable… but real change happens when you’re supported in applying it. If you want to confidently read your horse’s posture, connect the dots, and then actually influence how they move for the better - enrollment is now open for the  Equine Functional Posture Course. It’s the first program globally to combine comprehensive posture education with practical exercises that can target the whole body or specific areas and get personalised feedback from Dr. Raquel, so you don’t just learn some new information- you see real, visible change in your horse. Episode 68: Carrot Mobilisations  The aim of ground or static exercises is improved movement, comfort and function. Carrot stretches are one of the most recommended ground exercises by bodyworkers and trainers to their clients - we break down what makes a stretch effective so you aren't wasting your time! Simple on the surface, incredibly valuable when done well… surprisingly easy to get wrong! We discuss:  Common mistakes we see in practice; from snatching to leaning to twisting  What’s happening anatomically, and how spinal alignment (and what that even is!) is key How improvement in your ridden work depends on the quality not quantity of your stretch  Please - if you do carrot stretches or will in the future - do your horse a favour and have a listen!    To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    45 min
  6. Episode 68: Ear Twitching

    11 JAN

    Episode 68: Ear Twitching

    Just before we jump in today: a quick note: We have a FREE Posture & Behaviour Masterclass on the 18th of January at 8am - Sign up here!  Episode 68: Ear Twitching In this episode we look at why ear twitching is problematic, and importantly- the alternatives that exist for safe, ethical restraint and cooperative care. Why ear twitching is used: common contexts like husbandry, emergencies, and when behaviour escalates before proper training has been established. The Anatomy: Cartilage, cranial nerves, fine musculature, fascial connections, tympanohyoid joint, and how easily this region is damaged (espescially in foals). Functional & behavioural consequences: Including nerve irritation, altered ear movement, poll/TMJ tension, myodural involvement, aversive behaviours, head shyness. Better Alternatives: training & habituation, sedation when appropriate, foal control techniques, making reasonable accommodations, and understanding the underlying “why” behind resistance.   🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.  To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?   Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    41 min
  7. Episode 67: The Power of the Breath

    4 JAN

    Episode 67: The Power of the Breath

    If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 67: The Power of the Breath In this episode, we explore how breath affects the whole body, from posture and performance to nervous system regulation and long-term health. Why breathing is a key health indicator and one of the vital signs we should be observing at rest and during work How the respiratory system, diaphragm, ribs, spine, and core are deeply connected to posture and movement The unique way horses breathe, including locomotor–respiratory coupling in canter, gallop, and jumping What breathing patterns can tell us about brace, relaxation, fitness, and parasympathetic nervous system function We also share simple observational and ridden breathing exercises you can use to better understand your horse’s body, identify restriction, and support more relaxed, functional movement.

    44 min
  8. Episode 66: The Liberty Connection

    28/12/2025

    Episode 66: The Liberty Connection

    If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 66: The Liberty Connection  In this episode we explore the importance of observing posture during liberty work so we support both the horse’s physical wellbeing and their mind body connection. Our aim is to invite you to reflect on why you do liberty, what it means to you, and what true liberty means to the horse. What “freedom” really means for the horse, and how liberty can still ask for physically inappropriate work if posture is overlooked Using liberty, target training, and play to enhance body awareness without losing the horse to treats, pressure, or distraction Key postural considerations for tricks and movements like rearing, piaffe, spanish walk and obstacles 🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.  To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit: Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg: Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg  Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

    47 min
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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
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics & Dr. Raquel Butler 2024
  • Show Website
    The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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