The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Dr. Raquel Butler & Sophie Vandenberg
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Episode 95: ECVM: What does it mean for our horses?

    ECVM: What does it mean for our horses? Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation, or ECVM, is a congenital variation in the vertebrae at the base of the horse’s neck. While some affected horses may show few obvious signs, others can experience changes in stability, limb awareness, movement and behaviour that have serious implications for both horse and rider safety - this often correlates to whether the malformation is on one side of the neck, both sides of the neck or other structres such as the first rib are also malformed. In this interview style episode, Sophie asks Dr Raquel Butler to explain: What ECVM is and how it can affect the surrounding muscles, nerves and blood vessels How ECVM is currently diagnosed and why specific radiographic views are needed Subtle signs such as stumbling, unusual limb placement, asymmetrical movement and unexplained paddock accidents More advanced signs, including unpredictable behaviour, loss of body awareness and sudden episodes of flight What a diagnosis may mean for riding, training, competition, breeding and long-term management How postural strength, proprioception and careful observation may help support affected horses This is a complex and sometimes confronting subject, but awareness gives owners, riders and professionals a better chance of recognising when something does not feel right, investigating further and making informed decisions for both the horse and the people around them. 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

  2. Jul 12

    Episode 94: Assessing Postural Muscles: Controlled or Compensating?

    Assessing Postural Muscles: Controlled or Compensating? Today we’re talking about how to recognise whether your horse is developing true postural control through the spine. Deep spinal muscles can be difficult to assess directly, but we can begin to understand how well they are functioning by observing our horse's movement. In this episode, we explore: Why postural control is often the limiting factor in all kinds of training How balance and stability show up in small everyday movements What limb placement and weight shifting can tell us How you can watch and understand spinal control in deceleration and upward transitions How watching paddock postures can reveal whether training is improving everyday function Signs of spinal muscle fatigue; including brace and reduced co-orination Why functional spinal motion needs to come before more advanced exercises   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

  3. Jul 5

    Episode 93: The Nuchal Ligament

    The Nuchal Ligament - Could you describe it's function? Today we’re unpacking the nuchal ligament: what it does, how it works, and why it is often misunderstood for it's role in body mechanics. We also share insights from dissections about where issues can occur and how ribcage position is paramount! The nuchal ligament is a passive recoil support system that helps reduce the effort required to move and support the head and neck -which can be up to 90kg combined weight! But it does not actively lift the horse’s neck or back. That job still belongs to the muscles, thoracic sling, abdominals and deeper stabilising systems. In this episode, we explore: The anatomy and function of the nuchal ligament Why it acts as an energy-saving recoil system, not a “head holder” Signs the nuchal ligament system may be under strain or dysfunctional What we see clinically and in dissections How better posture, bodywork, saddle fit, feeding positions and training choices can support healthier function 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 93: The Nuchal Ligament

  4. Jun 28

    Episode 92: Un-Bridled Conversations- Horse Wellbeing and Biomechanics

    Un-Bridled Conversations- Horse Wellbeing and Biomechanics  In this episode, we explore bridleless and bitless riding as more than just an impressive training goal. We discuss what changes when the horse is no longer connected through the mouth, and how this can reveal important information about posture, balance, expression and comfort. We reflect on recent bridleless competition footage, the positive reception it received, and what it showed us about collection, jumping technique, stride regularity and self-carriage without relying on the bit. In this episode, we unpack: Why bitless and bridleless riding deserve a place as valid riding and competition options What a horse’s expression can tell us about comfort, pressure and conflict How the head, neck and mouth can influence stride length, rhythm and hind-end function Why bridleless riding still needs thoughtful, peaceful training foundations How removing the bridle can reveal a horse’s true neutral posture Anatomical considerations when using neck ropes or bridle-less aids.  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. Jun 21

    Episode 91: Who's responsibility is your horse's posture?

    Master the essential, proven, science-based tools to understand posture, movement and behaviour from the inside out - so you can create real, lasting change without overwhelm, pressure or confusion.  Enrol now and transform how you support your horse’s body, balance and wellbeing: Equine Functional Posture Course    WHO's responsibility is your horse's posture? Your horse’s posture is not something that can be fully outsourced. While your vet, bodyworker, trainer, hoof care provider and saddle fitter all play important roles, the daily observations and small consistent inputs from the owner are often what create lasting change. In this episode, we unpack: Why the horse owner’s role is irreplaceable in postural change How behaviour, posture and movement are forms of communication What parts of your horse’s progress cannot be outsourced Why bodywork creates opportunity, but the owner helps maintain change How daily exercises, warm-ups and observations support the “positive posture bank” How the Equine Functional Posture Course helps owners recognise, support and advocate for their 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 91: Who's responsibility is your horse's posture?

  6. Jun 14

    Episode 90: Activations: Waking Up Better Movement

    Master the essential, proven, science-based tools to understand posture, movement and behaviour from the inside out - so you can create real, lasting change without overwhelm, pressure or confusion.  Enrol now and transform how you support your horse’s body, balance and wellbeing: Equine Functional Posture Course    Activations: Waking Up Better Movement Activations are one of the ways we can help prepare the horse’s body for better posture, stability and movement. They are not just exercises to “switch muscles on”, but a way to improve awareness, motor control and the quality of muscle recruitment before and during work. In this episode, we unpack: What activations are and why they matter in postural rehabilitation How we carry out activations with specificity to target specific muscles How activations prime nerves and muscles for co-ordination and balance The difference between true activation and bracing Why rest, release and time under tension are so important Examples of activations including tail shifts, belly lifts and carrot stretches How activations fit into the bigger picture of assessment, exercise and reassessment   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 90: Activations: Waking Up Better Movement

  7. Jun 7

    Episode 89: Collaborative Rehab; Conversations With Your Veterinarian

    Discover The Hidden Physical Issues Behind 5 Common “Behavioural” Problems And How To Solve Them - Without More Pressure, Treatments Or Training Techniques   Register for my FREE Online Masterclass - Sunday June 14th  https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registrationpbmc   Collaborative Rehab; Conversations with Your Veterinarian! Today we are empowering you with the skills to create better conversations with your vet around rehabilitation, especially once a diagnosis has been made. We explore why a rest alone is not the same as rehab, how controlled loading and functional posture can support healing, and how owners can respectfully advocate for a more collaborative recovery plan. In this episode, we explore Questions you can ask your vet to guide the rehab conversation respectfully  How being proactive and taking responsibility as an owner allows your vet to help you the best they can How rest can reduce strength, stability and core function Why rehabilitation is about more than just walking the horse What therapeutic tools, exercises and knowledge you can access to have an excellent recovery journey When it may be appropriate to seek a second opinion or a vet with rehab experience   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

  8. May 31

    Episode 88: Healthy Head and Neck Posture

    Healthy Head and Neck Posture Head and neck position alone does not create self-carriage, collection, or correct biomechanics. Today we are discussing how the poll, jaw, neck muscles, cranial nerves, hyoid, nuchal ligament, back, and pelvis can all be affected when the head and neck are held in position rather than responding freely to whole-body posture. In this episode, we unpack: Why head position should be the result of whole-body organisation How thoracic sling, core, and hindlimb engagement support healthy flexion What can happen through the jaw, poll, throat latch, and upper neck when flexion is manufactured Why tension through the nuchal ligament can affect the back, neck, and hind end How fatigue can show up as heaviness, bracing, rushing, or loss of adjustability What owners can look for before, during, and after work Healthy head and neck posture is not about holding the horse in a shape. It is about supporting the body so the head and neck can become soft, adjustable, and free.  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 88: Healthy Head and Neck Posture
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

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
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics & Dr. Raquel Butler 2026
  • Show Website
    The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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