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 82: Sleep Deprivation and Posture

    30M AGO

    Episode 82: Sleep Deprivation and Posture

    Sleep Deprivation and Posture Sleep deprivation in horses is a serious welfare issue, and one that can easily be missed or mistaken for something else. In this episode, we unpack what normal sleep looks like in the horse, why REM sleep matters so much, and some of the reasons a horse may not be getting the rest they need. We talk through the difference between standing rest, laying sleep, and REM sleep, and why the ability to comfortably get down to the ground and back up again matters more than many people realise. We also explore how pain, physical dysfunction, group housing dynamics, space, footing, and environmental stress can all influence whether a horse feels safe and able to sleep properly. In this episode, we unpack: What normal sleep patterns look like in horses, including standing rest, recumbent sleep, and REM sleep Why foals and young horses need much more sleep, and why REM sleep is essential for recovery and nervous system function Common causes of sleep deprivation, including pain, chronic discomfort, difficulty lying down or getting up, and environmental stress How sleep deprivation can show up through collapse episodes, fatigue, reduced focus, stress, pain sensitivity, and emotional dysregulation Why whole-body posture is so important for the horse's stay apparatus - providing stability during standing sleep and rest What owners can do to improve comfort, safety, and sleep opportunities for their horse This is an important conversation for horse owners because sleep deprivation is not just a behaviour issue. It is a welfare issue, and one that deserves attention when a horse is not coping physically or emotionally.   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

    34 min
  2. Episode 81: Rebuilding Well: Bringing a Horse Back Into Work

    APR 12

    Episode 81: Rebuilding Well: Bringing a Horse Back Into Work

    Rebuilding Well: Bringing a Horse Back Into Work Strap yourself in - this is an episode where you are going to want to take notes! Today we are talking through how to bring a horse back into work without rushing the process and risking injury. Within 3 months of no work a horse's body looses their fitness. Fitness and strength is represented by physiological changes in the muscles and cells that increase energy storage, oxygen delivery and energy use efficiency. This lack of fitness means a loss of endurance, loss of strength, and reduced capacity to handle work safely. Today we aim to give you a specific roadmap including session length, intensity, frequency to bring your horse back into work safely! This conversation is especially relevant for broodmares after a foal, or any horse coming back into work without an injury but with a body that still needs thoughtful reconditioning. It will be useful resource for every single person who rides a horse. In this episode, we unpack: Why 6 to 8 weeks is a realistic minimum timeline for rebuilding baseline fitness and why it is integral for injury prevention and your horse's wellbeing What to assess before you begin, including posture, core strength, laterality, and old compensations How to structure the first few weeks with stability, balance, neuromuscular control, and short, effective sessions When and how to introduce more trot, canter, and higher intensity work without overdoing it (including how long your increases in intensity should be)   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
  3. Episode 80: Guest Trisha Mccagh - What Horses Really Think

    APR 5

    Episode 80: Guest Trisha Mccagh - What Horses Really Think

    Episode 80: Guest Animal Communicator Trisha McCagh - What Horses Really Think Trisha McCagh is a world renowned Animal Communicator  - she has communicated with almost all animals you can think of and has so many amazing stories as well as being recommended by Veterinarians! Today we discuss the profound communication between humans and horses. Discover how animals reflect our purpose, teach us about authenticity, and share their wisdom through subtle behaviors and telepathic connection. This conversation goes far beyond the idea of animals simply “behaving” or “misbehaving”. Trisha shares her perspective on animals as deeply aware beings who are constantly observing us, responding to our intentions, and communicating through emotion, behaviour, energy, and relationship. In this episode, we cover: How animals may communicate about purpose, relationship, and what they are here to teach us including simplicity, fun, authenticity, and presence Why horses may respond differently when relationship comes before performance and the importance of spending time with your horse with no expectation or agenda How labelling horses can interfere with understanding their behaviour Why communication, trust, and cooperative care matter in handling and treatment If you have ever wondered whether animals are trying to tell us more than we realise, or how to build a quieter, more honest relationship with your horse, Trisha's knowledge will help you achieve just that. You can find out more about Trisha McCagh at: ~  https://animaltalk.com.au/ ~ Animal Talk Podcast With Trisha McCagh

    1h 14m

  4. MAR 29

    Episode 79: Rehabilitating Tendon Injuries

    Rehabilitating Tendon Injuries  Tendon injuries can be one of the more frustrating and drawn-out issues to navigate. Many horse owners are given a basic plan of confinement and gradual turnout, but true rehabilitation needs far more. Today we unpack tendon rehabilitation from a whole-body perspective, including why these injuries happen, how posture and loading patterns influence healing, and why the quality of the rehab plan matters just as much as the diagnosis itself. Our most important takeaway - the tendon is usually not the primary issue! In this episode, we discuss: Why a proper disagnosis and injury grading from the beginning is important and how this information influences your rehabilitation plan depending on the type: tendon, ligament, sheath, and strain injuries Why tendon injuries are often not just a local problem, but part of a bigger picture involving posture, hoof balance, thoracic sling function, pelvic mechanics, and overall limb loading How controlled movement, targeted exercises, appropriate tools, and structured progression can support better healing, reduce scar tissue, and lower the risk of re-injury   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

    34 min

  5. MAR 22

    Episode 78: Reading Sacro-Pelvic Alignment (Before you blame conformation…)

    Ready to create lasting change for your horse? Join the Equine Functional Posture course: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/efp Reading Sacro-pelvic Alignment (Before you blame conformation…) The lumbosacropelvic area is one of the key regions involved in propulsion, swing, and hind end function, but it is also an area that is often mis-interpreted In this episode, we unpack how to begin reading sacro-pelvic alignment, what a more neutral and functional pelvis looks like, and why posture is so often mistaken for conformation. In this episode, we discuss: Why posture and conformation are not the same thing What a more neutral and functional pelvic alignment looks like How to observe sacro-pelvic inclination from the side when the horse is standing square What a more flexed or “tucked” pelvis may mean for stride length and propulsion What a flatter or more extended lumbosacral posture may tell you about engagement and swing Practical ways to support healthier pelvic function through movement variety, hoof care, posture, and bodywork  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

    39 min
  6. Episode 77: The Pendulous Belly: Why Your Gelding Gets Mistaken For A Broodmare!

    MAR 16

    Episode 77: The Pendulous Belly: Why Your Gelding Gets Mistaken For A Broodmare!

    A quick note about a breakthrough educational session: FREE Posture & Behaviour Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving OR Communicating? Discover the hidden physcial issues behind 5 common "behavioural" problems - and how to solve them.  Register now - Choose your time below; Wednesday 18th March 8am Aus Daylight Time (Syd/Melb) -  Tuesday 17th 5pm EST, 2pm PST, 9pm GMT, 10pm CET  Wednesday 18th March 8pm Aus Daylight Time (Syd/Melb) - Wednesday 19th 2am PST, 5am EST, 9am GMT, 10am CET  The Pendulous Belly We have all mistaken a very not-pregnant horse for one who looks ready to pop out a foal! A low, wide and swinging belly is something many horse owners notice, but often brush off as a 'hay belly', excess fat, or lack of fitness. Today we unpack what it can reflect about your horse’s core function, posture, movement, and internal health. We also explain actionable ways to support better abdominal function through movement, feeding, training - so your horse can look like a beach babe!  In this episode, we discuss: Common contributing factors including age, weakness, nutrition, parasites, metabolic issues, abdominal strain, tack fit, and post-partum changes How your horse's living environment is the best way to keep their internal and external belly feeling good  How the movement and eating habits of wild horses have informed some of our best pathways to maintaining core function and strength   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

    42 min
  7. Episode 76: Lunging - Yes or No?

    MAR 8

    Episode 76: Lunging - Yes or No?

    A quick note about a breakthrough educational session: FREE Posture & Behaviour Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving OR Communicating? Discover the hidden physcial issues behind 5 common "behavioural" problems - and how to solve them.  Register now - Choose your time below; Wednesday 18th March 8am Aus Daylight Time (Syd/Melb) -  Tuesday 17th 5pm EST, 2pm PST, 9pm GMT, 10pm CET  Wednesday 18th March 8pm Aus Daylight Time (Syd/Melb) - Wednesday 19th 2am PST, 5am EST, 9am GMT, 10am CET Lunging - Yes or No? Not all lunging is equal - and we believe that it can be very powerful in the right context. Today we unpack how to move beyond “sending them 'round” and start using long lead work as a more supportive, thoughtful way to improve balance, posture and connection.  We discuss how why rushing, falling out/in, bracing, or being completely automatic is useful feedback about how the horse is coping in their body. We also reiterate how lunging aids that shape the head and neck may create a picture in the moment, but do not create lasting postural change. In this episode, we unpack: Why lunging should be more than just “getting the fizz out” The difference between automated movement and connected movement Why small, uncontrolled circles can be a problem The value of helping the horse find balance, body awareness and self-carriage How supportive long lead work can improve observation, posture and pre-ride feedback Why going slower, and going back to foundations, often gets you further   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

    55 min
  8. Episode 75: Guest Jane Clothier - BEMER

    MAR 1

    Episode 75: Guest Jane Clothier - BEMER

    This week we are joined by Dr Jane Clothier (creator of The Horse’s Back blog and founder of Equine Healthworks) to unpack BEMER; (Bio-Electro-Energy-Regulation) - a low-frequency PEMF (Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field) device designed to support microcirculation and tissue function. Dr Jane has a deep appreciation for functional posture. Her work aims to improve how the body self organises, to improve comfort and develop more sustainable movement patterns by helping to create the conditions in the body for the horse's own health to express freely. This episode really explores how subtle healing can be. As Jane tells us: 'you don’t need a sledgehammer to crack a nut'. We discuss: The body as an orchesta of finely tuned, sycnhronised systems  BEMER mechanisms: improving vasomotion to support microcirculation  What Vasomotion is compared with Vasodilation (a common benefit in bodywork) Jane’s observations + case examples.   You can find Dr Jane here:https://thehorsesback.com/ https://www.facebook.com/equinehealthworks   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?

    1h 10m
See All (83)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 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
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics & Dr. Raquel Butler 2024
  • Show Website
    The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

You Might Also Like