The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

• Episode 36: Considering Body Dysfunction as a Cause of Bad Behaviour

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!! This week, we explore how so-called “bad behaviour” in horses is often not behavioural at all. Horses respond to their internal state. If they feel unstable, sore, or restricted, they will try to communicate — sometimes with behaviours we label as "naughty," "lazy," or "resistant." What You’ll Learn: Why physical discomfort is often overlooked as a root cause of 'bad' behaviour How common advice (more pressure, spurs, stronger aids) can escalate the problem Why behaviour is communication — and how to listen with your eyes and hands Sophie and Raquel share real-world examples where functional movement improving transformed long-standing behavioural challenges Before blaming your horse — or yourself we discuss how to pause and consider: 👉 Could this be physical? 👉 Who can help assess the horse’s body? (Vet, bodyworker, hoof care, dentist) 👉 What tools are available to me to solve this problem? (e.g. Use tools like the Sue Dyson ethogram to spot pain) 🎓 Want to learn more?Keep an eye out for the upcoming Equine Posture Behaviour Masterclass (a recorded webinar). Want to join us on our mission to empower horse people across the world with the skills they need to create their horse's best posture... join our next cohort of the Equine Functional Posture Course! https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/ To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler 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 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: [email protected]

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• Episode 35: Every Muscle Matters: Building True Balance in the Horse

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!! Welcome to Episode35 : Every Muscle Matters: Building True Balance in the Horse Tune in with Dr Raquel and Sophie as we discussing the appreciation of all of the muscles in the horse and a reminder not to get lost in the focus! In this episode of the Equine Functional Posture Podcast, we explore why every muscle — not just the big movers — matters for your horse’s balance, performance, and longevity. Learn how the often-overlooked stabilizers and lesser known muscles shape posture and movement or tell a story, and get practical tips to assess, support, and strengthen your horse's whole body for true functional soundness. An orchestra where every instrument matters — harmony depends on all players. Key Points Discussed: Why Every Muscle Matters Balance = Beauty in Motion Training and Therapy Perspectives & the importance of developing the entire functional system Practical tips for assessing muscle balance Observe the horse as a whole, stay curious, and collaborate with your horses professionals. Every muscle has a role with balance being a dynamic interplay to encourage a improved performance and greater longevity. Want to join us on our mission to empower horse people across the world with the skills they need to create their horse's best posture... join our next cohort of the Equine Functional Posture Course. https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/ To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler 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 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: [email protected]

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• Episode 34: The Thoracic Sling Part 2 of 2

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!! Welcome to Episode : Part 2 of 2: The Thoracic Sling Tune in with Dr Raquel and Sophie as a follow up to Part 1: The Thoracic Sling- to enable you to help your horse develop a strong and functional thoracic sling In Part 2 of the Equine Functional Podcast series on the thoracic sling, the conversation moves into practical strategies for identifying, supporting, and rehabilitating sling dysfunction in horses. Building on the foundational knowledge from Part 1, this episode explores how compromised thoracic sling function shows up under saddle and in-hand, and what owners, trainers, and therapists can do about it. The importance of slow, mindful conditioning and specific exercises to encourage lift and stability is emphasized, helping horses move more comfortably and efficiently. Key Points Discussed: Recognizing Thoracic Sling Dysfunction in Work Issues that affect Thoracic Function: Evaluating the thoracic sling Rehabilitation & strengthening Strategies Understanding the function and ways of aiding the thoracic sling is integral to the performance, posture and wellbeing of your horse in creating soundness and longevity! Want to join us on our mission to empower horse people across the world with the skills they need to create their horse's best posture... join our next cohort of the Equine Functional Posture Course. https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/ To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler 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 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: [email protected]

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• Episode 33: The Thoracic Sling Part 1 of 2

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!! Welcome to Episode : Part 1 of 2: The Thoracic Sling Tune in with Dr Raquel and Sophie as a follow up to Part 1: The Thoracic Sling- learning the signs of good and poor thoracic sling health and function in your horse. The episode explains the sling’s anatomy, its role in posture and movement, and why dysfunctions here can lead to significant performance and soundness issues. Practical insights are shared on how poor thoracic sling function can present in horses, including compensatory patterns, and how bodywork and correct training can help restore proper function. Key Points Discussed: What the Thoracic Sling Is Why it matters A breakdown of the anatomical structures and functions Signs and causes of Dysfunction Thoracic sling health ties directly into overall posture, limb loading patterns and long-term soundness Want to join us on our mission to empower horse people across the world with the skills they need to create their horse's best posture... join our next cohort of the Equine Functional Posture Course. https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/ To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler 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 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: [email protected]

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• Episode 32: Guest Emma Loftus discussing the effects of pullbacks.

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow us and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!! Welcome to Episode 32: Guest - Emma Loftus Biodynamic CranioSacral Human and Equine Therapist discussing the implications of horses pulling back Emma Loftus, a registered Biodynamic Craniosacral practitioner, has extensively studied equine anatomy and therapy, including Equine CranioSacral Workshops and dissections . In her practice, she addresses trauma in horses through a biodynamic lens, focusing on gentle principles to support healing. "The impact of head trauma and pullbacks cannot be spoken about enough. Affecting, breathing, vascular flow, cognition, neck movement, eye movement, proprioception, and an inability to access a baseline due to the deep tension and torsion that severe forces can have on the nervous system." Emma Loftus Key Points : Physical Impact of Pulling Back Importance of Addressing Trauma to avoid long term implications Preventative Measures to minimize the risk of pull-back incidents Emma and Shae Stewart from Equine Balance are hosting an in-depth FREE webinar coming up on May 9th AEST. They will further discuss headshaking and pullbacks in their webinar as well! FREE WEBINAR ON PULL-BACK INJURIES IN HORSES, recorded. Time: May 8, 2025 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Save the Zoom Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89144425016... To learn more about Emma emmaloftuscraniosacral.com.au Facebook: Emma Loftus Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for Horses & Humans Want to join us on our mission to empower horse people across the world with the skills they need to create their horse's best posture... join our next cohort of the Equine Functional Posture Course. https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/ To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler 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 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about? Email us at: [email protected]

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