The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

• 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]

  --------  

  46:47
• 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]

  --------  

  44:27
• 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]

  --------  

  1:09:23
• Episode 31: Long and Low - Effects on Posture

  Welcome to the Equine Functional Posture Podcast Episode 31: Long and Low- Effects of Posture If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to share with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse! Long and low—it's a widely recognized exercise, but what does it truly achieve? Some swear by it for relaxation and strengthening, while others dismiss it as detrimental. The reality? It all comes down to execution and context. In this episode, we dive deep into the biomechanics of long and low, exploring how it can be a powerful tool when done correctly—but also how it can create physical strain when applied without proper foundation. Through personal experiences and multiple perspectives, we’ll discuss: The difference between telescoping the neck and hanging it down and forward from the body The key role of core stability in functional engagement Common pitfalls—why some horses struggle and how to recognize quality movement How to assess whether long and low is appropriate for your horse Long and low isn’t a quick fix or a universal solution—it requires mindful application. Join us as we challenge misconceptions, offer practical takeaways, and help you refine your approach for a healthier, more balanced horse. 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? Email us at: [email protected]

  --------  

  39:35
• Episode 30: Part 2 of 2: Developing Core Strength

  If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to 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: Developing Core Strength Tune in with Dr Raquel and Sophie as a follow up to Part 1: Recognising Core Strength- learning the signs of good and poor core health in your horse. In Part 2 we explore the foundations of how to develop the horses core, postural endurance, and strength at stretch in horses and riders. The discussion emphasizes developing a core that automatically engages, supports spinal alignment, and sustains movement throughout training. We also discuss how flexibility, stability, and mobility must work together for optimal performance and injury prevention. Key Points Discussed: Core Function (and what this really means) Strength at Stretch Groundwork & In-Hand Exercises for Core Activation Saddle Fit, Rider Awareness & Connection Progressive Strength & Endurance Training 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]

  --------  

  46:29

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Equine Functional Posture Podcast