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Episode 60: The Story of Compensation

Compensation is one of the most powerful clues a horse gives us about what their body is dealing with. Whether it’s pain, imbalance, instability, or simply an adaptation that once helped but now hinders. In this episode, we explore how compensation patterns form, how they evolve over time, and why understanding them is essential for effective bodywork, posture rehabilitation, and long-term soundness.

Here’s what we cover:

What compensation is and how primary issues create normalised patterns of movement for protection, stability, and comfort.

Types of compensation patterns: functional vs dysfunctional, transient vs established, isolated vs whole-body, and why they’re such an important diagnostic puzzle.

What happens when we release compensation, the “fall-apart” phase, why deeper issues emerge, and the role of muscle activation, targeted rehab, and taping.

When to release vs when to leave compensation in place, and how teamwork, timing, and owner skill determine successful long-term outcomes.

🎓 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?

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