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." 

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]

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:

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]

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:

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]

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

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]

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

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]

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:

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]

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.

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]

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 1 of 2: Recognising Core Strength

Join Dr Raquel and Sophie and explore the core's vital role to healthy movement. A strong core is necessary(!!) for creating spinal stability and self carriage. Dysfunctional compensatory movement often develops when the core musculature is unable to engage and work to support the spine, and one of the best skills you can have is being able to observe whether your horse is using their core correctly - tune in and learn the key things to look for!

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]

Welcome to the Equine Functional Posture Podcast Episode 28: Vets and Bodywork

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!

 Veterinarians play a crucial role in equine health, but with limited time and a strong focus on evidence-based treatment, their approach is often symptom-driven. With a growing vet shortage in Australia, there’s a need for better collaboration between vets and skilled bodyworkers. However, many vets hesitate to recommend due to a lack of regulations and familiarity with the benefits of bodywork.

This episode explores how bodywork can enhance veterinary care, the importance of industry standards for bodyworkers, and why an integrated approach offers the best outcome for equine well-being.

Key points: 

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? No prior skills necessary.. join our next cohort!

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 us discuss?

Email us at: [email protected]

Welcome to Episode 27: Three Observations to Develop your Eye for posture in Motion

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!!

In this episode, we dive into three quick and effective assessments you can do today to evaluate your horse’s movement and posture. By observing from both behind and in front, you can gather valuable insights to enhance your understanding of biomechanics.

Why It Matters:

Key points: 

Observation of the following across the gaits

Head and neck position, pelvic motion, and limb alignment are key indicators of balance and posture in motion. Observing consistency across these areas provides insight into movement efficiency and potential issues. The more you observe, the better you become at detecting subtle changes that could impact your horse’s performance and well-being.

Tune in to learn how to refine your assessment skills and develop a keener eye for movement!

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!

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]