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!!

Episode 50: Functional Posture and Headshaking (Part 2 of 2)

In Part 2 of our deep dive into headshaking we focus on diagnosis and management strategies to help you support your horse. We also discuss real life examples about horses that we have owned, met and helped with this condition.

You’ll learn:

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 49: Functional Posture and Headshaking (Part 1 of 2)

Headshaking in horses can be one of the most frustrating and idiopathic challenges for owners and riders. But what if we stop viewing it as a standalone issue in your horse's body and instead integrated it into the whole body? In this episode, Raquel and Sophie unpack headshaking and begin to discuss how posture and headshaking are interconnected.

You’ll learn:

🎓 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?

Email us at: [email protected]

Episode 48: Postural Considerations for Rugging 

Is your horse’s rug keeping them cosy or cramping their style? Rugging is one of the most common management decisions horse owners make but it’s about more than just keeping them warm or clean. Rugs can influence posture, movement, and even comfort in ways that aren’t always obvious.

In this episode, we explore:

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 47: Play - The Missing Link in Posture, Learning, and Connection

Play isn’t just fun it’s a vital part of how horses learn, grow, and connect. From moving around together, to exploring new environments or engaging with enrichment, play helps horses develop balance, confidence, and curiosity.

In this episode, we explore;

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 46: Hamstrings & Hind-End Harmony - Function v's Dysfunction

The hamstrings are more than just power producers — they’re key to your horse’s stability, engagement, and overall hind-end function. When they’re overloaded, weak, or out of balance, it can have a ripple effect through the pelvis, back, and even the forelimbs.

In this episode, we break down:

The anatomy and function of the hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus)

Their relationship with the gluteals, quads, sacrum, and pelvis

Subtle postural and movement clues that signal dysfunction

Common causes of hamstring tightness or weakness

Practical ways to restore balance and improve hind-end engagement

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 45: Observing the Back-Up

What can your horse’s back-up tell you about their biomechanics, coordination, and comfort? In this episode, we dissect this specific movement.

We explore:
• Why backing up is unavoidable in practical settings
• The difference between a trained response vs. true postural awareness
• How connection, relaxation, and flow are reflected in the back-up
• What to assess including limb coordination and back tension
• Subtle signs of discomfort or reduced function
• When backing up might not be appropriate

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 44: Guest: Kissing Spines

Kissing spine, also known as Overriding Dorsal Spinous Processes is one of the most discussed and often feared diagnoses related to equine back pain. What does it really mean for the horse? In this discussion we unpack the condition from a functional and whole-horse perspective.

We explore:
• The role of posture in both in prevention and rehabilitation
• Why spinal mobility and core strength are important for recovery
• Common signs and behaviours linked to DSP impingement
• Rehabilitation strategies independent or in conjunction with surgery
• Why early assessment of function can be your best prevention strategy

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 43: Guest: Fiona Dearing - The Value of Bit Fitting

Is your horse’s bit helping or hindering their posture? We’re joined by bit fitting professional Fiona Dearing to talk about the relevance and use of bits throughout history, and how whole body biomechanics are influenced by the comfort of the mouth.

We Discuss:

Common behavioural signs that a bit may be causing discomfort

How tongue and hyoid health link to core function and hindlimb power

Nosebands, mouthpieces, cheekpieces- the anatomy that matters when fitting bitted and bitless bridles 

Real life cases where profound behaviour and postural changes have followed a bit-fitting

Plus, Fiona explaines some nuances to the common 'two wrinkle' theory about how high the bit should sit in the mouth.

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 42: The Postural Impacts of Saddle Fit

Is your horse's posture, behaviour, or performance trying to tell you something about their saddle fit? In this episode, we explore how this piece of tack influences biomechanics, core function, and back health.

We Discuss: 

Plus, we share what owners can observe between fittings and how it's best to build a team approach that includes your fitter, bodyworker, and trainer.

🎓 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?

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!!

Episode 41: Encore- Ep 14 Why The Roach?

In this conversation we discuss the symptom of a roach back (raised lumbar spine) - the anatomy, causes, treatment and managements options.   

Join Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg for a conversation as we discuss the presence of a roach back (raised lumbar spine) - the anatomy, causes, treatment and managements options.   

In this episode, we unpack:

🎓 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:  https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedVetherapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091267906532

 Questions or topic requests? Email us at: [email protected]