The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Just before we jump in today: a quick note: We have a FREE Posture & Behaviour Masterclass on the 18th of January at 8am - Sign up here! Episode 68: Ear Twitching In this episode we look at why ear twitching is problematic, and importantly- the alternatives that exist for safe, ethical restraint and cooperative care. Why ear twitching is used: common contexts like husbandry, emergencies, and when behaviour escalates before proper training has been established. The Anatomy: Cartilage, cranial nerves, fine musculature, fascial connections, tympanohyoid joint, and how easily this region is damaged (espescially in foals). Functional & behavioural consequences: Including nerve irritation, altered ear movement, poll/TMJ tension, myodural involvement, aversive behaviours, head shyness. Better Alternatives: training & habituation, sedation when appropriate, foal control techniques, making reasonable accommodations, and understanding the underlying “why” behind resistance. 🎓 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. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 67: The Power of the Breath In this episode, we explore how breath affects the whole body, from posture and performance to nervous system regulation and long-term health. Why breathing is a key health indicator and one of the vital signs we should be observing at rest and during work How the respiratory system, diaphragm, ribs, spine, and core are deeply connected to posture and movement The unique way horses breathe, including locomotor–respiratory coupling in canter, gallop, and jumping What breathing patterns can tell us about brace, relaxation, fitness, and parasympathetic nervous system function We also share simple observational and ridden breathing exercises you can use to better understand your horse’s body, identify restriction, and support more relaxed, functional movement.

If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 66: The Liberty Connection In this episode we explore the importance of observing posture during liberty work so we support both the horse’s physical wellbeing and their mind body connection. Our aim is to invite you to reflect on why you do liberty, what it means to you, and what true liberty means to the horse. What “freedom” really means for the horse, and how liberty can still ask for physically inappropriate work if posture is overlooked Using liberty, target training, and play to enhance body awareness without losing the horse to treats, pressure, or distraction Key postural considerations for tricks and movements like rearing, piaffe, spanish walk and obstacles 🎓 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. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 65: The Elbow The equine elbow is one of the most overlooked joints in performance horses, yet it plays a very important role in weight-bearing, stability, and efficiency. In this episode, we explore why elbow dysfunction is relevant for all ridden horse's at some point, why it is often missed in diagnostics, and how posture and limb loading influence elbow health. In this episode, we unpack: Why the elbow is frequently under-recognised as a source of lameness The anatomy and biomechanics of the equine elbow, including key muscles, ligaments, nerves, and its role in the stay apparatus How posture, hoof balance, thoracic sling function, and shoulder stability influence elbow loading Common elbow pathologies, diagnostic challenges, and practical management strategies to support long-term joint health and soundness 🎓 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. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world! Episode 64: Learnings from Equine Dissections Not all dysfunction shows up in ways we can image. Many of the postural, biomechanical, and structural limitations that influence movement, behaviour, and comfort live deeper in the body. Dissections are powerful ways we can changehow we see the internal body - where bone, fascia, soft tissues, posture and internal structures all interact. In this week’s podcast, we unpack: What radiographs can and cannot tell us about function Structural and anatomical findings that shape posture, movement, and behaviour The importance of fascia, internal structures, and their biomechanical influence Why “nothing on imaging” doesn’t always mean “nothing is wrong” 🎓 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]