The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Episode 106 - Pre-Purchase Exams: Are They Worth It?

A pre-purchase examination can reduce risk and provide valuable information, but it cannot guarantee a horse's future soundness or suitability.

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg explore what equine pre-purchase examinations can and cannot tell us. They discuss the standard stages of a veterinary examination, choosing radiographs and optional diagnostics, understanding fitness for purpose, and combining veterinary findings with observation, history and informed decision-making.

We discuss:

Why the horse's intended purpose should guide the examination

What is included in a standard two-stage or five-stage vet check

How to choose radiographs and understand the importance of different views

Confidentiality, risk assessment, optional diagnostics and independent veterinary opinions

What a standard examination may not reveal about soft tissue, posture and neurological function

Why history, repeated viewings, educated observation and trusting your concerns still matter

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you'd love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

Episode 107 - The Neurological Examination

A horse can pass a lameness assessment and still show signs that warrant a neurological examination.

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg explain how an equine neurological examination differs from a musculoskeletal assessment. They explore the tests veterinarians use to assess sensation, coordination, balance, limb awareness and nervous-system function, alongside signs that may indicate the need for further investigation.

We discuss:

Why a neurological examination is different from a lameness or musculoskeletal assessment

How cranial nerves, skin sensitivity and limb placement are assessed

What stability tests can reveal while the horse is standing and moving

Why head elevation, tight circles, slopes and obstacles challenge coordination

Signs to observe including stumbling, falling, unusual limb placement and unpredictable behaviour

Why results must be considered together and rider and practitioner safety must come first

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you'd love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

Episode 105 - Post Colic Surgery Rehabilitation

Returning to performance after colic surgery does not necessarily mean that a horse's core function has fully recovered.

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg discuss rehabilitation following colic surgery, including how abdominal surgery can affect core strength, posture, breathing and movement. They outline a staged approach that begins with wound management and gut health, then progresses through stability, functional activation, strength and a carefully assessed return to riding.

We discuss:

Why return to performance is not a complete measure of recovery

How scar tissue and internal adhesions may influence comfort and function

Early priorities including wound management, circulation, gut health, hoof balance and breathing

How feeding posture can support balance and gentle abdominal activity

The difference between true core activation and abdominal bracing as exercises progress

What to assess before returning a horse to riding or normal paddock activity

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you'd love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

Sometimes the most powerful change comes from doing less, waiting longer and observing more carefully.

This episode is a reflective discussion about a recent two-day equine posture clinic hosted by Dr Raquel involving five very different horses. Differing levels of balance, stability, communication and mental engagement shaped each horse's response, and we explain why the same exercise may need to look completely different for each individual horse.

We discuss:

Why doing less and allowing time to process can create meaningful change

How balance and stability can influence focus, behaviour and willingness

Why the handler's body position, softness and intention affect the horse's movement

How exercises, poles, aids and rewards can be adapted to the individual horse

What five contrasting horses revealed about lameness, forelimb instability, posture, bracing and mental disengagement

Why stopping, refusing or looking away can be considered valuable communication rather than disobedience

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Functional Therapy

Have any questions or topics you'd love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

Episode 103 - Guest: Sharon May Davis - Grading ECVM (Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation

ECVM is more than simply identifying an anatomical variation in the lower cervical spine.

In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg are joined by Dr. Sharon May-Davis PhD to explore the history, research and grading of Equine Complex Vertebral Malformation (ECVM), and what different presentations may mean for the individual horse.

We discuss:

How ECVM was first identified and how the research has developed

How the C6 grading system works and why Grade 4 horses may require further support and investigation

The difference between unilateral and bilateral ECVM presentations clinically

How changes to the longus colli may influence cervical stability, posture and movement

Early signs to observe including tripping, toe dragging, hypersensitivity and unusual behaviour

Why early investigation, appropriate management and responsible breeding decisions matter

To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate – Sophie Vandenberg

Have any questions or topics you’d love us to cover?

Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com