The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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

Pain management in horses is rarely about finding one single treatment.

In this episode, we explore how pain can be managed more holistically, why different types of pain may respond differently to treatment, and how movement, environment and daily management can all influence comfort and recovery.

We discuss:

Why pain management needs to be individualised to the horse

Why a “bute trial” cannot always rule pain in or out

The role of movement, rehabilitation and functional posture in reducing discomfort

How environment, nutrition, sleep and recovery can influence pain

Why behaviour can be an important form of communication

How small, positive changes can support comfort, confidence and quality of life

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

Pain in horses is not simply a direct measure of tissue damage.

In this episode, we explore what pain actually is, how the nervous system contributes to the pain experience, and why persistent pain can become much more complex than simply finding an injured structure.

We discuss:

Acute pain versus persistent or chronic pain

Why pain can continue after tissues have healed

How previous experiences can influence future pain responses

Central sensitisation and an increasingly sensitive nervous system

The biological, psychological, social, environmental and lifestyle factors that can influence pain

How pain may appear through changes in behaviour, posture, movement and facial expression

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

A dropped fetlock is often associated with Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), but does a sinking fetlock always indicate this degenerative disease?

Today we explore the current research around DSLD, discuss where the evidence is strong, where it remains uncertain, and why whole-body posture and loading may be an important part of the picture.

We discuss

Suspensory ligament, pelvic and spinal function influences on distal limb loading

Diagnostic limitations, training surfaces, hoof balance and inflammation

Practical ways to support a horse who has sinking fetlocks

A key question throughout the episode: are we sometimes diagnosing a degenerative ligament disorder when we are actually seeing the consequences of chronic postural dysfunction and inappropriate loading?

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