The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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

When should we start riding a young horse?

There are strong opinions at both ends of the spectrum: start them young so the body adapts to load, or wait until the growth plates have closed before riding. In Part 2 of our growth plate series, we look at why the answer is much more individual than simply choosing an age.

We discuss the difference between loading and overloading, and why skeletal maturity alone doesn’t necessarily mean a horse is physically prepared to carry a rider.

In this episode we explore:

How young horses can be conditioned before they are ridden

Straight lines, proprioceptive exercises, transitions and varied surfaces

Building core strength, joint stability and body awareness

Recognising fatigue and changes in posture under load

Why recovery time matters as bone adapts to exercise

The importance of hoof care, saddle fit, bodywork and the horse’s environment

Exercises and loading patterns to be cautious with during growth



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

Growth plates are central to skeletal development, but there is much more to them than simply knowing when they “close”.

Today we are explaining what growth plates are, how bones grow, and the factors that influence healthy development.

We discuss:

When different parts of the equine skeleton mature

What “open” and “closed” growth plates really mean

Nutrition, growth rate and developmental orthopaedic diseases

The importance of hoof balance, appropriate loading and posture

How bone continues to remodel after growth plates close

In Part 2, we’ll apply this information specifically to starting and training horses.

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