The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Before we chat this week.. are you ready to take this knowledge into practice yet? The next EQ100 Equine Bodyworker Certification starts March 24th, Guyra NSW.Register at Equinology Australia or Email: [email protected]

Episode 70: The Mare Matters: Posture, Health, and the Developing Foal

As this time of year in the southern hemisphere is foal season we are talking about awareness, responsibility, and practical considerations for supporting broodmares as whole, functional bodies. for their own wellbeing and for the long-term health of the foals they carry.

We discuss:

The impact of broodmare nutrition, including evidence linking overnutrition and obesity to altered metabolic health in foals

Broodmare challenges including previous injuries, asymmetry, pain and lumbosacropelvic dysfunction

How reduced movement, housing and post-foaling management can affect recovery

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]

Learning information is valuable… but real change happens when you’re supported in applying it.

If you want to confidently read your horse’s posture, connect the dots, and then actually influence how they move for the better - enrollment is now open for the Equine Functional Posture Course.

It’s the first program globally to combine comprehensive posture education with practical exercises that can target the whole body or specific areas and get personalised feedback from Dr. Raquel, so you don’t just learn some new information- you see real, visible change in your horse.

Episode 68: Carrot Mobilisations

The aim of ground or static exercises is improved movement, comfort and function. Carrot stretches are one of the most recommended ground exercises by bodyworkers and trainers to their clients - we break down what makes a stretch effective so you aren't wasting your time! Simple on the surface, incredibly valuable when done well… surprisingly easy to get wrong!

We discuss:

Common mistakes we see in practice; from snatching to leaning to twisting

What’s happening anatomically, and how spinal alignment (and what that even is!) is key

How improvement in your ridden work depends on the quality not quantity of your stretch

Please - if you do carrot stretches or will in the future - do your horse a favour and have a listen!



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]

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]