The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

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

Transitioning a horse from metal shoes to barefoot can be incredibly rewarding, but it is rarely as simple as removing the shoes and hoping for the best.

Guest Annette Kaitinis, co-founder of Scoot Boot, joins us to discuss what makes for a successful transition, and how she believes nearly all horses can have a comfortable booted or barefoot lifestyle with enough patience and a well-planned management approach.

Together, they discuss:

Where to begin when considering a barefoot transition

Why the condition of the hoof can influence how long the process takes

The importance of working with a qualified barefoot professional

How nutrition, movement, terrain and trimming cycles affect hoof health

Why some horses require boots or additional cushioning throughout the transition

Common hoof boot fitting mistakes and how fit can change during a trimming cycle

How hoof comfort can influence stride length, posture and tension throughout the body

Whether hoof boots can provide suitable long-term protection

How Scoot Boot’s sizing app and fitting support can help owners select the right boot

This conversation is a practical reminder that successful barefoot management is not about leaving a horse unprotected. It is about providing the trimming, nutrition, movement, environment and protection the individual horse needs to remain comfortable and functional.



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