The Equine Functional Posture Podcast

Let's look beyond the 'vice of windsucking'. Today we explore the causes, physical effects and management of windsucking and crib-biting in horses.

Raquel shares her experience managing her own windsucking horse, Moonie, over the past 12 years, including the challenges of identifying stressors, managing physical discomfort and finding a balance that supports his wellbeing.

We discuss:

What windsucking is and how it differs from crib-biting

Why stereotypic behaviours develop, including the roles of stress, weaning, gastrointestinal discomfort and management

The potential effects on the jaw, hyoid, neck, diaphragm and overall biomechanics

How preventing stereotypic behaviours may influence stress and learning

The welfare concerns surrounding windsucking collars

Practical ways to support a windsucking horse through environmental management, bodywork and reducing stress



To Learn more about Dr Raquel visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedVetherapeutics

Website: https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/about

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091267906532

Have any questions? Email us at: equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com

The Equine Functional Course is now open for Enrolment - Closes 2nd Nov 2026

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/efp

Pole Work: What Does the Research Tell Us About Equine Biomechanics?

Pole work is commonly recommended for training and rehabilitation, but how do we know whether it's actually benefiting the horse?

In this episode, Dr Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg explore the research behind pole work and how changes in pole height, spacing and gait influence limb movement, spinal motion and muscle activation.

We discuss:

What research tells us about ground poles versus raised poles.

How pole spacing influences spinal extension and limb movement.

Differences between walking and trotting over poles.

Why greater muscle activation doesn't necessarily mean better function.

How to assess your horse's physical and emotional responses to pole exercises.

Discover why effective pole work isn't simply about increasing the challenge, but understanding how your individual horse responds to each exercise.

Understanding Your Horse: The Value of Functional Posture Education

What if you could recognise the smaller signs that your horse is struggling, understand why, and feel confident knowing what to do next?

In this episode Dr Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg explore how understanding the relationships between posture, movement, balance and behaviour can change the way we care for our horses - and share a few incredible transformations when these principles are applied to everyday horse management.

Through real experiences from Equine Functional Posture course participants, we discuss:

Recognising subtle changes in posture, movement and behaviour.

Examples of horses (of all ages!) showing improvements in balance, limb control, posture and willingness to engage.

How physical stability and discomfort may influence behaviour and training.

Why individual assessment matters more than simply following a collection of exercises.

Developing the skills to make informed decisions about training, rehabilitation and professional care.

The Equine Functional Course is now open for Enrolment - Closes 2nd Nov 2026

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/efp

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 107 - 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