This podcast is created by Dr. Raquel Butler from Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics and Sophie Vandenberg from Equine Posturelate. Dr. Raquel is a Biomechanical Medicine Veterinarian and Educator. Sophie is an Equine Science graduate and has studied Equine Osteopathy. This podcast is your ultimate source for insights into the influences of functional posture on biomechanics, health and overall well-being of horses . Tune in each week as we discuss practical tips, delve into expert interviews and explore the latest research in the impact of static and dynamic posture on your horse journey.
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
Join our community of proactive horse people exploring the world of equine functional posture - our next course begins November 2024!! To view the course visit:
https://integratedvettherapeutics.mykajabi.com/store
Have any questions? Email us at:
equinefunctionalposture@gmail.com
Episode 106 - Pre-purchase Exams - Are They Worth It?
Episode 106 - 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 (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
4 Oct 2026
Episode 106 - The Neurological Examination
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 (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
27 Sept 2026
Episode 105 - Post Colic Surgery Rehabilitation
Episode 105 - Post Colic Surgery Rehabilitation
Returning to performance after colic surgery does not necessarily mean that a horse's core function has fully recovered.
In this episode, Dr. Raquel Butler and Sophie Vandenberg discuss rehabilitation following colic surgery, including how abdominal surgery can affect core strength, posture, breathing and movement. They outline a staged approach that begins with wound management and gut health, then progresses through stability, functional activation, strength and a carefully assessed return to riding.
We discuss:
Why return to performance is not a complete measure of recovery
How scar tissue and internal adhesions may influence comfort and function
Early priorities including wound management, circulation, gut health, hoof balance and breathing
How feeding posture can support balance and gentle abdominal activity
The difference between true core activation and abdominal bracing as exercises progress
What to assess before returning a horse to riding or normal paddock activity
To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:
Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics
Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com.au (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
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
58 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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