Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

08/10/2025

Picking up legs for the farrier

Jelly (my warmblood) used to have a lot of trouble picking up his hindlimbs for the farrier or any exercises and it created a lot of anxiety for him.

It was a product of lumbar sacral pelvic discomfort including lumbosacral disease, Sacroliliac changes including liganent damage, iliopsoas dysfunction and an underlying muscle disorder (myofibrillar myopathy).

He was not just being naughty or difficult.

When a horse is struggling, refusing or reacting to having their limbs picked up - we need to ask WHY?

Join me in my FREE MASTERCLASS to gain an insight into the potential WHY!

Register now - https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

Thursday 23rd October

08/10/2025

I am currently running a 3 day Whole Horse Dissection Clinic.

We have already had a number of findings that would be very difficult to diagnose from a veterinary perspective - specifically internally.

Doing dissections always highlights to me;

- The importance of listening to horse behaviour as a form@ of communication!

- That bute, radiographs and other diagnostics are not fail safe and it is very challenging to rule out pain or pathology as a cause of behaviour.

- That we must always consider the entire body when assessing, treating and rehabbing any injury

If you feel something is not right with your horse then TRUST yourself and TRUST your relationship with your horse. Keep Searching!!

Join me in the Posture & Behaviour Masterclass

" Is Your Horse Misbehaving - Or Communicating?.

Thursday Oct 23rd

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

07/10/2025

Balance. Comfort. Safety.

Three words that can completely change your horse’s world — and yours.

I still remember a horse I worked with years ago who was branded as “lazy” and “unwilling.” But when I looked closer, I didn’t see a behavioural problem… I saw a horse struggling to find balance, uncomfortable in his own body, and unsure of his surroundings.

Once we helped him develop stability through gentle postural exercises, eased the tension causing discomfort, and created a safe space where he felt seen — everything changed.
His eye softened.
His movement flowed.
He started to offer connection instead of resisting it.

That’s the power of Balance, Comfort, and Safety:
✨ Balance is the power of body awareness and stability.
✨ Comfort allows freedom from pain and restriction.
✨ Safety creates the trust and confidence for true communication.

When your horse has these three things, they become curious, engaged, and a pleasure to work with - not because they’ve been “trained” to behave, but because their body and mind are finally working together.

If this resonates with you, join me in the Posture & Behaviour Masterclass — where we explore how physical balance and comfort shape behaviour, and how you can bring more ease, confidence, and connection into your horse’s life.

🎓 You’ll learn practical, evidence-based insights that you can start using right away — no guesswork, no overwhelm, just real understanding.

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

Thursday October 23rd

Let’s help your horse feel balanced, comfortable, and safe — because that’s where true partnership begins. 💛

05/10/2025

The connection between Posture and Behaviour was evident at a recent clinic I instructed.

This lovely mare came in on the first day unable to hold a straight line, full of anxiety and the owner was constantly concerned she would be pushed or stepped on.

She was unable to stand still and was constantly on high alert with an inability to balance and stabilise.

For a horse this feels totally unsafe. They are not able to respond appropriately to the handler or their environment as they do not have enough control or awareness of their body so therefore they must stay on high alert and be ready to protect themselves.

We utilised a TTouch figure 8 wrap and focused on alignment through squares and other gentle exercises, gradually slowing everything down and showing her how to create a 4 point balanced stance.

🐴The transformation was amazing - she became calm, centred and able to hold herself in balance including just standing. The owner felt much safer in working with her too!

In the Before image you can see her wide stance, weight on the forehand, braced head and neck, dropped core and facial tension.

In the After image you can see a much more balanced stance, lifted core and base of the neck and softer face 💗

Her willingness to load on the float was hugely improved.

A horses safety is in their balance and stability - this means they can respond appropriately to their environment including the handler and creates a calm, relaxed horse.

If you would like to know more about the links between Posture and Behaviour please join me in my Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving - Or Communicating?

Thursday 23rd October
https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

30/09/2025

🐎 Recovery without the risk! “I’ve seen great results using Alleve8 to support horses with inflammation and recovery.” - Dr Raquel Butler 🩺

For many horse owners, bute (phenylbutazone) is the go-to for inflammation. But extended use can come with serious risks: ulcers, kidney strain, intestinal issues, and masking pain when healing is needed.

🌿 Alleve8 is our herbal alternative, formulated with White Willow Bark, Devil’s Claw, and a powerful herb blend to offer supportive comfort without the harsh side effects.

Ideal for horses needing gentle, ongoing support for inflammation, recovery or stiffness.

Considering a natural bute alternative? Book a free online consultation with one of our experienced herbalists to see how Alleve8 might benefit your horse.

https://shop.mcdowellsherbal.com/consultation-form

30/09/2025

28/09/2025

✨3 Day Equine Dissection Workshop✨

Borambola Valley Veterinary present Dr. Raquel Butler for a comprehensive, 3-day whole horse dissection workshop. Dr Raquel (BVSc, BSc(Hons), GDABM, GCLTHE, EEBW, EMRT) is an industry leader in equine biomechanic medicine, as well as a university lecturer, teacher of the ABM graduate diploma, Equinology courses, and online equine postural courses just to name a few!

Recommended for veterinarians, equine body workers, professionals in the equine industry and any equine enthusiast. Join us as we deep dive into the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics over an intensive 3 days.

Location: Borambola Valley Veterinary Podiatry Centre
Date: October 7, 8 and 9th 2025
Investment: $600 for the 3 days
Limited positions available.

To secure your spot, message the page or contact Nicole Umback on 0488 597 724, or Heidi McGrath on 0467 681 474.

27/09/2025

I was actually amazed when I looked at the comparison of these 2 photos.💗

The right photo is at the start of the 3 day Equine Functional Posture Clinic

The left photo is after 21/2 days of the Equine Functional Posture exercises

Massive changes in;
- Facial expression
- Neck tension, shape and position
- Scapula position and tension
- Lift through the core and thoracic sling
- Rump fullness
- Tail position

All the work was in WALK with a focus on releasing brace in the neck due to serratus ventralis!