Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

17/06/2026

Why Doesn't Your Horse Use the "Right" Muscles?

Have you ever wondered why some horses seem to struggle with balance, engagement, or maintaining good posture despite regular exercise?

The answer may not be a lack of strength.

It may be a lack of appropriate activation.

Muscles don't simply activate properly because we ask them to. They activate in response to posture, stability, comfort, coordination and neurological input.

When important stabilising muscles are not activating effectively, other muscles often step in to compensate such as the bracing in the big muscles of the back or neck.

Over time, these compensation patterns can influence movement quality, performance, behaviour and lead to lameness.

💥Activations and asking the question as to how and if a muscle is working has been a game changer in my practice - they have enabled me to truly help horses to integrate new movement patterns after their body work session and helped owners to continue re-programming the neuromotor pathways for ongoing improvement.

The way a horse is able to activate in a certain areas gives me so much information and insight into the patterns and functionality of a the body and is also so valuable to enhance concious body awareness and postural control.

In this episode, we discuss the fascinating world of muscle activations and how understanding them can help you look beyond the obvious.

🎧 Tune in now and discover why movement is about much more than muscle size.

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/podcasts/the-equine-functional-posture-podcast/episodes/2149216492

In the Equine Functional Posture Foundation Course we support you to recognise influences on appropriate muscle activation and how to prepare your horses posture to get the most out of activations.

👉Doors are open for enrolment into the Equine Functional Posture Course NOW - Don't Miss Out on this opportunity!!

https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/efp
Like any exercise - activations done poorly will only create brace - recognising that the function is available in the body to allow effective activations is the key - this is why the Equine Functional Posture Course is so valuable to horse owners and horse professionals - so that you know when the function is ready for activation!

Please Share this Post so that we can help more horses optimise a functional posture 💜

15/06/2026

Slow and controlled. Observe the way the horse is moving!!

A great bit of new research in an infographic from Hartpury University. Pole work isn’t just about trotting over poles. Depending how we use them, different effects are seen. Higher poles, wider poles and doing them quickly create more extension (dipping) of the spine. This may not be ideal - go low, go short, go slow!

12/06/2026

⏰ Don't miss it - the Equine Posture & Behaviour Masterclass is coming up in 24 HOURS!

In this live masterclass you'll learn:
🐎 The 5 most common horse behaviours & their physical causes
🧠 How posture affects your horse's mind AND body
💪 Practical recommendations you can use straight away
🔍 A deep dive into one key postural contributor
📋 A real case presentation with before & after

Plus - a live Q&A so you can ask your questions directly!
Plus - a special BONUS for those who stay to the end..

Whether your horse is resistant, reactive, just not quite right or your a horse professional and want to help your clients -this masterclass will change the way you see them.

🔗 LAST CHANCE to Secure your spot — 24HRS LEFT https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registrationpbmc-fb

Equine Posture & Behaviour Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving - Or Communicating?

11/06/2026

"He's just lazy."
"She's being stubborn."
"He doesn't want to work."

Sound familiar? Before reaching for more leg, spur or a whip - let's talk about the thoracic sling. 🐴

The thoracic sling is the muscular system that suspends your horse's entire trunk between the front legs. When it's not functioning well, it's like the brakes are permanently on. No matter how much you ask, the hind end simply can't come through.

This is one of the most overlooked physical causes of horses that appear lazy or unmotivated and it's exactly what we cover in the Equine Posture & Behaviour Masterclass.

Your horse isn't being difficult. They may simply not have the physical capacity to do what you're asking. Yet.

💡 Learn how to identify thoracic sling dysfunction and start making a real difference.

I would love for you to SHARE this post 💜

🔗 REGISTER for the FREE MASTERCLASS - SUNDAY 14th JUNE 9am AUS Eastern Standard Time
https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registrationpbmc-fb

11/06/2026

Like Horse Like Owner!

Jelly & I have both had a heel crack - Same leg! As his feels better, mine feels better - very painful things they are! His was the result of the bruising he got from the ride and then the mud!

Comment below if you have had the same issue as your horse🧐

10/06/2026

A spooky horse isn't just a training problem. They may not feel safe in their own body. 👀🐎

When a horse lacks postural balance, alignment, and body awareness, the world becomes unpredictable and their nervous system stays on high alert.

In the Equine Posture & Behaviour Masterclass, I cover:
🔹 How musculoskeletal dysfunction drives reactivity
🔹 The role of gut health & hormones
🔹 Why biomechanical assessment matters before behaviour work
🔹 Postural exercises that build relaxation from the inside out

The spookiness dissolves when the body feels safe. That's not a training trick - it's physiology.

Has your horse ever become calmer after physical treatment? I'd love to hear your story in the comments 💬

🔗 Register now - https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registrationpbmc-fb

10/06/2026

Some beautiful moments this week 💕

09/06/2026

Does your horse pull away, kick out, or collapse when the farrier tries to pick up their feet? 🐎

Before assuming it's attitude consider this:

The ability to stand balanced on 3 legs is genuinely hard, especially when a horse has:
→ Poor postural stability
→ Muscle dysfunction (iliopsoas, thoracic sling)
→ Cranial thoracic restrictions
→ Hoof pain
→ Or Previous bad experiences

In the Equine Posture & Behaviour Masterclass, I share practical recommendations you can put into action right away - including how to help your horse before the farrier even arrives, and what body awareness signs to look for.

Because a horse that struggles with the farrier isn't being difficult. They're telling you something. 💬

🔗 Join the masterclass - SUNDAY 14th JUNE 9am Aus Eastern Standard Time
https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/registrationpbmc-fb

PLEASE SHARE THIS FREE OPPORTUNITY 😃

08/06/2026

Absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️

I just wanted to share this beautiful album of horse songs written by a dear friend and student Sally Rosin. Her musics goes under the name Sal Roz.

Her horse songs have been inspired by my teaching and truly encompass what Connecting with Horses & Riding with Synchronicity is all about.

You can find the songs on spotify, itunes, apple music, youtube and many more.
Just search for Sal Roz - she has several albums - a couple of horse ones.

She too is on a mission to help horses be better understood and have a better life. This music is how she is helping getting the message out. 💜

https://open.spotify.com/track/5ygRWJ707plVJCcP6r6tfa?si=b349a20a3fd9410d