The Horse First: A Veterinary Sport Horse Podcast

Audrey DeClue, DVM

Dr. Audrey DeClue hosts this podcast designed to help owners, riders, trainers, and others understand their horse's needs better.

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20 episodes
Updated July 24

Episodes20

Newest first

July 24 · 27 min
Episode 76: Blog 2 - Case Study 1 - Severe Sciatica in a Sport Horse
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses a severe sciatica case in a high-performance sport horse. The horse, initially winning big, suddenly developed severe sciatica, head shaking, and sleep deprivation. Dr. DeClue highlights the horse's abnormal gait, muscle atrophy, and behavioral change, emphasizing the lack of published papers on equine sciatica and the need for advanced ultrasound skills for treatment. She notes that 40% of humans worldwide have clinical signs of sciatica and that she sees a similar percentage in her equine patients. Dr. DeClue advocates for better veterinary education and awareness, sharing her success in treating similar cases with proper rehabilitation.
July 17 · 39 min
Episode 75: Introduction to Body Lameness and Answers
Dr. Audrey DeClue brings her blog posts to the podcast with commentary as she discusses the importance of understanding body lameness in horses. 85-90% of lameness has historically been focused on limbs and feet instead of looking a the horse as a whole body. She highlights common performance issues caused by body lameness and explains these issues in terms of biomechanics.
July 17 · 1 hr 10 min
Episode 74: Dr. DeClue is Interviewed by Elisa Walfish of The EquiScience Podcast (#21 - Rethinking Lameness: Looking Beyond the Limbs)
[Description from the EquiScience Podcast #21 with Elisa Walfish] What if many of the problems we label as "lameness" don't actually begin in the limbs? In this episode I sit down with Dr. Audrey DeClue, an equine veterinarian known for challenging long-standing assumptions in equine medicine. Together, we explore the concept of body lameness, why biomechanics should play a central role in every lameness examination, and how collaboration between veterinarians, bodyworkers, farriers, saddle fitters, trainers, and owners can dramatically improve outcomes for horses. Dr. DeClue shares the experiences that transformed her approach to veterinary medicine, the importance of questioning accepted ideas, and why observing the horse as a whole, not just individual body parts, is essential for finding the root cause of dysfunction.
June 20 · 1 hr 53 min
Episode 73: The Complexity of Treating Body Lameness in Sport Horses with Dr. Gabrielle Martel
Dr. Audrey DeClue welcomes Dr. Gabrielle Martel to discuss the complexities of treating body lameness in horses. Dr. Martel, a veterinarian from Montreal, shares her journey of treating horses with body lameness, emphasizing the importance of understanding horse biomechanics and the need for a comprehensive approach. They discuss the challenges of treating horses with conditions like sleep deprivation, idiopathic head shaking, and sciatica, highlighting the veterinary profession's slow acceptance of these issues. Dr. Martel shares her experience of working with Dr. DeClue and learning the importance of slowing down and being present with the horses.
June 5 · 1 hr 46 min
Episode 72: A Riders Daily Checklist in the Ridden Horse - An Interview with Dr Sue Dyson
Dr. Audrey DeClue and Dr. Sue Dyson discuss the importance of a rider's checklist from the stall, tacking up, and under saddle for assessing a horse's physical well-being with considerations to determine if your horse is lame. They emphasize the need for veterinarians to better understand that a horse's consistent behavior is indicative of pain. They stress the significance of proper saddle/equipment fit, gait analysis – including how a normal and abnormal horse "feels" in its body while ridden under saddle – and the impact of these abnormalities that can impact pain not previously diagnosed in sport horses.
May 27 · 2 hr 10 min
Episode 71: ECVM in Sport Horses with Dr. Kate Workman
Dr. Audrey DeClue and Dr. Kate Workman discuss Equine Cervical Vertebral Malformation (ECVM) in horses, emphasizing its clinical significance. They critique various research papers, noting discrepancies, limitations, and methodological issues. Dr. DeClue and Dr. Workman stress the importance of accurate grading and understanding the practical implications of ECVM for horse owners and veterinarians. They advocate for better education and documentation to prevent injuries and ensure safe horse management. They also discuss the need for better communication and data sharing among practitioners to advance the field.
April 8 · 15 min
Episode 70: An Impromptu Interview with a Trainer
Dr. Audrey DeClue has an impromptu conversation with a trainer discussing the importance of understanding a horse's soundness, the impact of proper body lameness treatment and the lack of mechanical or manufactured training "aides" and "tools" needed for a horse to achieve optimum performance and whole body soundness. The conversation underscores that how a horse "feels" under saddle as a rider is more important than its appearance. It also highlights the biomechanical considerations necessary for practical advancements in veterinary sports medicine that can help trainers and owners with their sport horses.
January 30 · 56 min
Episode 69: Deep Discussions about Unspoken Problems in Sport Horses: Dr. Audrey DeClue, Dr. Ellen Hillyer and Dr. Brandy Ashman
Dr. Audrey DeClue, Dr. Brandy Ashman, and Dr. Ellen Hillyer discuss the top reasons sport horse owners jump between vets. This includes a lack of agreed answers, poor pain recognition, and failure to link behavior with pain/rideability. They cite Sue Dyson's pain ethogram and note axial lameness is complex, non-limb, and often pelvic dysfunction. Education gaps persist as well, including only one hour of axial lameness in vet school and overlooking saddle fit issues. They emphasize collaboration (vet–owner–trainer–farrier), realistic expectations, and 2026 as a pivotal year for change.
Dec 31, 2025 · 42 min
Episode 68: Sciatica in Sport Horses
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses the impact of stray voltage on livestock and its parallels with sciatica in sport horses. She highlights a 2023 study on stray voltage in cattle farms, noting its effects on animal behavior and productivity. Dr. DeClue emphasizes the lack of research on sciatica in horses compared to humans and other species, where it affects 40% of the population. She describes clinical signs of sciatica in horses, such as hind limb lameness and reluctance to move, and advocates for better recognition and management by veterinarians.
Sep 16, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 67: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 4 with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste
Dr. Audrey DeClue and Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste discuss recognizing and managing nerve pain and neuropathy in sport horses. Dr. Vansteenkiste emphasizes the importance of understanding subtle clinical signs like behavioral changes, sweat patterns, and postural alterations. She explains the complexities of nerve pain, including the concept of "wind-up" and the slow healing rate of nerves, which can take weeks to months. They highlight the need for multimodal treatment approaches such as pain management strategies and stress the importance of early detection and long-term management rather than quick fixes. The conversation underscores the necessity of veterinarians and horse owners being aware of the chronic nature of nerve pain and its impact on horse welfare.
Aug 12, 2025 · 42 min
Episode 66: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 3 - When it is NOT a Training Issue
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses the importance of recognizing pain in horses, emphasizing that many issues misdiagnosed as training problems are actually pain-related. She highlights the need for veterinarians to understand biomechanics and pattern recognition to accurately diagnose and treat pain. Dr. DeClue explains how she identifies and addresses pain and stresses the role of equipment in causing lameness. She advocates for veterinarians to prioritize rideability and trainability over soundness and lameness, aiming to improve horses' quality of life and performance.
Jun 13, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Episode 65: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 2 with Dr. Sue Dyson
In part two of this series, Dr. Audrey DeClue and world-renowned Veterinarian Dr. Sue Dyson discuss the importance of pain ethograms when identifying discomfort in horses. Dr. Dyson shares her extensive experience, highlighting the challenges in veterinary practice, including the reliance on technology over clinical skills and the need for better training. They discuss the impact of rider weight, tack fit, and training methods on horse comfort, underscoring the need for veterinarians to prioritize horse welfare and the importance of continuous learning and collaboration.
Jun 5, 2025 · 30 min
Episode 64: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 1
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing pain in sport horses. She emphasizes her unique perspective, influenced by her life experiences and late entry into veterinary school. She challenges the veterinary profession to not ignore the signs and impact of pain, citing historical practices and current shortcomings. She also highlights the need for better education, awareness, and collaboration among veterinarians, body workers, and trainers. Part two of this series will feature world renowned Veterinarian Dr. Sue Dyson. Dr. DeClue and Dr. Dyson further discuss the importance of Dr. Dyson's development of the pain ethogram for owners, trainers and veterinarians to recognize when and if their horse is in pain.
May 20, 2025 · 43 min
Episode 63: Sport Horse Rounds with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste
Dr. Audrey DeClue hosts Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste, a neurologist, to discuss equine neurology. Dr. Vansteenkiste, who practices in Philadelphia, shares her journey from wanting to be an equine surgeon to specializing in neurology. They discuss the importance of recognizing subtle neurological signs in horses, such as girthiness and muscle atrophy, and the challenges of diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. Dr. Vansteenkiste also announces the launch of her consulting practice, VSK Veterinary Neurology, to help other veterinarians with neurological cases. Instagram: @vskvetneuro Watch the video here
Mar 11, 2025 · 50 min
Episode 62: Sport Horse Rounds - Interview with Dr. Brandy Ashman, Burnout & Renewed Passion to Solve Lameness Issues
Dr. Audrey DeClue interviews Dr. Brandy Ashman, a general practitioner from Virginia, who discusses her journey from burnout to renewed passion in veterinary medicine after discovering Dr. DeClue's methods. Dr. Ashman highlights her success with treating lameness and behavioral issues in horses, emphasizing the importance of biomechanics and practical application. They also discuss the challenges veterinarians face, the need for better mentorship, and the establishment of a retirement facility for horses, which Ashman operates, providing comprehensive care and rehabilitation. Watch the full video here
Mar 10, 2025 · 55 min
Episode 61: Thinking Outside the Box and Quick Fixes
Dr. Audrey DeClue discusses the importance of education and research in solving problems with sport horses, rather than relying on quick fixes or thinking outside the box. She emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of horse anatomy and biomechanics and shares her approach, which involves using an extensive education and toolbox of knowledge to address root causes. She also highlights the importance of collaboration and troubleshooting and mentions upcoming workshops and seminars for veterinarians and physiotherapists to enhance their understanding and skills.
Nov 19, 2024 · 50 min
Episode 60: Sport Horse Rounds - A New Mindset
Dr. Audrey DeClue and Dr. Kate Workman discuss the need to change mindsets within the institution of equine sports medicine. They also highlight the success of a recent seminar on treating girthiness emphasizing practical, hands-on training. At the core, they stress the need to understand the whole horse - not just limb lameness - to provide the best outcomes. This also requires asking different questions to achieve better diagnoses and treatments. The conversation underscores the need for a paradigm shift in veterinary education and practice to improve horse welfare and performance. Watch the video on YouTube here
Oct 16, 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
Episode 59: Sport Horse Rounds - What Lameness Issues Are We All Missing?
Dr. Audrey DeClue and Dr. Kate Workman discuss common lameness issues in sport horses, emphasizing the importance of recognizing body lameness beyond limb issues. They highlight that pain is the most common cause of lameness, with inciting factors including trauma, fatigue, and inflammation, noting that many conditions often go unrecognized. The conversation underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to equine lameness, including the role of biomechanics and the need for more veterinary education and research. Watch the video of this podcast here.
Sep 23, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
Episode 58: Sport Horse Rounds - Body Lameness vs Limb Lameness
Dr. Audrey DeClue, DVM and Dr. Kate Workman, DVM discuss the complexities of body lameness versus limb lameness in equine sports medicine. Dr. DeClue emphasizes the importance of understanding body lameness - a term she coined to describe issues not limited to limbs. Dr. Workman shares her experience as a performance veterinarian, highlighting the basics of sports medicine and the challenges of diagnosing and treating body lameness. They discuss the interconnectedness of the body, the limitations of current veterinary practices, and the need for proper rehabilitation protocols. This episode underscores the importance of a whole-horse approach to equine lameness and the role of veterinarians in advancing the field. Watch the video here
Sep 11, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 57: Sport Horse Rounds - KISS Theory: Making Complex Lameness Simple
Dr. Audrey DeClue, DVM and Dr. Kate Workman, DVM discuss the complexities of lameness in horses and the importance of simplifying veterinary medicine. Dr. DeClue shares her recent work with the US Army Caisson horses at Arlington National Cemetery, the deplorable conditions and mismanagement of these horses including wasteful spending of taxpayer money. They emphasize the need for veterinarians to understand biomechanics and anatomy to solve complex issues like shivers and stringhalt. Dr. DeClue plans to conduct seminars to teach these principles, starting with girthiness and equipment lameness, followed by iliopsoas injuries. They stress the importance of practical, results-based knowledge and the need for veterinarians to continuously learn and adapt. You can also watch the podcast here.

The Horse First: A Veterinary Sport Horse Podcast

Episode 76: Blog 2 - Case Study 1 - Severe Sciatica in a Sport Horse

Episode 75: Introduction to Body Lameness and Answers

Episode 74: Dr. DeClue is Interviewed by Elisa Walfish of The EquiScience Podcast (#21 - Rethinking Lameness: Looking Beyond the Limbs)

Episode 73: The Complexity of Treating Body Lameness in Sport Horses with Dr. Gabrielle Martel

Episode 72: A Riders Daily Checklist in the Ridden Horse - An Interview with Dr Sue Dyson

Episode 71: ECVM in Sport Horses with Dr. Kate Workman

Episode 70: An Impromptu Interview with a Trainer

Episode 69: Deep Discussions about Unspoken Problems in Sport Horses: Dr. Audrey DeClue, Dr. Ellen Hillyer and Dr. Brandy Ashman

Episode 68: Sciatica in Sport Horses

Episode 67: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 4 with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste

Episode 66: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 3 - When it is NOT a Training Issue

Episode 65: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 2 with Dr. Sue Dyson

Episode 64: Recognition and Awareness of Pain in Sport Horses Part 1

Episode 63: Sport Horse Rounds with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste

Episode 62: Sport Horse Rounds - Interview with Dr. Brandy Ashman, Burnout & Renewed Passion to Solve Lameness Issues

Episode 61: Thinking Outside the Box and Quick Fixes

Episode 60: Sport Horse Rounds - A New Mindset

Episode 59: Sport Horse Rounds - What Lameness Issues Are We All Missing?

Episode 58: Sport Horse Rounds - Body Lameness vs Limb Lameness

Episode 57: Sport Horse Rounds - KISS Theory: Making Complex Lameness Simple