Obesity: It’s Not Just About Diet

Obesity has become a prevalent health risk for horses as well as people. But it’s not just about how much or what a horse eats. In fact, dietary restriction may even make matters worse for a horse. In this seminar, Bruce explains, in understandable terms, why this is so at a physiological and molecular level, and what can be done about it.

Laminitis: A Lifestyle Affliction

Laminitis (founder) is a devastating hoof disorder. In this seminar, Bruce explains its origins can often be found in the horse’s lifestyle and environment and he traces, in understandable terms, pertinent physiological and molecular pathways. Eliminating the lifestyle and environmental factors that cause laminitis is crucial to prevention and cure.

Horses in Captivity

The psychological needs of domesticated horses are intrinsically the same as those of wild horses. One of the challenges horse owners face is to find ways to fulfill those needs under the constraints of captivity. In this seminar, Bruce describes ways to accomplish this goal and explains how it can improve performance and protect horses against the damaging effects of the unnatural stressors that are inherent to life in captivity.

Understanding Why Natural Hoof Care Works or Doesn’t Work

When done properly natural hoof care can positively impact horse and hoof health. Unfortunately, there is an astonishing amount of misinformation about its practice. In this seminar, Bruce explains the theory behind natural hoof care and discusses hoof adaptation, one of the key concepts which has led to confusion and failure.

The Nature of a True Correction

The term "correction" is sometimes taken to mean disciplinary action … a reprimand or even punishment. This is a misconception that is inconsistent with modern learning theory. In this seminar, Bruce describes the nature of a true correction and explains why it is the most effective way to mold the behavior and performance of a horse. Along the way, he highlights the minor pitfalls that can occasionally be encountered when correcting a horse and contrasts them with the major problems that less tactful approaches often cause.