Institute for Advanced Equine Studies

Kerry M. Thomas is a renowned equine therapist, educator, and consultant specializing in equine behavioral psychology and the application of cognitive theory to horse training, horse selection, and breeding programs. He is widely recognized for his expertise in the field of equine behavior, equine PTSD and trauma assessment and is the developer of the groundbreaking Sensory Soundness theory and Sensory Mapping. His innovative methods for understanding Herd Dynamics and creating protocols based upon the natural behavior of horses is considered by many as amongst the more progressive approaches in the world today. ​ Thomas created the Thomas Herding Technique (THT) in 2008, a methodology that focuses on building trust and communication between horses and humans through understanding their natural instincts and behavior patterns. In 2011 he started THT Bloodstock to accommodate international thoroughbred clients through which he and then partner Pete Denk began evaluating the herd dynamic patterns of motion of the Kentucky Derby Horses. In February 2024, Kerry dissolved that business to focus exclusively on his new venture. Kerry’s passion for advancing educational opportunities for equestrian minded scholars and for expanding his services for all equine disciplines and riding levels, was the driving for behind shifting his focus to new frontiers. With the founding of www.sensorysoundness.com Kerry conducts clinics, creates educational programs, and lectures internationally, helping horse owners, trainers, and riders develop better relationships with their horses. Thomas's work has significantly influenced the equestrian community, providing valuable insights into horse psychology and training techniques. Kerry continues to press the envelope in his forward-thinking concepts for the advancement of the human to horse relationship through education and unique services. Kerry started his quest for knowledge as a young man through years of independent field research studying wild horses around the globe and the unique predator / prey relationship in the natural world. His unique insights have been used to find some of the modern era’s best equine athletes such as Runhappy, Beauty Generation, City of Light to name a few. Kerry has been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal for his groundbreaking work and is often quoted or featured in international publications including the Barefoot Horse Magazine, the Arabian Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Kerry has also been featured on Television, Radio and has a special series of Podcasts on Herd Dynamics with Dr. Shelley Appleton. ​ “Too many horses are written-off because of misdiagnosis and misunderstandings. We must consider the world of the horse from the horse’s view of the world. For it can be said that a true measure of horsemanship is realized in our willingness to find within the horse what we are brave enough to seek, within ourselves.” Kerry M Thomas