About
We cannot remove any animal from its instinctive, inherent environment and place it into ours without expecting aspects of assimilation trauma as collateral. Especially with mutually dependent herd animals like horses, it is selfish to interpret their world solely through our lens. Where natural instinct resists domestication, our only course is to prioritize their needs over our desires. Bridging the gap between emotion and intellect requires us to divest ourselves of ego, remain sensitive to the inherent truth that is herd psychology, and take our view from the hoof.
Welcome to the Institute for Advanced Equine Studies. I’m Kerry M. Thomas, founder and creator. It is a privilege to have you here with me, for it means that, like myself, you share a desire to learn, discover, achieve, and be part of a brighter future. A future that transcends our current understanding as we blaze new trails into the unknown. The study of herd dynamics and the intricacies of behavioral genetics are the composition of equine psychology. The unraveling of these fascinating mysteries is my life’s passion, and herein, I share with you my life’s work. Blending the art of horsemanship with the science of nature forms the core of my philosophy—principles that I believe lay the foundation for a pioneering and groundbreaking approach to equine education. This work transcends all equestrian disciplines because we are starting with the horse, discovering “who” the horse is so that we can better accommodate “what” they can become. The horse must come before the discipline.
My mission is to continue advancing new concepts and research for the improvement of the equine industry through a deeper understanding of horses' inherent nature and continue to expand our appreciation of the herd-wired psychology. As this institute grows, my goal is to cultivate a community of forward-thinking, innovative minds whose work will be brought here for the benefit of all. Together, we will create a place where new ideas are thoughtfully presented, respectfully considered, and rigorously studied, fostering an environment of continuous learning and discovery.
As a student here, you will have the opportunity to access what many consider to be the most unique and innovative educational content available anywhere in the world. I’ve dedicated my life to providing resources that deepen your understanding and elevate your practice. From in-depth lectures and written modules to video-based real case studies, together, we’ll explore every facet of equine psychology, behavior, and training. We’ll delve into the intricacies of Equine PTSD and Trauma, Sensory Soundness and Mapping, Herd Psychology and Hierarchical Structure, and advanced Training and Coaching methodologies, to name but a few. New content and modules will continuously be added, expanding your learning opportunities as we push the envelope of innovation forward.
Though we are at the inception of this journey, my vision for the Institute extends far beyond this online learning platform. I am committed to creating a dedicated facility for learning and research—a real educational farm and stable where advanced training and lessons can take place. This future facility will serve as a hub for both learning and innovation, bringing together intrepid thinkers and scholars from various areas of the equestrian world to complement the work and research I’ve pioneered and together forge new paths forward.
At the Institute for Advanced Equine Studies, my goal is to build a place of learning unlike anything available today. My focus spans from furthering our understanding of emotional stress and its impact on the physical horse, developing protocols to offset the stress of herd isolation, promoting human-horse emotional wellness, to advancing high-level athletic training and coaching. By merging human and horse psychology, intentions, and tendencies, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of our unique relationship with horses.
As a student, you’ll not only have access to an extensive library of cutting-edge material but also be among the first to engage with new releases as they become available. I’m dedicated to ensuring your knowledge remains at the forefront of equine science and psychology. The Institute for Advanced Equine Studies reflects my personal commitment to providing an educational experience that is as dynamic and evolving as the very subjects we study. We will continue to develop and introduce new, innovative course modules as they are completed. From ongoing modules like OTTB Re-Coaching the Mind to Equine PTSD and Navigating Trauma and the A View from the Hoof series, we are just getting started. As well, lessons and modules such as Real Case Studies and Sensory Soundness and Sensory Mapping, Psychological Pace, and much more will continue to expand as we push the boundaries of equine education.
I look forward to welcoming you to this special place—a safe space for learning and exploration, where everyone can feel comfortable sharing, learning at their own pace, and making new discoveries alongside me. For we grow best when we grow together!
Your Friend,
Kerry M. Thomas
