Season 2 Episode 1. In this special episode of Beyond the Hoof, Daphne and Kerry sit down to talk about Kerry’s upcoming presentation at the USEA Championship in South Carolina, happening the first weekend of May. They explore what it means to bring the science of Sensory Soundness and Herd Dynamics into the competitive world of eventing, and why understanding a horse’s mental operating system can be the key to unlocking true performance.
From behind-the-scenes prep to real-world examples, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the heart of the work — and a preview of what riders, trainers, and enthusiasts can expect at this major equestrian event.

Whether you’re attending the Championship or tuning in from afar, this conversation will shift the way you see your horse — and yourself.

www.kerrymthomas.com for more information.

Welcome to Destination Hope, a heartfelt series and cornerstone of our Beyond the Hoof digital media programming. Every episode shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked goodness in the world, celebrating the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to fostering meaningful connections between humans and animals. Across the globe, countless non-profit organizations (NPOs) and compassionate individuals work tirelessly to rescue, heal, and nurture. Many of these sanctuaries of kindness offer not only refuge for animals but also hope and healing for people—a beautiful synergy where hope becomes a destination.

Meet John:

John Seguya’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to making the world a better place. Once an orphan himself, John knows all too well the profound struggles of growing up without the support of parents. Yet, instead of allowing his hardships to define him, John transformed his pain into a driving force for change, creating opportunities for others to find hope where there once was none.

Born and raised in Uganda, John overcame unimaginable challenges, choosing not to be a victim of his circumstances but to rise above them. His journey is one of courage, compassion, and determination. Starting with a single act of kindness—taking in one abandoned child—John has grown his vision into the Kids Hope Foundation, now home to 35 children. These children see John as more than just a caregiver; he is their teacher, friend, and family—a beacon of hope in their lives, offering the possibility of a brighter future.

But John’s heart isn’t just dedicated to children. His love for animals inspired him to create Animals Care Uganda, a sanctuary for abandoned and neglected animals, primarily dogs. Here, the rescued animals find safety and love while also playing an important role in teaching the children responsibility, empathy, and respect for all living beings.

Through his unwavering compassion, John has built a haven of hope for both children and animals, demonstrating that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outward to transform lives. John Seguya’s work continues to inspire and uplift, proving that no obstacle is too great for a heart determined to help others.

For more information visit: www.kerrymthomas/beacons-of-hope

In this episode of Beyond The Hoof with Kerry & Daphne, we explore the profound impact of Equine PTSD and trauma on horses' emotional and physical well-being. Kerry delves into the mechanisms behind emotional scars, the role of herd dynamics, and the power of positive associations in healing. Learn how understanding a horse's sensory system and anticipatory responses can unlock new pathways to emotional recovery. We also discuss Reflective Learning Therapy and the incredible connection between horses and humans in processing stress and anxiety. Join us for an inspiring conversation on fostering emotional wellness in our equine partners.

For more information visit: https://www.kerrymthomas.com

In this episode we discuss a question asked from Western Australia. Does Kerry have any tips on how to be the bridge whilst on the ground? Is it that I just need to remain grounded and calm and hopefully the horse will look to me for security or is there other little tips or tricks from the trade?

In this insightful episode, Kerry dives into the nuanced debate about desensitization. Is it truly preparing horses for the unpredictable chaos of real-world environments, or does it risk creating a false sense of security tied to controlled conditions?Kerry explores the distinction between desensitization and life-skills, emphasizing the importance of enriching a horse’s sensory systems and fostering natural assimilation over conditioned responses. With practical examples and a deep understanding of herd dynamics, he shares why life-skills are essential for developing a horse’s interpretive ratio, stress tolerance, and purposeful responsiveness.Join us as we uncover how teaching meaningful life skills can create a lasting impact on a horse’s ability to thrive in any environment preparing them for life.

In this episode we dip our toes into the interesting behavioral differences between geldings with colts and geldings with other geldings. We also talk about my upcoming new monographic book series, 'A View From The Hoof' and toss a shout out to our new Event Manager & Client Relations Coordinator as we "push our chips onto the table" for a bright future! ~ Kerry

Sleep Deprivation in horses. In this episode we peel back the unseen world of horses, sleep deprivation stemming from herd structure disruptions and a variety of other stresses, has significant impacts on performance.

Don't quit trouble in the barn. Young rider ask a great question, “how do I become better faster and not give up?”