Iridology is the study of the patterns and markings in the iris of the eye.  Equine Iridology is a safe, painless and non-intrusive form of analysis via the study of the iris using magnification.

In this way, inherited genetic strengths and weaknesses, plus tendencies towards certain organ/system dysfunctions may be ascertained.  Many illnesses are simply symptoms of an organ malfunction.  Equine Iridology can reveal the root cause of the illness in the horse so that the right treatment is easier and more effective.

Empirical Observations

For over a hundred years, various Iridologists have studied these patterns and markings, correlating them with specific health problems, physical strengths and weaknesses and personality traits.  Through these empirical observations, Iridologists have noted certain constitutional patterns.  That is to say, similar eye patterns tend to have similar personality traits and health profiles.

These observations are the basis for Constitutional Iridology Analysis.

Some people believe that the eye is a mirror of what is going on in the body right now and hence, have endeavored to use Iridology as a diagnostic tool to determine specific disease conditions.  Constitutional Iridology is based on the premise that the patterns and markings in the eye are primarily genetically inherited.

Hence, in Constitutional Iridology, no attempt is made to diagnose any specific disease conditions.  Constitutional Iridology is used to help us understand an individual’s basic temperament so we can know how to balance nutrition and lifestyle to obtain greater physical, mental and emotional fitness.

Seeing Inside

Quite simply it allows you to “see” inside the horse to pinpoint where there is a problem that may be the reason behind behavioral and/or physical problems.  So many times horses’ symptoms are misdiagnosed due to lack of information. The fact is, horses are unable to tell you where it hurts or what is wrong.  With Iridology you can see not only where there is a problem, but where there is the likelihood of a problem occurring due to either old injuries or inherited weakness.

The iris is divided into areas, like the face of a clock

Old Injuries, Inherited Traits

Apart from discovering what is wrong with your horse or pony, Iridology can be of assistance in the buying and or training of high performance horses, i.e. racing, eventing, or endurance riding.

You would be able to tell which horses had old injuries, had inherited temperament issues or an inherited or genetic weakness.  This information cannot be detected by a conventional veterinary examination, which can only tell you if the horse is sound in wind, heart and limb on the day of the examination.

For example, inherited kidney weakness is one of the main things that will show up clearly in the eye. Horses who have this weakness are prone to tying up and also the “sore back” or “cold back” syndrome.

Careers

Whether you simply want to be able to keep your horse healthy, understand why he has any issues and what they are, or if you are looking for a rewarding career working with horses, or already a therapist and want to have another ‘diagnostic’ tool, then Equine Iridology could be the answer.  It will fit in with any other type of career as once qualified you can work to suit yourself.

Brenda Ackerman has been practicing Iridology, Nutritional Consulting, and Herbalism through Joyful Living Services in the Sacramento area since 2000 and in the Bay Area for 12 years prior to that. She has been a certified Iridologist since 1987 and a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Certified herbalist since 1990. She has consulted in the Natural Vision Center, as well as the Sutter Chiropractic Center in San Francisco, and has shared an office with a massage therapist in Alameda. She currently works out of her home in the Sacramento, California area.

You can contact Brenda and learn more about animal/equine iridology at http://www.joyfullivingservices.com/ or on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/joyfullivingservices.