Equine Dental and Bit Fitting Educational Demonstration

WHAT TO EXPECT

After a brief introduction, Dr. Betsy Lau will begin our presentation by going over our skulls and equine dentition and anatomy in detail. Each skull is from a horse of significantly different age and background. She will cover common pathologies and disorders, as well as routine care and maintainence. 

Next, Katrina and Kathy will discuss the variety of bits and their function. We have over 20+ different bits that we will be exploring and discussing. We will also discuss the importance of knowing your horse's mouth anatomy. Whether they have a thick, wide tongue or a shallow palate, all of these factor into your horse's comfort and how a bit will function. In order to get a better understanding, we have devised a pressure-sensitive "tongue" to place in the skull and show how each bit affects the mouth. We will add measureable pressure to the reins to show how many of the bits actually function in the horse's mouth. 

Observers will be encouraged to touch and interact with the skulls and bits if desired.

WHY YOU and/or YOUR STUDENT/4-Her SHOULD ATTEND

This is an informal educational event and interaction is welcome. Asking questions and taking notes, photos, and videos is highly encouraged! The learning that occurs through hands on demonstration of function on an actual horse skull is vastly different to that afforded by a lecture or textbook lesson. This unique in-person learning environment can impart an appreciation and understanding of anatomy, unparalleled by second-hand teaching techniques.  Early exposure to tools and techniques, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of the horse, may bolster some students’ ambitions to persue veterinary medicine and related fields. Students will also learn to identify bits and their action, including compounding leverage and direction of force/pull. Understanding the mechanics of bit function may cultivate more compassionate horsemanship as students learn how severe bits affect the horse. 

Currently enrolled students and 4-H members receive a 25% Discount with code STUDENT25

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Dr. Elisabeth Lau, DVM

Dr. Betsy Lau is a native of North Little Rock, Arkansas. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University. She completed her internship at Comstock Equine Hospital and stayed on as an associate veterinarian. Her professional interests include dentistry, small ruminants, and general medicine. She is a member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners and a control judge with the American Endurance Ride Conference.

Katrina Sanders

As a horse professional, I make a living by facilitating clear communication between horse and human.  I’m not always perfect in my translations, but I have spent countless hours observing horses, people, reading books, watching videos and taking instruction from those whom I consider to be masters at their language with horses in order to cultivate my skills.  My goal is to do everything in my power to improve my language with the horse and to pass that ability and knowledge on to others.  Maintaining the principle that rewarding for every try is the key to building a solid foundation.  I am very clear in my teaching that the horse’s welfare is my number one priority and that there may be times where we, the humans, may have to release our egos and alter our goals in consideration of the best interest of the horse.  In every new thing that we expose our horses to and in every situation where we have to either re-establish or build trust, this must be what guides us in order to develop a healthy partnership with our horses.  This is the passion which drives my journey in horsemanship.  This is how I believe we can achieve horse-art-man-ship.

Learn more about Katrina by visiting her website at www.ksclassicaleq.com