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Pain is not just a physical event. It is a neurological and psychological experience, one that shapes behavior, movement, perception, learning, and trust. The inaugural webinar in The Psychology Of: series explores one of the most misunderstood and emotionally complex topics in the equine world: pain. Hosted by Kerry M. Thomas and joined by internationally respected trainer and educator Nancy Heiber, this session examines the nature of pain, what it truly is, and how it is experienced by the horse before it is labeled, diagnosed, or addressed. Together, Kerry and Nancy explore the intersection between physical discomfort, emotional and physiological processing, sensory load, and behavioral expression. The conversation asks not only where pain shows up, but how it lives within the horse, and how our interpretation, timing, and choices influence the horse’s ability to cope, adapt, or recover. Grounded in welfare-first understanding, this webinar invites students to look beyond surface signs toward deeper awareness, responsibility, and compassionate decision-making. Recorded January 19 Part of The Psychology Of: Learning Library Webinar Series Over 2 hours of content