Human ↔ Horse Connection

As I busy myself writing the series of keynote lectures in our new Signature Collection, which officially kicks off October 24th with our first Book Talk Event at Second Nature Farm in Oxford, PA → www.kerrymthomasbooks.com and continues soon after with our Horse Connection Tour in the Netherlands this November, I wanted to share a cross-section of updates and a few core principles deeply woven through all of my work: the books, clinics, workshops, keynote talks, and lectures.

“You cannot, and should not, train through a psychological breach, nor drive a sensory unsound and struggling horse through the black hole in their mind. Do so, and you leave scars where learning should be.”  kmt

I’ve just finished preparing the Book Talk Keynote, and we’re now combing through my private collection of photos to share during the special presentation of Herd Wired: In Pursuit of Discovery. Alongside the images and personal stories behind how the book came to be, I’ll also be sharing many insights and experiences gathered along the trail of learning.

This Book Talk Special Event will be a rare opportunity for sharing, learning, and storytelling and I truly hope you can join us. If not for the kick-off, perhaps at another event closer to you. You can also host one of our presentations; learn more here → Presentations | Sensory Soundness.

“The horse does not ask us to validate who they are, nor should we seek their validation of us. Shared leadership is a partnership, and relationships are built on the inherent strengths and vulnerabilities of one another. For if we seek validation of our truths from another, perhaps it is not really our truth at all. The horse will demand we be honest with ourselves, if we are to be seen as honest with them.”  kmt

Through our newly minted small imprint, Beyond The Hoof Bookworks, Daphne and I are steadily navigating the distribution channels that will make Herd Wired and all future titles, readily available to bookstores and libraries worldwide. By the end of October, wherever you are in the world, you should be able to ask your local bookstore or tack shop to carry the book.

We’d be so grateful if you did. This has been a big undertaking. We chose not to sign with a large publisher despite offers because I knew exactly what I wanted Herd Wired to be. I didn’t write it to hand you a set of rules; I wrote it to walk beside you.

So, what does it mean to be Herd Wired? To me, it means the pursuit of discovery through the laws of nature. From wild mustangs in the American West to Brumbies in Australia and through lessons shared with Indigenous teachers, this book was born on the trail. It isn’t a training manual; it’s a Field Companion you can carry, mark-up with your own scribbles and use as a mirror for your own journey. I wanted the ideas to breathe, to serve as reference points, trail markers, not rigid truths. Herd Wired is an invitation to see familiar horses with new eyes.

A New Chapter for Herd Wired:

I’m deeply proud to share the forthcoming Dutch edition of Herd Wired: In Pursuit of Discovery, beautifully translated and published by Bloemendal Uitgevers under the title Kudde Wijsheid – Openbaring van Connecties (Herd Wisdom – Revelation of Connections).

To see this work come to life in another language is a milestone I’ll never forget. I’m deeply appreciative of all those who helped bring it to the European equestrian community; in the Netherlands, Rik Jansen and Nieske Pohlman, and stateside, Amy Mellinger of Phoenix Business Consultants, and of course my wife Daphne, whose tireless behind-the-scenes work includes creating the author’s page, linked above.

“A horse lives by the laws of their nature. Where they fit into the herd, how they interpret their world, how they learn, how they’re coached, how they ultimately perform, is governed by the rules of that nature; it is wise to make an effort, to understand it.” kmt

The Dutch edition may even be available in time for our return to the Netherlands this November. Daphne and I are thrilled to expand upon the work we began last year with the launch of the Horse Connection Tour.

We’ll have a full schedule of lectures, mini-workshops, clinics, and a special three-day anchor event and we’re also accepting private client evaluations at special tour pricing.

For information or scheduling, contact Nieske Pohlman in the Netherlands (on Facebook at Paardenluisteren) or Amy Mellinger at phoenix.strategic.co@gmail.com. Amy is also your go-to for bookings, sponsorships, or to discuss hosting future events.

We’re already planning our return to Australia in 2026, with anticipated stops in WA, NSW, and possibly Queensland. If you’d like to host or attend when we’re near your region, let us know, we’d love to include you. You can explore the full list of keynote and workshop offerings here à Presentations | Sensory Soundness, or reach out for a private booking.

“A herd of horses is defined not by their physical numbers but by the emotional relationships they share. A proper hierarchical construct is crucial in that it influences behavior patterns and their ability to manage environmental stresses.”  kmt

Expanding Access & Connection:

We’re currently developing a new calendar for our website so that you can easily book an appointment with me. Soon you’ll be able to schedule Consulting With Kerry sessions directly through Zoom to discuss anything from deepening your relationship with your horse to troubleshooting training issues or reviewing performance and anything in between.

This service is open to riders and owners across all levels from 5-Star Eventing to 4-H Pony Clubs, and space will be limited as we roll it out. If you’d like to be among the first notified, reach out now to secure your spot.

“Sensory Soundness: Where the physical world merges with the emotional horse.”  kmt

Private Evaluations: The Herd Dynamic Profile™

Yes, I’m still offering private evaluation services in Herd Dynamic Profiling™. You can learn more about this signature offering here → Human - Horse Connection | Sensory Soundness

Here’s what your personalized evaluation includes:

Between the Ears: The story behind the eyes. A vivid 3–4 paragraph emotional portrait of your horse’s psychological fingerprint — how they feel, think, and interact with the world. This section reveals the unique “operating system running the machine” and captures who they are at heart.

Sensory Soundness™ Assessment: How your horse absorbs, filters, and reacts to their world. An evaluation of sensory zone engagement (1–6), environmental processing ability, and emotional threshold — identifying both strengths and sensitivities.

Herd Dynamic Overview: Leadership style, herd role, and relational psychology. An analysis of Group and Individual Herd Dynamics (GHD/IHD), herd position tendencies, and social style — translating instinct into application.

Strengths & Vulnerabilities: What empowers the horse—and what can derail them. A candid look at emotional strengths and potential challenges, with guidance on how to support and elevate performance through awareness.

Relationship Guidance & Connection Strategies: Becoming the partner your horse needs. Tailored advice for nurturing the emotional bond between horse and human — from energy-matching cues to practical trust-building insights.

Training & Development Notes: Coaching the brain, not just the body. A guide to psychological alignment in training — identifying what motivates, what causes shutdown, and how learning occurs best.

Breeding Insight (if applicable): Behavioral genetics and compatibility guidance. Evaluating inherited tendencies and ideal emotional matches for herd synergy and breeding success.

Final Observations / Closing Thoughts: Bringing it all together. A summary of emotional landscape, key takeaways, and intuitive reflections — leaving you with clarity, direction, and deeper connection.

Kerry’s Lexicon of  Frequently used Terms | Sensory Soundness A helpful glossary of key terminology, including Sensory Soundness™, IHD, GHD, and more, to support your ongoing understanding of the horse’s emotional operating system.

If you’re seeking concise, real-time insight without a full written analysis, the Consulting With Kerry option might be perfect for you.

“Among the most difficult things for the herd-wired horse to do is operate independently of their nature. When we isolate the horse, we are exposing both their strengths and their vulnerabilities. It is our responsibility to bridge the gap between the natural herd dynamic and the domesticated world.”  kmt

In Closing:

Thank you for your ongoing support and for walking this trail of discovery with me. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased Herd Wired and for the flattering and humbling reviews; whether you get a signed copy directly from us, or through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and soon, your local bookstore, know that your support is quite appreciated. I can’t continue to do this work with it.

With your help, this journey continues to grow. Don’t hesitate to reach out! I truly hope to see you somewhere along the trail.

Your friend, Kerry

“Herd Dynamics Matter; every discipline, every horse, everywhere.”  kmt