About This Video
Dr. Duncan F. Peters focuses on the mental health of horses in this learning center video. Dr. Peters discusses what social, nutritional, cognitive, and movement requirements are needed to maintain horses’ mental health. Equestrians play a key part in maintaining their horses’ mental health. Providing opportunities to, when possible, free graze, forage access, engaging training sessions, adequate sleep and rest, and interaction with humans and fellow horses are all highlighted in this video. Maintaining horses’ mental health also has physical benefits, from reducing the risk of stomach ulcers to ensuring horses perform at their peak.
About The Expert
Duncan F. Peters, D.V.M., M.S., DACVSMR (Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation) grew up in Connecticut working around and riding horses. He groomed and competed in multiple disciplines (hunter/jumper, polo, and endurance). He has been practicing veterinary sport horse medicine and management for more than 38 years and earned diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) in 2013. Dr. Peters is currently co-owner of East-West Equine Sports Medicine, LLC, based in Lexington, Ky. The practice’s focus is on diagnosis and treatment of equine lameness, poor performance, welfare, and overall management of the sport horse for optimum performance. Prior to his work in Lexington, Dr. Peters was an associate professor at Michigan State University where he led the Sports Medicine service from 2012-2015. From 2006-2012, he led the Sport Horse Division at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Dr. Peters has been an active participant in the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and is a contributing author to the books Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery and Current Equine Therapy 7th Ed. He is an active member of the United States Hunter/Jumper Association (USHJA) and the United States Equestrian Federation, where he serves on the Veterinary Committee and Welfare and Safety Committee. Dr. Peters has served as a selection veterinarian for the USEF High Performance disciplines of eventing, dressage, and endurance. He is a multi-disciplined Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) veterinary delegate. Dr. Peters has been a team veterinarian for the U.S. Para-Equestrian and Vaulting teams and was a member of the FEI Veterinary Commission during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the 2015 Pan American Games. He is a certified member and board member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). In addition, Dr. Peters breeds sport horses and competes in the jumper division.
