Equine Herbal Wksp (Applied Zoopharmacognosy) Foundation Level

 Zoopharmacognosy refers to the process by which animals in the wild self-medicate by instinctively foraging for plants, algae's, clays and minerals for their medicinal properties. This survival trait allows an animal to use its innate ability to prevent disease as well as regain health. There is nothing new about animals self-selecting the medicinal compounds present within herbs – it has always been an essential survival trait used by animals in the wild in order to maintain health. Domesticated animals have not lost this ability – just the opportunity! Your horse is already self-selecting every time it chooses between one plant in the field and another.  

Applied Zoopharmacognosy then, is an observational science involving offering plant extracts according to presenting symptoms enabling domestic and captive animals to self-medicate effectively in environments devoid of therapeutic plants.