Student Testimonials

Monica Meer, CP

From Monica Meer, CP
I wanted to thank you so much for taking the time to help me in the last class in NY. I cannot even begin to tell you what a different place I am in since I have returned. I also wanted to tell you about my class experience to better help you develop your program. There were so many “highlights” and “learning moments” that have helped me immensely with my training.

First of all, I love the addition of the impromptu tests. This really helps me focus and study. The addition of written tests is a plus for my learning curve.

When Kristen had us place the names of the bones on the skull, this was a huge leap for me. I have read, I have studied, I have tried to memorize, but this little exercise has really helped bring it home for me. Truly, I think if I had the names and the skull in front of me today, I could still identify them all. I don’t think I could have prior to this hands on test.

Coming out of this class, I know my weaknesses, and I know my strengths. When I came home the things I focused on were things I had not really focused on in the past. I am focusing on details, on angles, on the horse, on symmetry, on guidance. I have truly grown 100%. Now I all I have to do is get into a ton of horse’s mouths and master the art. I have it in my head. I picture it, I can see it. My motor skills need to catch up to the mental information and intuitiveness. I am getting a feel. Of course every mouth since my return has had the exact same issues as the horse’s in class. This is giving me lots of practice on those protuberant 10″s. My nemesis.

The last day of class was my best day. I needed to struggle. I needed to try, and I needed to feel the finished product. I needed to be accountable and just work on horses. You were there when I needed you. I did not feel judged. I did not feel nervous (the last day) I felt involved in the process. I do get nervous at times, not so much about being there with you, or Mike, or Phil, but more for the fact that I want you all to be proud. I want you to feel that I care and that I can help the horses that I work on.

As an instructor in hoof care, I know how hard it is to teach and show without making the student feel inadequate or nervous about their skills. We have to know that with enough time and training, they will “get it”.

Learning about angles, curve of spee, curve of wilson, guidance, etc. really brought it home. I have been obsessed with angles, and going over that again at this level has truly helped me understand even more.

Having your dentist come and speak to us was amazing! Now, I can talk to people and relate the human function and guidance etc. to better their understanding. Seeing and hearing him explain the guidance and the way we use our jaw when it is in use and when at rest was so interesting. I used this information immediately upon my return. When I was balancing a horse’s mouth and working on incisors, I saw the “lift’, the “gap” that was produced upon excursion. I understood, I saw, I was able to explain, the client saw, the client saw when it was in balance, it was amazing. Please thank him for me.

The most recent horse I worked on (last night) was a young horse. Only 6. He has been power floated for the past two years. He was so calm. He acted as if he was sedated. It was amazing. I was on my knees the whole time. He was so relaxed. Everything came together at that moment. I felt secure in my talent and performance. I was relaxed. I was breathing, I was focused, I was connected with the horse.

He had, what I would consider a grade 3 ATR on all 4 arcades. He had no hooks or ramps or anything else (bit seats). He was very low in his angles on the upper arcades, and had some high number 10′s on the lowers. I was so proud of my work. Feeling that his angles were already shallow, I did not want to over work the ATR. Instead I reduced the ATR while re-establishing some of the angle to the upper arcades. I simply reduced the ATR on the lowers and really focused on those high teeth. When I was finished I felt that I had all 4 arcades equal and angles matching, uppers to uppers and lowers to lowers, near side to far side. When I was finished, the excursion was amazing. The sound was right. He had full occlusion. It was like music to my ears to hear that smooth, gritty sound.

Prior, he had poor occlusion on all 4 arcades, due to the not only the ATR, but the higher molars in the back. When I excurded him prior to working on him, it sounded like two marbles hitting each other. So for me to hear that glide and have it sound like every single molar had contact and no lift, was amazing. My best balance to date in my opinion. I wanted to share this with you because it was such a highlight for me. I think you would have been proud.

One other thing that I have noticed more and more, especially in the recent classes, is the level of the students and their understanding. Even the level one’s far exceeded where I was at their level. The program continues to improve consistently.

I just wanted you to know how happy I am coming out of the last class.

I also wanted to let you know that I will be attending the August class. I would like this trip to be my “free” class prior to certification. Depending on my performance and your recommendations at the August class, will determine whether I certify in the November class or if I will take an extra class and certify in February. I feel that I could be ready. My skills are improving daily and will be able to work on a good number of horses.

I am working with a vet for my clients in the northern counties and I am working on getting another vet for my clients that are nearer to home. This will allow me access to more work and more practice.

Thanks so much Spencer.

Aasne M., Veterinarian from Norway

From Aasne M., Veterinarian from Norway
My view on equine dentistry has changed during AWHD’s program and I am very satisfied with what I have learned.  What I really like is how we are taught the important connection between the teeth and the rest of the body.  Small details are of great importance and we learned how to perform anatomical correct adjustments of the teeth which again restores a stability not only for the bit, but also for the whole body.  I am also grateful for the positive and friendly attitude of the school; the teachers are passionate and able to convey theory and practice in an inspiring way.