“The eyes have one language everywhere”
George Herbert, Welsh metaphysical poet, orator and priest: 1593-1633

If George Herbert were still alive, he may have extended his statement by naming that “one language”. Today we call it iridology, but in his time there would have been no word for the remarkable foresight he displayed when he made this famous statement and that’s ­despite the fact that the eyes have been used as ­signposts and symbols of emotional, ­physical and spiritual health since biblical times as seen in Matthew 6:22-23.

Iridology, which is gaining popular ­momentum, especially in countries such as ­Germany where it is fairly well-established, is the study of the iris (the coloured area of the eye). It is a non-intrusive diagnostic technique which requires no needles, no anesthetic or drugs and is a very useful guide to health and personality.

Although iridology was initially a human diagnostic tool the medical doctor behind the discovery started his research on the back of his observation of a mark developing in the eye of an owl with a broken wing.

What is equine iridology?
In 1987, ­American naturopath and iridologist, Dr Mercedes ­Colburn, ventured deeper into the “windows of the soul” to advance human iridology into equine iridology to become the pioneer of the latter. All her research has been a ­collaborative affair with colleague and veterinarian Dr Dena Edkerdt.

Following the traumatic loss of two of her horses, Mercedes, armed with her doctorate in naturopathy and her PhD from Richmond University in London, got to thinking about how she could use her experience in human iridology to work for her beloved four-legged friends.

The result of these years of study led to Mercedes and Dena developing the equine iridology grid in 1995, which forms the basis of all assessments made of the condition of the horse.

Humans and horses
Equine iridology has its roots in human ­iridology with modifications in line with the different anatomical structure between human and horse.

While all animals are structurally basically the same, an example of a difference between human and horse would be the ­ability to ­vomit. This inability in horses can lead to the distressing symptom of colic, which, in turn, can lead to death.

Equine nutrition in itself is something of an art for anyone who owns horses, and ­iridology can identify a poor diet and the effect it has on the digestive and intestinal system. Left too long, the various organs can be weakened by sluggish digestion causing varying levels of toxicity in the system.

A qualified equine iridologist is capable of detecting impactions in the flexure ­areas ­inside the intestinal system; sluggishness in the ­mesenteric artery (circulatory ­system); strengths and weaknesses in the overall ­structure of the horse, and the degrees of ­inflammation is ­identified as revealed in the iris. It works well as a complimentary tool to vets and is an ­excellent maintenance ­solution to well-being.

Weak areas can be spotted in the iris and can range from mild pain and early stages of illness to advanced degenerative symptoms where pain is no longer being experienced but where the horse’s eye reflects old tissue damage. This is quite simple to see with the naked eye and ranges in colour from white flecks in the eye to a darker almost orange colour, on to grey and then in the final stages dark to black lesions or marks. These stages are known as acute; sub-acute; chronic and degenerative.

Shift your thinking
To understand and embrace iridology, one needs to make a quantum shift in thinking … it’s a bit like understanding the ­difference ­between electricity from the sun versus ­electricity from coal. It’s still electricity, but how you work with it changes dramatically in order to sustain itself.

Iridology should be viewed a bit like ­regular services on a vehicle, so that you don’t end up breaking down along the road on a dark night. It is sufficiently cost-efficient to allow for three- or six-monthly check-ups in order to keep horses in peak condition preventing any physical or emotional deterioration. It is also a useful tool to determine whether the horse you are investing in is in fact the correct partner/athlete you are looking for.

Western medicine is designed to work ­extremely efficiently on the treatment of ­symptoms. We are greatly indebted to the ­medical profession for the strides they have made in orthodox treatment and it would be prudent to consider equine iridology as ­complimentary to orthodox medicine. Few medical professionals would disagree with a good maintenance programme which can ­prevent unnecessary suffering. This is where ­iridology practiced by a competent ­practitioner can be of much use.

A capable iridologist should be able to ­pinpoint weaknesses in the genetic structure of your horse which allows you, the owner and rider, to compensate for these ­possibilities. An example of how iridology can assist in the ­future performance of a horse, would be to look at the eyes of yearlings and where ­possible dams and sires, depending on what the horse’s skills are meant to be, such as a race horse, show jumper, endurance, brood mare.

Stress levels
It has been noted in selective local research that despite strong genetic structure in ­thoroughbred breed stock, high levels of stress have been highlighted in the brood mares. This can be physical/emotional and can also be carried into foals in genetic circumstances. In certain athletes stress rings can be useful and enhance performance.

In race horses they may contribute to the makings of a supercharged athlete; but to see signs of stress rings in the potential ­hacking companion of a green rider could be ­dangerous. Stress rings reveal different types of stress, so there is no one blanket ­conclusion for stress in a horse. It can range from lack of activity, i.e. physical stress, to overactivity, i.e. working stress. It can also be emotional or physical, and consideration also should be given to where the stress rings lie, to ­determine what the message is.

An ethical iridologist will not diagnose, but will point to areas of vulnerability. This can be in the present or an area which could develop negatively in the future. It is still ­important that the advice and ­opinion of a vet is considered in certain cases such as ­advanced cases where urgent relief is sought.

Iridology focuses on infected or ­affected ­areas and can isolate an area in order to ­assist the vet. This saves on discomfort and cost. In this respect a good iridology ­practitioner is most likely to assess a patient from a cause ­perspective rather than suggesting any ­treatment for symptoms.

The final analysis
The picture on the right is the “Eye of a ­Champion”. A string of awards graces the tack-room of this athlete. In recent months his ­performance has been unpredictable even though he continues to rake in the ­accolades.

In the final analysis this athlete is tired. The pressure of competing has ­exhausted him. He is blessed to be part of a loving ­family whose intention it is to retire him from ­competition this year.

He retires on a ­winning streak and will remain part of the family. The break from the constant pressure of competing could see an improvement in his stress rings with time. A good exercise regime and ­corresponding diet should now be worked out for him.