LAMINITIS: MYTH BUSTER SERIES

Hosted by HoofFlix TV • Sponsored by 3D Vet Anatomize & The 3rd Millennium Company Ltd:

Featuring Professor Chris Pollitt

Starting Thursday 29 January 2026

Laminitis is one of the most devastating diseases affecting domesticated horses—responsible for the second highestnumber of equine euthanasia cases worldwide. Despite decades of research, misconceptions about its causes, mechanisms, and treatment still persist.

The HoofFlix Myth Buster Series, sponsored by 3D Anatomize, brings unprecedented clarity to this complex disease through eight deep, evidence-driven live webinar sessions with Professor Chris Pollitt, globally recognised as the leading authority on laminitis research.

Professor Chris Pollitt

This is the only public-access CPD series in which Pollitt will personally dismantle long-held myths and translate nearly 50 years of clinical and scientific research into clear, practical guidance.

About Professor Chris Pollitt

Professor Chris Pollitt BVSc PhD is one of the most influential figures in modern equine veterinary science. His landmark research at the University of Queensland revolutionised global understanding of laminitis—including:

  • The discovery of lamellar stretch and separation mechanisms

  • Vascular, inflammatory, endocrinological, and mechanical pathways of laminitis

  • The hoof capsule–lamellar interface in both healthy and diseased feet

  • 3D mapping of lamellar anatomy

  • Development of digital venography for laminitic assessment

  • Groundbreaking studies on insulin dysregulation and metabolic laminitis

He has authored or co-authored hundreds of peer-reviewed papers, mentored numerous researchers, and remains a globally respected authority whose work is foundational to every modern text on laminitis.

Disruptive anatomical effects of the liminal wedge

This program is an extraordinary opportunity: Pollitt rarely presents extended, public-access educational series of this depth.


👥 Who Should Attend – And Why

Inquiring minds

This series is essential for:

✔ Farriers

Gain a deep, anatomical and biomechanical understanding that improves trimming, shoeing, and long-term laminitis rehabilitation.

✔ Veterinarians & Vet Students

Sharpen clinical diagnosis, improve radiographic interpretation, and update treatment strategies based on the very latest evidence.

✔ Hoofcare Practitioners & Paraprofessionals

Build confidence in assessment, imaging interpretation, and real-world management.

✔ Horse Owners, Trainers & Riders

Understand what laminitis really is, how it develops, and what early warning signs should never be ignored.

✔ Equine Educators

Use the most accurate research available to teach anatomy, pathology, and hoof care.

If you own, care for, or work with horses, you cannot afford to misunderstand laminitis.
This series gives you the most accurate, scientifically backed information available anywhere.

Explore the science

🎯 Learning Outcomes

Attendees will be able to make informed decisions based on validated information

 

Attendees will leave this series with the ability to:

  • Recognise early laminitis warning signs with far greater accuracy

  • Understand the true anatomy and function of the healthy hoof

  • Explain exactly what happens during laminitis—not the myths

  • Distinguish between acute, developing, and chronic laminitis

  • Interpret radiographs and venograms with greater clarity

  • Understand lamellar biomechanics and their failure points

  • Make informed decisions about ongoing management and treatment

  • Evaluate shoeing, trimming, and rehabilitation protocols critically

  • Communicate confidently with vets, farriers, and owners using correct terminology

  • Identify research-supported strategies—and spot misinformation instantly

This is not a surface-level overview.
This is Pollitt’s lifetime of research explained in clear, practical terms.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need previous veterinary knowledge to attend?

No. Pollitt presents complex science in clear, accessible language. All levels are welcome.

2. Will I receive recordings if I register but can’t attend live?

Yes. All attendees receive downloadable recordings after each session.

3. Is this CPD certified?

Yes. Each webinar provides CPD hours recognised by most equine professional bodies.

4. Are live Q&A sessions included?

Absolutely. Each session includes ample time for direct Q&A with Professor Pollitt.

5. Can I purchase individual sessions?

Yes.

  • £40 per webinar for HoofFlix subscribers

  • £75 per webinar for non-subscribers

6. Do I need any special software?

No. You will receive a direct access link—desktop, tablet, and mobile friendly.

SESSION 1:

In conversation with Chris Pollitt

Bar Room Chat with Professor Chris Pollitt

 

Thursday 29 January 2026

An informal yet compelling conversation launching the series:

  • What inspired nearly half a century of laminitis research

  • The critical scientific breakthroughs that reshaped veterinary understanding

  • Mentors, researchers, collaborators, and the global research community

  • Pollitt’s reflections on the most persistent myths

  • Why laminitis remains so misunderstood

  • Where modern research is heading—and why that matters for every horse owner

This opening session sets the tone for a groundbreaking, myth-shattering educational journey.

SESSION OUTLINES (Sessions 2–8)

Based on Pollitt’s peer-reviewed research themes, discoveries, and core published findings.


SESSION 2 — In-Depth Foot Anatomy

Foundational anatomy from macro to micro.

Key topics:

  • Hoof capsule architecture

  • Digital cushion and ungual cartilages

  • Lamellar anatomy: primary and secondary lamellae

  • Dermal vs epidermal interactions

  • Vascular supply and perfusion pathways

  • Hoof biomechanics: load sharing, energy dissipation, breakover, leverage

  • How microanatomy explains macro pathology


SESSION 3 — Laminitis: What Really Happens

The truth behind the myth

The true pathophysiology of laminitis—step by step.

Based on Pollitt’s major findings:

  • Lamellar failure mechanisms

  • Vascular vs inflammatory pathways

  • Endocrinopathic (insulin) laminitis progression

  • Enzymatic and mechanical breakdown

  • Myths about “blood flow shutting off”

  • Early markers vs irreversible damage


SESSION 4 — Chronic Laminitis: The Hidden Danger


Why chronic laminitis is so misunderstood.

Key topics:

  • Remodelling of the distal phalanx

  • Rotation vs sinking (Pollitt’s definitions)

  • Lamellar wedge formation

  • Capsular divergence and hoof deformation

  • Chronic pain mechanisms

  • Principles of long-term rehabilitation

  • Evidence-based trimming and shoeing concepts


SESSION 5 — The Truth About Venograms

Interpretation from the researcher who made venography mainstream.

Topics include:

  • What venograms actually show (and what they don’t)

  • Reading patterns of vascular compromise

  • Misinterpretations common in practice

  • Correlating imaging with clinical signs

  • How venograms guide treatment strategies


SESSION 6 — Hufbeintrager: The True Shock Absorber

(Hufbein-Träger / Lamellar suspension apparatus)

A deep dive into Pollitt’s research on the “suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx.”

Topics:

  • Biomechanical load distribution

  • Energy absorption and force transfer

  • Failure points during laminitis

  • Implications for trimming and shoeing

  • Why understanding this structure changes everything


SESSION 7 — How the Hoof Grows


Growth, regeneration, distortion, and the role of lamellar health.

Topics:

  • Growth rates and influencing factors

  • Changes during and after laminitis

  • How pathology affects horn quality

  • Shoeing, trimming, and regenerative potential

  • Evidence-based hoof care protocols


SESSION 8 — Laminitis: Myth vs Pathology

The ultimate myth-busting session.

Myths addressed include:

  • “Laminitis starts in the sole.”

  • “Only fat ponies get laminitis.”

  • “Once the horse is sound, the laminitis is gone.”

  • “Rotation only happens in severe cases.”

  • “You can fix laminitis with shoeing alone.”

This final session gives attendees the confidence to separate fact from fiction—permanently.

For series information dates, times and booking go to

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/manage/collections/4798486/events

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