During the annual convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, one day is set aside for horse owners in the area to listen to experts in the field lecture and demonstrate on specific aspects involved in the overall wellness, training, and care of the horse. This program is known as the Healthy Horses Workshop.

The December 2007 workshop was held at the Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show Pavilion, a short distance from the convention site in Orlando. A panel of blue ribbon presenters touched on subjects ranging from dentistry to understanding the art of communication between horse and human. About 175 horse owners were in attendance.

Heather Heiderich, DVM, associate veterinarian with Florida Equine Veterinary Services Inc., in Clermont, Fla., spoke on the topic of acupuncture and chiropractic.

Acupuncture can be effective in treating chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders such as lameness, Heiderich told her listeners. She said it also can be beneficial for eye problems, mild colic, respiratory disorders, anhidrosis (the inability to sweat), behavior problems, anxiety, neurological issues, and immune-related conditions