12/05/2026
The mission of the ECIR Group Inc. is to improve the welfare of equines with metabolic disorders. A primary objective of the ECIR Group Inc. is education through outreach (https://ecir.groups.io/g/main), the NO! Laminitis Conference (https://www.nolaminitis.org/), webinars, our website (https://www.ecirhorse.org/) and social media via Facebook and Instagram. We are an evidence-based organization, meaning that protocols, advice, and recommendations are rooted in science. We believe real-life clinical experience should drive research, both in generating hypotheses and in the evaluation of treatment. As a non-profit organization, donations are used to further science related to equine metabolic disorders and to support various media to advance the group mission. Free support is provided by vetted and trained volunteers.
Our posts on Facebook are increasingly being dominated by people linked to a group of hoof care providers that push an opinion that laminitis is due to hoof imbalances, claiming that “diet doesn’t cause laminitis.” This oversimplified and naïve statement is steeped in ignorance, highlighting a complete lack of understanding of the physiology behind equine metabolic disorders and effect on the foot. It is well established scientifically, clinically, and through the personal experience of literally thousands of ECIR members that hyperinsulinemia is the direct cause of endocrinopathic laminitis. Exercise and dietary control of hydrolyzable carbohydrates (simple sugars and starch) are the most effective methods to reduce insulin and thereby prevent laminitis. Trimming the hoof capsule correctly to realign the boney column and soft tissue structure is critical to facilitate recovery.
We promote scientific discussion and debate when there is equal sharing of evidence-based facts. When commenters deviate from discussion and use our site to advance their unproven and unsupported theories, especially those that may cause harm, it gives the appearance that the ECIR Group supports their position.
We do not.
It is an unfortunate fact of life that there will always be equine marketers who are not giving you the best information to guide you through your journey to help your equine. We hope followers continue to benefit from what ECIR members have learned from 25 years of experience with equine metabolic disorders.
Kathleen Gustafson, PhD
President and Research Advisor
Eleanor Kellon, VMD
Veterinary Advisor
Cindy McGinley
Vice-President
Nancy Collins
Executive Director
Jodie Jensen
Treasurer
Jannalee Smithey
Secretary
Fran Metzger
Director
Ulrike Gast
Director
Sherry Morse
Director
