LEXINGTON, Ky., (Oct. 23, 2013) – University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host the UK Equine Showcase Feb. 7 and the 5th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course Feb. 8-9, both at the Four Points Sheraton, 1938 Stanton Way, in Lexington.

The UK Equine Showcase, now in its third year, will highlight the university’s current equine programs and relevant industry findings. It will run from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 7, with a light reception following.

The 5th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course is an in-depth program on equine reproduction and horse management issues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8, with lunch provided. New this year, an in-depth reproductive “wet lab” will also be offered on Feb. 9 to a limited number of participants who want a hands-on educational opportunity led by some of the equine industry’s foremost experts.

“We are pleased to again offer these educational events, which have grown in popularity over the past several years,” said Jill Stowe, event co-chair and director of UK’s Ag Equine Programs, part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “The showcase and short course really highlight the breadth and depth of expertise found at UK.”

“The UK Equine Showcase is a great opportunity for those in the industry to learn about the latest equine research and education efforts at the University of Kentucky. The annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course will focus on equine reproductive efficiency and horse management issues,” said Ed Squires, executive director of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and event co-chair. “UK is fortunate to have many experts in equine science who can serve as speakers.”

Topics for the UK Equine Showcase include:

• Equine Cushing’s disease in the aged horse
• Is your horse fat? There’s an app for that!
• The Kentucky Horse Racing Necropsy Program: for the health and welfare of horses, humans and the racing industry
• The economic impact of Kentucky’s equine industry
• Stem cells for equine tissue regeneration
• Age-related susceptibility of foals to Rhodococcus equi
• Genetics, health and performance
• Why did my performance horse test positive for prohibited substances?

Topics for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course include:

• Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the mare
• Starting and stopping a mare’s cycle
• Methods for evaluating stallion sperm
• Methods to predict foaling
• Diagnosing crytorchids and ovarian tumors
• Problems in newborn foals
• Managing your stallion for a natural mating or artificial insemination program
• Diagnosing placentitis (placental problems)
• Problem mare panel

Both programs are open to veterinarians, owners and managers of all horse breeds or anyone with an interest in learning more about equine reproduction and topics concerning horse management. Continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

For the first time, UK is also accepting sponsor participation in the event. Display opportunities are available to participating organizations. Please email equine@uky.edu for details.

To register for the event, visit http://2014ukequineshowcase.eventbrite.com. Early bird registration rates last until Jan. 15. UK Equine Showcase early bird rates are $50 per person, or $40 each when two or more people from the same organization register at the same time. Early registration rates for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course are $100 per person, or $90 each when two or more people register at the same time. Attendees can attend both the showcase and the short course for $125 per person, or $115 each when two or more people from the same organization register. Early registration for the separate wet lab is $200 and increases to $225 after the Jan. 15 deadline. Participation in the wet lab also requires attendance to either the showcase or short course on the previous two days. Wet lab space is extremely limited and will fill quickly. College students are eligible for a reduced rate to the showcase and short course, but student designated space is limited and on a first-requested, first-served basis. Students or UK faculty interested in attending either or both days should email jenny.evans@uky.edu. More about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs can be found at http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Jill Stowe, 859-257-2226; Ed Squires, 859-218-1176