LEXINGTON, Ky., (Oct. 22, 2015) – University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host the 5th Annual UK Equine Showcase and the 7th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course Jan. 29-30, both at the Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Red Mile Place, in Lexington.

The UK Equine Showcase will highlight the university’s current equine programs and relevant industry findings, focusing specifically on the equine athlete. It will run from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 29.

The Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course is an in-depth program on equine reproduction and horse management issues. It will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30, with lunch provided.

“I very much look forward to the upcoming showcase and its focus on exercise and the performance horse,” said David W. Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

“The program will highlight some of the ongoing research efforts and provide a preview of a developing programmatic emphasis in this area. Likewise, the breeders’ short course will provide the latest information on research as it relates to the various aspects of equine reproduction. Together, both topics encompass important aspects of equine health and well-being,” he said.

“I always anticipate this educational event, which continues to grow in popularity,” said Jill Stowe, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and associate professor in agricultural economics. “The sessions really highlight the breadth and depth of expertise found at UK.”

Topics and speakers for the UK Equine Showcase include:

• The use of bisphosphonates in horses (Tildren and OsPhos): Laura Kennedy, assistant professor, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
• Our current understanding of navicular disease from pathology to 
  therapeutic options: Jennifer Janes, assistant professor, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
• 2-year-old in training sales – breeze times, sales prices and racetrack performance: Stowe
• Gene expression as an aid in training racehorses: Horohov
• Equine sports science initiative: James MacLeod, John S. and Elizabeth A. Knight chair and professor of veterinary science, Gluck Equine Research Center
• Understanding the equine digestive system: Laurie Lawrence, professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences
• Prevention of horse-related injuries to humans: Fernanda Camargo, associate professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Topics for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course include:

• Identification and treatment of high risk pregnancies: Barry Ball, Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction and professor, Gluck Equine Research Center
• Assessing the foal and placenta at birth: Peter Morresey, veterinarian, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital
• Development of the foal’s immune system: Horohov
• The what, why and how of measuring progestins in pregnant mares: Ball
• Abnormal estrous cycles: Alex Esteller-Vico, assistant professor, Gluck Equine Research Center
• Evaluation of the problem mare: Karen Wolfsdorf, veterinarian, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
• Equine herpes virus: Udeni Balasuriya, professor, Gluck Equine Research Center
• Endocrine evaluation of the stallion: Esteller-Vico
• Leptospirosis: Craig Carter, director, of UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
• Management of the subfertile stallion: Charles Scoggin, veterinarian, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital

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.

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

To register for the event, visit http://2016ukshowcaseshortcourse.eventbrite.com. Early bird registration rates last until Jan. 4. 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 enroll in both the showcase and the short course for $125 per person, or $115 each when two or more people from the same organization register. Registration will close Jan. 16. 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. For more details about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs, visit http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.

Author: Holly Wiemers

Contact: Jill Stowe, 859-257-2226; David Horohov, 859-218-1085