Learn more about MHU’s world-renowned experts.
My Horse University
Horse management based on science, focused on you
EXPERTS
Experts
Dr. Kathy Anderson
EXTENSION SPECIALIST, INSTRUCTOR: ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Kathy Anderson has been the Extension Horse Specialist at the University of Nebraska since 1991. She oversees the youth and adult extension horse program as well as teaches Undergraduate courses in the Animal Science Department. Kathy is currently teaching courses in Horse Management, Equine Reproduction, and Equine Nutrition. Learn more.
Dr. Nichol Schultz
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Dr. Nichol Schultz' research interests include studying the molecular basis of equine genetic disease and genomic influences on non-inherited disease. The focus of her research is identification of genetic susceptibility loci associated with equine metabolic syndrome. Read more.
Dr. Roger Becker
EXTENSION AGRONOMIST, WEED SCIENTIST, DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY AND PLANT GENETICS. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Dr. Becker studies weed management strategies in annual and perennial systems in disturbed and undisturbed habitats. Some of his current projects include management of purple loosestrife in wetlands; garlic mustard and buckthorn in woodlands; and Canada thistle in native prairies. Learn more.
Taylor Fabus
INSTRUCTOR, ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Taylor Fabus received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Animal Science from Michigan State University. She currently works in the Animal Science Department at M.S.U. instructing introductory horse management classes, coaching the horse judging team, as well as coordinating many of Michigan’s state-level 4-H horse events. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and showing her American Quarter Horse in all-around events. Learn more.
Dr. Elizabeth Carr
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR: EQUINE MEDICINE DEPARTMENT, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Carr earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1982 and her DVM from Tufts University in 1989. After switching coasts she completed an internship at Washington State University and a residency in equine internal medicine at University of California, Davis. Learn more.
Karol Dyson
EXTENSION EDUCATOR, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
Karol Dyson has been an Extension Educator for 27 years in both Connecticut and Maryland. Currently she is the County Extension Director in Prince George’s and Charles Counties. She has assumed a prominent role in planning and managing many 4-H horse events in Maryland, including accompanying 4-H horse teams to Eastern Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more.
Dr. Nicholas Frank
PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF THE CUMMINGS SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Dr. Nicholas Frank is a Professor and Chair of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Learn more.
Dr. Dave Freeman
EXTENSION SPECIALIST AND PROFESSOR, EQUINE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Dave Freeman has been involved with the Oklahoma State Extension as an Equine Specialist and has been a Professor at Oklahoma State University since 1984. Dr. Freeman serves as a reviewer for the Professional Animal Scientist, Journal of Animal Science and Equine Veterinary Science. Learn more.
Dr. Raymond Geor
PROFESSOR/CHAIRPERSON, COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Raymond Geor is a Professor and Chairperson in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. His clinical and research interests are in equine medicine, nutrition and exercise science. A current research focus is the interactions between obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance, and how these conditions increase susceptibility to laminitis. Learn more.
Dr. Betsy Greene
PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
Dr. Betsy Greene is a Professor of Animal Science and Extension Equine Specialist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont. She was raised in Bedford, Massachusetts and received her A.A.S. and B.S. from Morehead State University, her M.S. from the University of Arizona, and her Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Learn more.
Dr. Sebastián Guerra Díaz
COORDINATOR OF LARGE ANIMAL CLINICAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSIDAD MAYOR
Sebastián is the coordinator of large animal sciences and an assistant professor in equine clinic and internship in the school of veterinary medicine with a specialty in dentistry. He is a liasion between Universidad Mayor and My Horse University to offer horse management courses in Spanish. Learn more.
Dr. Camie Heleski
INSTRUCTOR IN DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, COORDINATOR OF AG TECH HORSE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY.
Dr. Camie Heleski is coordinator of the two-year Ag Tech Horse Management Program at Michigan State University. As well as recruiting for the program, she also teaches and advises. Dr. Heleski earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Learn more.
Paula Hitzler, B.S.
MANAGER, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HORSE TEACHING AND RESEARCH CENTER
Since 1989, Paula Hitzler has managed Michigan State University’s Horse Teaching and Research Center. She also teaches many horse management courses offered in Michigan State University’s Department of Animal Science. Paula graduated from Michigan State University’s animal science program. Learn more.
Dr. Katherine Houpt
JAMES LAW PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR, CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Katherine Houpt, James Law Professor of Animal Behavior, is a veterinarian so her degree is VMD. She is also a PhD and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She has published a textbook titled Domestic Animal Behavior, now in its fourth edition, as well as numerous scientific articles. Learn more.
John Lambert, B.S.
B.S. IN ANIMAL SCIENCE FROM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, OWNER OF LAMBERT ARABIANS
John Lambert owns and operates Lambert Arabians with his wife, Lynda. Established in 1999 in Michigan, John started Lambert Arabians after spending many years working and showing with some of the most known names in the Arabian industry – Shawn and Carmelle Rooker, Jim Lowe and Ray LaCroix. He began riding at the age of 16, starting first with an Appaloosa and quickly moving into the Arabians and never looking back. Learn more.
Dr. Tom Lenz
AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL'S UNWANTED HORSE COALITION CHAIR
During his 30-year veterinary career, Dr. Lenz has worked in private equine practice, academia, and corporate business. A 1975 graduate of the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Lenz became a Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists (animal reproduction) in 1986 and received a Master of Science degree in equine reproduction from Texas A&M University in 1988. Learn more.
Dr. Judith Marteniuk
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF LARGE ANIMAL CLINICAL SCIENCES, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Judy Marteniuk is an Associate Professor in Equine Medicine and Extension at the Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department at Michigan State University. Originally from Canada, Judy received her D.V.M. in 1975 at Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada. In 1984, Dr. Marteniuk specialized in animal nutrition and received her M.S. at Michigan State University. Learn more.
Dr. Krishona Martinson
EQUINE EXTENSION SPECIALIST IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Dr. Krishona Martinson has been with the University of Minnesota Extension since 2001 and is currently the Equine Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Weed Science from the University of Minnesota and specializes in weed identification and control, poisonous plants and forage utilization and management for horse owners. Learn more.
Leesa Massman, M.S.
MASTER COACH/STRATEGIST, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, MASSMAN STABLES
Leesa earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and served as coordinator for the Michigan Horse Show Judges Program as well as being honored with the prestigious Dodge-Miner award for outstanding judge. Learn more.
Dr. Cynthia McCall
PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Cindy McCall is the faculty coordinator of the Horse Unit in the Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University. She is involved with horse teaching, research, and extension programs. Dr. McCall has published several articles on horse behavior and learning. She earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Learn more.
Dr. Molly McCue
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine | Assistant Professor, Veterinary Population Medicine University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Molly McCue DVM, MS, PhD is an Assistant Professor in veterinary population medicine and a Morris Animal Foundation Fellow at UMEC. Molly McCue was three years old when she decided to be a veterinarian. Learn more.
Dr. Bridgett McIntosh
EXTENSION SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
Dr. McIntosh is the Extension Horse Specialist for the University of Tennessee, headquartered at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Her main role is to develop and implement adult and youth equine educational programs throughout Tennessee. Dr. McIntosh earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science with a concentration in Equine from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2006. Learn more.
Dr. Amy McLean
EQUINE LECTURER AND EQUINE EXTENSION SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
Dr. Amy McLean is an Equine Lecturer and Equine Extension Specialist for the University of Wyoming. She teaches equine science courses, coaches the collegiate horse judging team, and serves as an advisor for the UW Collegiate Horsemen’s Association and the UW Polo Team. Learn more.
Dr. Jenifer Nadeau
EQUINE EXTENSION SPECIALIST, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Dr. Jenifer Nadeau is an Associate Professor and the Equine Extension Specialist for the University of Connecticut. She has worked for UConn since 2001, and grew up riding and working with horses including trail, hunter/jumper, draft, and race horses, and rides both English and Western. Learn more.
Dr. Brian Nielsen
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Brian D. Nielsen studied Animal Science with an equine emphasis at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and then performed his graduate work at Texas A&M University in the area of equine nutrition and exercise physiology. His M.S. research, which involved feeding a bioavailable source of silicon to young racehorses to prevent injuries, won the nutrition paper competition at the 13th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium. Learn more.
Alaina Parsons
GRADUATE STUDENT, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Alaina Parsons is a graduate student in the Michigan State University Department of Animal Science. She received her Bachelor of Science from North Carolina State University and is currently working towards a Master's degree. Learn more.
Dr. Randel Raub
EQUINE NUTRITIONIST, PURINA MILLS
Before joining Purina, Dr. Raub was the horse teaching and research specialist at Kansas State University for 12 years. Dr. Raub and his family are active in the breeding and training of ranch and western performance horses. Learn more.
Dr. Ann Rashmir
MORE INFO COMING SOON
Dr. Ann Rashmir received her D.V.M. from the University of California, Davis and her Diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Her primary areas of expertise are surgery and lameness, complement and biocompatible materials. Learn more.
Dr. Mark Russell
EXTENSION SPECIALIST, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCES AND VETERINARY CLINICAL SCIENCES, INSTRUCTOR OF HORSE ANATOMY AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, HORSE MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL HORSE NUTRITION, PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Mark is a Professor of Animal Sciences & Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Purdue University. He earned college degrees at Cornell University and the University of Illinois before moving to Indiana in 1982. Since 1975, he has served as an Extension Horse Specialist and has advised horse owners on issues of horse selection, facilities, nutrition, pastures, breeding and general management. Learn more.
Dr. Hal Schott
EQUINE MEDICINE CLINICIAN, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Schott received his DVM degree in 1984 from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He started his career with three years in private equine practice in Southern California. Dr. Schott subsequently pursued advanced training by completing a residency in equine internal medicine and a Ph.D. in equine exercise physiology at Washington State University. Learn more.
Matt Shane, M.S.
COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR-LENAWEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Matt Shane is the County Extension Director (CED) for Michigan State University in Lenawee County. He is also the Multi-county Livestock Educator for several Southeast Michigan counties. Shane graduated from Michigan State University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and with a Master of Science degree in Animal Science in 1998. Learn more.
Dr. John Shelle
PROFESSOR, FACULTY COORDINATOR OF THE HORSE TEACHING AND RESEARCH CENTER, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Shelle earned his B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry in 1973. He then managed the Horse Center at MSU for 12 years while doing graduate work. Dr. Shelle received his M.S. degree in Animal Husbandry in 1980 and his Ph.D. in 1984 in Animal Science at Michigan State University. In 1984 he was hired in a 100% teaching appointment by Michigan State to develop the Horse Program in the Department of Animal Science. Learn more.
Richard Shrake
RESISTANCE FREE TRAINING FOUNDER/JUDGE
Richard Shrake has been an icon as a professional in the horse industry for over 45 years. His lifetime goals have always been to create a balanced, common sense program based on knowledge and wisdom. With clinics and seminars, he teaches riders and their horses to realize their potential. Through his uncomplicated formula for success, the Resistance Free® Riding techniques and programs, Richard has achieved this goal. Learn more.
Dr. Dennis Sigler
PROFESSOR AND EXTENSION HORSE SPECIALIST, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
In addition to extension education activities, Dr. Sigler conducts research and trains graduate students in the area of exercise science and nutrition. Specifically, he is interested in conditioning and management of the juvenile and mature athletic horse to maximize performance and enhance structural integrity. Learn more.
Dr. Christine Skelly
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR OF EQUINE SCIENCE CURRICULUM OF MHU, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Christine Skelly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. She earned her doctorate at Texas A&M University with a research focus on equine nutrition and exercise physiology. In 1995, she joined the Department of Animal Science faculty at Michigan State University as the Equine Extension Specialist for Adult Programs. Learn more.
Dr. Holly Spooner
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR – HORSE SCIENCE, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Holly Spooner is an Associate Professor in Horse Science at Middle Tennessee State University. As the Clinical Specialist for Equine Health, she teaches courses in equine nutrition and exercise physiology and conducts research. Her research interests focus on nutritional and exercise interventions to improve performance of the equine athlete. Learn more.
Narelle Stubbs
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Narelle Stubbs is a visiting research associate at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Narelle is a Physiotherapist, University of Sydney Australia graduate (1993), gaining a Chartered Society of Animal Physiotherapy ACPAT title while practicing in the UK 1995-2003 with a focus on animal physiotherapy both small and large. Learn more.
Dr. Ann Swinker
HORSE EXTENSION SPECIALIST, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN EQUINE SCIENCES, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Ann Swinker, Associate Professor in Equine Sciences, Penn State University and Horse Extension Specialist has been involved in the horse business for over 35 years. Ann began her career as manager of an Arabian Horse Stables in the south western Pennsylvania. During that time she was involved in breeding, training, marketing, importing and showing a herd of purebred Arabian horses. Learn more.
Dr. Jason Turner
EXTENSION HORSE SPECIALIST, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND RANGE SCIENCES, NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
Jason grew up in the Green Country of Oklahoma in a small rural community with family ties to the Quarter Horse racing industry. This fueled his interest and desire to pursue further study of horses through 4-H and FFA activities. These experiences led Jason to pursue his B.S. degree in animal sciences at Oklahoma State University. Learn more.
Dr. Stephanie Valberg
PROFESSOR, DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EQUINE CENTER
Stephanie Valberg is professor and Director of the University of Minnesota Equine Center, St. Paul MN. She received her undergraduate degree and D.V.M. from the Ontario Veterinary College, completed a Ph.D. in equine exercise physiology at the Swedish University of Animal Science as well as a residency in internal medicine at the University of California – Davis. Learn more.
Julie Voge, B.S.
YOUTH EXTENSION COORDINATOR, HORSE JUDGING TEAM COACH, KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Julie grew up in Kewanee, Illinois, and is the current Youth Extension Coordinator for animal sciences and also coaches the horse judging team. She earned her A.A. from Black Hawk East College and her B.S. from Oklahoma State University. She received her M.S. from Kansas State University in 2000. Julie teaches the Beginning Horse Evaluation and the Advanced Horse Evaluation courses as well as a training class. Learn more.
Karen Waite, M.S.
EXTENSION SPECIALIST, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Karen Waite is an Equine Extension Specialist in Michigan and teaches and advises Equine students in the MSU Department of Animal Science. In her Extension roles she coordinates the Adult Equine Extension program, the Michigan Equine Survey, and is the Director of Leadership Development for My Horse University. Learn more.
Dr. Carissa Wickens
EXTENSION SPECIALIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, EQUINE SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
Dr. Carissa Wickens joined the faculty in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Delaware (UD) in July of 2009 as the Assistant Professor of Equine Science. She also serves as the Equine Extension Specialist for the state of Delaware...Learn more.
Dr. Carey Williams
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, EQUINE EXTENSION SPECIALIST, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EXTENSION FOR THE EQUINE SCIENCE CENTER, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., joined Rutgers University in July 2003 as its Equine Extension Specialist, taking an active role in teaching, conducting research and working with the equine and academic communities to ensure the viability of the horse industry in New Jersey. A Wisconsin native, Dr. Williams earned her Ph.D. in Animal and Poultry Sciences, with an emphasis on Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, in June 2003 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Learn more.
Kristen Wilson
EXTENSION HORSE SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
As the Extension Horse Specialist for University of Maryland Extension, Kristen provides statewide leadership for the Maryland 4-H Horse Program by coordinating statewide equine contests and educational programs for 4-Hers, volunteers and county educators. Learn more.
Dr. Aaron Yoder
INSTRUCTOR AND EXTENSION SAFETY ASSOCIATE, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
As an Instructor and Extension Safety Associate for Penn State, Aaron provides national leadership for the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program by coordinating online instructor training and educational programs for 4-Hers, volunteers and county educators. Learn more.
