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EXPERTS

Experts

Learn more about MHU’s world-renowned 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. Additionally she has coached the UNL Horse Judging team. Learn more.

Kathy Anderson, Ph.D
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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.  Also prairie establishment, weed management in forages and in processing vegetables, and the environmental impacts of herbicide and non-herbicide weed management systems. Learn more.

Dr. Roger Becker
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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.  She remained at Davis until 1999, completing a PhD in molecular oncology and working as an internist in the equine medicine department. Learn more.

Dr. Elizabeth Carr
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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. He has authored multiple publications on horse ownership and use via Cooperative Extension and popular press. Learn more.

Dr. Dave Freeman
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Dr. Betsy Greene

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Dr. Betsy Greene is an Associate 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.  She earned American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists certification in 1997. Learn more.

Dr. Betsy Greene
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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. Visit Dr. Heleski's Ag Tech Horse Management Program,for more information. www.canr.msu.edu/agtech/Horse.html. Learn more.

Dr. Camie Heleski
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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. She has managed several breeding programs and ranches as well as teaching horse management courses before returning to MSU to manage their Horse Teaching and Research Center. For more information on MSU’s Horse Teaching and Research Center, go to www.msuarabians.com. Learn more.

Paula Hitzler, B.S.
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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.

Dr. Katherine Houpt
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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.  John bought his first Arabian with money he had saved working through high school and showed 4H and Class A. Learn more.

John Lambert, B.S.
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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. Tom Lenz, DVM
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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. She educates veterinary students as well as works directly with clients and their horses. For more information on the MSU Extension Equine Team, go to www.canr.msu.edu/horseadults. Learn more.

Dr. Judith Marteniuk
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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.  Dr. Martinson also raises, breeds, and trains Foundation Quarter Horses. Learn more.

Dr. Krishona Martinson
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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. The judging teams coached by Leesa won the state championship as well as several national titles. Leesa has also taught numerous courses in equine management and riding at three different colleges. Learn more.

Leesa Massman
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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. For more information on the Animal Science Program at Auburn University, go to http://www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc/. Learn more.

Dr. Cynthia McCall
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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. Molly McCue
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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. Bridgett McIntosh
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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. Her research focuses on Equine Health, while teaching Animal Nutrition for undergraduate students and working in Extension Outreach with adult horse owners and 4-H horse project members. Learn more.

Dr. Jenifer Nadeau
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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. Ann Rashmir

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.

Dr. Brian Nielsen
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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.  He also teaches Horse Anatomy and Performance Evaluation, Horse Management, and Clinical Horse Nutrition. Learn more.

Dr. Mark Russell
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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.  Since 1995, Dr. Schott has been an equine medicine clinician at Michigan State University with a strong clinical interest in urinary tract disorders, respiratory disease, and endocrinological disorders. Learn more.

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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.

Matt Shane, MS
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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. He started the 2-year Institute of Agricultural Technology Horse Management Program and began to develop the BS program in Animal Science with an emphasis in horses in 1984. Learn more.

John Shelle, Ph.D
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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.

As tenured faculty, Dr. Skelly has worked with and counseled horse industry groups and producers throughout the state; developed statewide horse educational programs; and served as an equine science resource for county educators. Learn more.

Dr. Christine Skelly
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Dr. Holly Spooner

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST – EQUINE, DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES, WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

Dr. Spooner joined the WVU faculty in 2008 as an assistant professor and Extension Specialist focusing on equine management.

She teaches in the Davis College, which offers a minor in equine management for students who want to learn more about horses or pursue careers within the equine industry. Learn more.

Dr. Holly Spooner
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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.  She returned to Australia (2003-2008) to teach and complete the Post Graduate Masters in Animal Physiotherapy program at the University of Queensland (UQ).  Narelle will complete her PhD candidature requirements in 2009 (UQ), investigating equine back pain. Learn more.

Narelle Stubbs
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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. In 1990 to 2001, Dr. Swinker served as the Extension Horse Specialist at Colorado State University and as a professor of Equine Science. Learn more.

Dr. Ann Swinker
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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. He then obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in animal science studying equine reproduction and equine health, respectively. Learn more.

Dr. Jason Turner
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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. She is a Board certified internal medicine clinician at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Valberg’s research centers on neuromuscular diseases in horses with a special focus on genetic diseases of skeletal muscle and their nutritional management. Learn more.

Dr. Stephanie Valberg
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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. Julie is an approved judge for the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Snaffle Bit Association. Learn more.

Julie Voge
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Karen Waite, M.S.

EXTENSTION 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.  In addition, she oversees the Youth Equine Extension program and is active with eXtension Horse Quest.  Her teaching responsibilities include a variety of equine courses and she coaches the MSU Horse Judging Team, and is faculty advisor to the MSU Equestrian team.  Karen is also a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor and oversees the Michigan 4-H PEP Program, for riders with disabilities.  Further, Karen is a board member of the American Youth Horse Council and is a carded judge with the ABRA. Learn more.

Karen Waite, M.S.
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Dr. Carey Williams

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. She holds a Master's Degree in Equine Nutrition, also from Virginia Tech., and a Bachelor's Degree from Colorado State University. Learn more.

Dr. Carey Williams
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