Our Experts


Camie Heleski, Ph.D.
Instructor in Animal Science Department, 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. For more information on Dr. Heleski’s Ag Tech Horse Management Program, go to www.canr.msu.edu/agtech/Horse.html.

Paula Hitzler, B.S.
Manager, Michigan State University Horse Teaching & 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.

Judith Marteniuk, DVM, M.S.
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.

Cynthia McCall, Ph.D.
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 www.ag.auburn.edu/ansc.

Christine Skelly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University

Since 1995, Dr. Skelly has served as the Equine Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, developing and teaching horse management workshops targeted to horse owners and producers and working with industry leaders to promote the Michigan Horse Industry. Her primary areas of interests in equine science include nutrition, facility management and farm safety, and manure management. Dr. Skelly earned her Ph.D. in Equine Nutrition and Physiology at Texas A&M University. For more information on Dr. Skelly’s Equine Extension Programs, go to www.canr.msu.edu/horseadults.

Karen Waite, M.S.
Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University

Karen Waite is the Extension Specialist for the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. She is responsible for the organization and development of educational programs and materials for Extension 4-H Youth Development, adult 4-H leaders and Extension staff in the areas of horse management, nutrition, training, equitation, judging and showmanship. She also provides instruction for the Agriculture Technology Horse Management Program. Karen earned her Masters degree from Michigan State University. For more information on Michigan State University Extension's Youth Horse Program go to www.canr.msu.edu/horsekids.