Upcoming Webcasts
My Horse University and eXtension HorseQuest free monthly webcasts are offered September through May. Webcasts are also recorded and archived for free viewing from anywhere at any time!
Thank you everyone for a great 2012/2013 season! There are no upcoming webcasts at this time. Please check back often and join our mailing list to be informed as soon as our 2013/2014 webcast season is announced.
Archived Webcasts
Watch any of our archived presentations for free right now!
Speaker: Karen Waite, M.S. | Michigan State University Summary: Today's world seems obsessed with "reality" shows. Research suggests that "...too much reality TV may lead viewers to idealize real world situations...", which can be either a help or a hindrance in the competitive arena. This webinar will share strategies for dealing with negative horse showing behaviors and enhancing positive behaviors. |
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Developing Real Sportsmanship in a Reality Show World
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Speaker: Dr. Kathy Anderson | University of Nebraska Summary: Horse showing is an integral part of many people's passion for their horses. Many spend countless hours preparing both their horses and themselves for competition. This presentation will dive into a judge's perception of some of the latest trends and fads in the horse show world. |
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Speaker: Dr. Nichol Schultz | University of Minnesota Summary: This presentation will review the clinical features of EMS and highlight recent findings of a large scale investigation of EMS conducted in > 600 horses located throughout the US. |
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Speaker: Dr. Carissa Wickens | University of Delaware Summary: This presentation will highlight recent research findings related to stereotypic behaviors in horses and will stress the importance of understanding why horses develop these behaviors. |
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Speaker: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau | University of Connecticut Summary: In this presentation we will explore the types of play behavior we see in horses and examine the similarities and differences in play between horses of different ages and different social situations. |
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Horseplay! A Talk|
Speaker: Dr. Dennis Sigler | Texas A&M University Summary: This presentation will provide an overview of energy (calorie) requirements and energy utilization for horses. You'll learn what the sources of energy are, why it is important, how energy is used and stored, and how different sources of energy affect performance. |
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Equine Energetics|
Speaker: Dr. Holly Spooner | Middle Tennessee State University Summary: This webcast will explore the make-up of protein, common means of supplying protein in the diet, and recommendations for dietary protein intake for different classes of horses. |
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Speaker: Dr. Carey Williams | Rutgers University Summary: In this presentation we will take a tour through the horse's digestive tract, learning about the uniquenesses and problems that could occur throughout. |
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Speaker: Thomas Guthrie | Michigan State University Extension Summary: Want more productivity from your pasture(s)? Join this webcast to learn more about the considerations in regard to rotational grazing. |
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Pasture Rotation|
Speaker: Dr. Aaron Yoder | Penn State University Summary: Tractors and machinery are a leading cause of injuries in agriculture. Hazard recognition and abatement strategies can be simple and inexpensive once you know where to look for the hazards. These same strategies can also be used when purchasing new or used agricultural equipment. |
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Tractor and Machinery Safety|
Speaker: Michelle Greenlee, Farm Financial Consultant, Nebraska Farm Business |
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Speaker: Peggy Miller, Iowa State University |
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Speaker: Wade Ellerbroek, Licensed Real Estate Broker and Appraiser, Ellerbroek & Associates |
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Speaker: Julie Fershtman, Attorney, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C. |
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Speaker: Karol Dyson | University of Maryland Extension Summary: Interested in planning and presenting events that involve horses, but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you are already in this role but worry that you are not doing everything you can to be aware of and manage the risks inherent in such activities? The session will focus on best practices for organizing and managing the risks while providing a rewarding and SAFE experience for the participants. |
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Speaker: Kristen Wilson | University of Maryland Extension Summary: Many people think running a horse boarding business is an easy way to make money, but little do they know there is much more to it. Before diving in to this new equine business venture, it is important to know exactly what is involved and what factors you need to consider as part of your business plan to be successful. |
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Horse Boarding Operations - What is Involved?|
Speakers: Dr. Christine Skelly, Michigan State University; Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska Summary: Do you dream of turning your passion into your profession? If your passion is horses, finding a career in the horse industry may be for you. This presentation will give a broad overview of the U.S. Horse Industry and the careers that support it. In addition, we will discuss how to choose a career that fits your talents and professional expectations. |
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Speaker: Dr. Amy McLean | University of Wyoming Summary: Mules and donkeys have served mankind as beast of burdens for thousands of years. They have worked and lived in some of the harshest environments and still survived. Proper management that promotes healthy longears is an area of concern for owners on a global level. Many times mules and donkeys are treated as horses with big ears but this webcast focus will focus on some of the similarities and differences of feeding and properly caring for mules and donkeys. |
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Feeding and Care of Mules and Donkeys|
Speaker: Dr. Carey A. Williams | Rutgers University Summary: Winter can be tough for some horses depending on age or the climate that they have been adapted to. This webinar covers some key points about the care and feeding management of horses to have them have a happy and healthy winter. |
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Winter Care and Feeding for Your Horse|
Speaker: Dr. Nicholas Frank | Tufts University Summary: This Webcast is the sixth in a series offered with the University of Minnesota titled "Equine Genetics: A New Diagnostic Resource for Horse Owners," and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Research Initiative. The presentation will focus on Equine Metabolic Syndrome in ponies. |
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EMS and Ponies|
Speaker: Dr. Krishona Martinson | University of Minnesota Summary: Reducing hay waste starts with buying quality hay and proper storage. However, waste can also be reduced though feeding management and careful selection of a feeder. New research on hay waste and economics of nine unique round bale feeders will also be discussed. |
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Reducing Hay Waste|
Speaker: Dr. Molly McCue | University of Minnesota Summary: In this webinar, we will define complex traits and the goals of research and genetic testing, and how these results can be used to improve horse health. Furthermore, we will work through examples of equine genetic traits that are influenced by more than one gene and other factors such as environment. |
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Advances in Equine Genetics|
Speaker: Dr. Camie Heleski| Michigan State University Summary: Understanding the categories of horse behavior will help you know whether your horse is behaving normally or not. The following categories of horse behavior will be discussed: ingestive (eating and drinking), eliminative, investigative, social facilitation, care giving and care seeking, sexual, aggressive, contactual and play. By understanding the primary categories of horse behaviors, you can become more in tune with your horse and provide your horse a safer and happier environment. |
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Horse Behavior Categories|
Speaker: Dr. Katherine Houpt | Cornell University Summary: Perception and communication in horses will be discussed including auditory (neigh, nicker, roar, snort), visual (ears, tail, nostrils) and olfactory (feces, urine, breath and equine appeasing pheromone) behaviors. Also, the role of flehmen (lip curl) in the special sense perceived in the vomeronasal organ (sense of smell) will be explained. |
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Understanding Horse Body Language|
Speaker: Dr. Cindy McCall | Auburn University Summary: Horses which have some freedom to act like a horse usually exhibit fewer behavioral "problems" and perform more happily and consistently than horses that are managed in ways that ignore their natural behavior patterns. This webcast discusses the natural behavior patterns of horses and ways to modify your horse management practices so that your horse has opportunities to perform these natural behaviors. |
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Managing Horse Behavior - Let Your Horse Be a Horse|
Speaker: Alaina Parsons | Michigan State University Summary: To many of those who consider themselves "trotting horse" enthusiasts, the various unique four-beat gaits of the non-trotting horses are often seen as new and confusing territory. Gaited horses have continued a steady increase in popularity, creating numerous new opportunities to become educated about their naturally distinctive gaits and versatility. |
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Understanding and Evaluating the Gaited Horse|
Speaker: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau | University of Connecticut Summary: Gastric ulcers can present with many or no signs. Some horses will experience behavior changes that seem to come out of nowhere, but are a result of gastric ulceration. In this webcast, we will discuss what causes gastric ulcers, how your veterinarian can diagnose ulcers and how your veterinarian will treat them. We will discuss ways to prevent gastric ulcers and ways to keep them from recurring. |
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Gastric Ulcers: How to Tell if Your Horse Has One, and What to Do if it Does|
Speaker: Dr. Betsy Greene | University of Vermont Summary: Is your Horse Farm at risk from an equine version of "Typhoid Mary?" Do you know the most likely ways that your horse may be exposed to disease? How can you decrease your horse's chance of infection in case of an outbreak? How do you care for, handle or clean up after a sick horse has been identified? This Webinar will give practical evaluation methods and advice for prevention, protection, and proactive ways of minimizing disease risk in your horse facility. |
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Speaker: Dr. Kathy Anderson | University of Nebraska Summary: High school graduates interested in pursuing a career involving horses have more opportunities than ever. The number of institutions offering equine-related degree programs and co-curricular activities has grown immensely in recent years. This webcast will prepare prospective college students to do their homework before making their college selection. |
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Speaker: Dr. Ann Swinker | Penn State University Summary: This webcast will discuss environmental regulations and how to comply with them, including strategies for natural pest control, manure management, mud reduction and maintaining a healthy pasture. |
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How Green is Your Farm?|
Speaker: Dr. Randel Raub | Purina Summary: Learn what the feed tag does not tell you and how ingredient selection, quality testing, formulation methods and safety programs can impact what you feed your horse. |
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Beyond the Feed Tag: Horse Feed Ingredient, Quality, Formulation and Safety Issues|
Speaker: Dr. Ray Geor | Michigan State University Summary: The term equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is used to describe the clustering of obesity (and/or regional accumulations of fat), insulin resistance and increased susceptibility to laminitis in horses and ponies. In fact, EMS is now regarded as the most common cause of laminitis. This presentation will review the clinical features, diagnosis and medical management of EMS, and discuss dietary and exercise measures for mitigation of laminitis risk in affected animals. |
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Speaker: Dr. Christine Skelly | Michigan State University Summary: Effective horse fencing is an important component of horse facility management and one that should be carefully planned considering purpose, pasture use, horse groups, aesthetics and other factors. |
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Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Valberg | University of Minnesota Summary: Shivers is a confounding disorder in horses which causes them to pause with their rear limb flexed out behind the body after which the leg is forcefully placed back to the ground. Backing up and picking up the rearlimbs are the most common triggers for Shivers and most horses walk forward with a normal gait. The cause and treatment for this condition is unknown. In this seminar we will review the variety of symptoms that occur with Shivers, the progression of symptoms and possible causes. Muscle diseases such as polysaccharide storage myopathy which have been associated with Shivers will also be discussed. |
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Speaker: Dr. Camie Heleski | Michigan State University Summary: There is frequent confusion regarding the terms "negative reinforcement" and "punishment", at least as they relate to handling and training horses. A "reinforcement," whether positive or negative, is something that increases the frequency of a given behavior. A "punishment," whether positive or negative, is something that decreases the frequency of a behavior. |
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Speaker: Karen Waite | Michigan State University Summary: Being a horse show parent can be challenging but at the same time there are so many rewards – such as seeing children learn new skills, facing challenges together and also having fun. This webcast will offer tips for parents on areas such as listening, handling competition, being a positive influence and how to support a child's learning. |
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Speaker: Dr. Judith Marteniuk | Michigan State University Summary: Determining whether a certain situation is an emergency or can wait is a fundamental part of having horses. Dr. Marteniuk will briefly discuss common equine emergencies and what an owner can do to both assess and manage the situation until their veterinarian arrives. The essential components of an emergency kit will also be reviewed. |
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Speaker: Narelle Stubbs | Michigan State University Summary: This webcast will explain how rehabilitation and physical therapy principles can be applied to the horse with respect to lameness, loss of performance, performance enhancement, injury prevention and principles of conditioning. Exercise based rehabilitation techniques, including mobilization and dynamic core muscle exercises, and how these can be applied to your horse will also be discussed. |
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Speaker: Dr. Ann Rashmir | Michigan State University Summary: This webcast provides an overview of state-of-the art diagnosis and treatment of lameness in the performance horse. Lameness evaluation, techniques for diagnosing lameness (gait analysis, thermography, digital radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI) and current treatments for common lameness are covered. |
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Speaker: Dr. Hal Schott | Michigan State University Summary: Can my horse get the swine flu? Why does my horse cough at the beginning of exercise? Can I catch strangles from my horse? Why do racehorses bleed rom their noses? These and other questions will be answered in this webcast. |
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Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Carr | Michigan State University Summary: Colic, a symptom feared by horse owners, can seemingly appear without warning. There are many situations that can preclude a horse to colic, ranging from parasite infestation, dehydration to grain overload. Colic symptoms can appear mild to traumatic, but the actual severity and appropriate treatment options may be hard to determine until the veterinarian examines the horse. Dr. Elizabeth Carr will give a basic review of colic, discussing when the horse owner should worry, treatment options your veterinarian can use, and management practices to prevent certain kinds of colic. |
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Speaker: Dr. Carey A. Williams | Rutgers University Summary: Dr. Carey Williams will help demystify supplements so that you can feed your horse cost effectively with confidence. Dr. Williams will discuss a horse's vitamin and mineral, joint, calming, herbal and various other supplements, when supplements might be beneficial, and how to use science based information to determine if your horse needs a feed supplement. |
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Speaker: Dr. Kathy Anderson | University of Nebraska Summary: A mare's fertility can be influenced by a variety of factors including her health, age, and reproductive anatomy. In addition, stallion fertility and technician skills all play an important role in successfully breeding the mare. In this presentation, Dr. Anderson will discuss common problems that arise in the breeding barn and offer solutions to help get your mare pregnant. |
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Speaker: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau | University of Connecticut Summary: The webcast will cover best practices for trail riding including how to determine where to go, route finding, safety, what to bring, how to prepare, how to select the right horse, how to deal with different situations that arise on the trail such as crossing streams, going up/down hill, seeing wildlife, and crossing roads. Participants will discover the benefits of trail riding and what it can teach every horse and rider. A recording of the webcast will be available to anyone who purchases the Trail Riding 101 course. Sponsored by: |
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Speaker: Dr. Stephanie Valberg | University of Minnesota Summary: Explore basic genetic principles that apply to both desirable traits and equine diseases, discuss the diseases that can currently be identified through genetic testing and learn how genetic testing is being applied. *Please see the webcast details page for an important correction notice. |
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Speaker: Dr. Krishona Martinson | University of Minnesota Summary: You buy (or harvest), haul, carry, and stack it. Now make sure that your hard-earned hay will be usable when you need it. This presentation will teach you how to become an expert horse hay connoisseur by focusing on methods to evaluate and feed hay, including buying the right hay for your horse(s). Numerous hay storage recommendations will also be discussed including stacking hay, ensuring your facility is feral animal and moisture free, and hay longevity. |
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Speaker: Dr. Holly Spooner | West Virginia University Summary: Selecting the correct bit for a horse is dependent on a number of factors including the horse's level of training and the rider's experience level. This presentation will discuss the difference in direct versus leverage action of a bit, how the diameter and shape of the bit effects the bit's action, and will describe the pressure points on the horse's face that are affected by bits and hackamores. In addition, bit selection for different stages of training and training problems will be discussed. |
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Speaker: Dr. Mark Russell | Purdue University Summary: As feed and hay prices tripled in the last two years, many horseowners want to know how to cut costs and be sure to maintain good health. This presentation will present 12 suggestions to get more out of your horse-feeding dollar. These will include maximizing quality forage, improving pasture management, reducing wastage, good dental care, general health prevention, feeding more meals, and assessing body condition of horses, and considering selling unproductive horses. |
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Bits and Bitting
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Speaker: Dr. Molly McCue | University of Minnesota Summary: In this webinar, we will review the basic genetic principles that apply to both desirable traits as well as equine diseases, discuss the diseases that can currently be identified through genetic testing and how genetic testing is being used diagnostically by veterinarians, and talk about the application of genetic testing to breeding programs and how to make sound breeding decisions when there is potential for genetic disease. |
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Speaker: Dr. Bridgett McIntosh | University of Tennessee Summary: Laminitis is a painful, disabling, common and costly disease of the horse and pony. Both the digestive and metabolic forms of laminitis (commonly referred to as founder) are linked to nutrition. This presentation discusses the most current science based information focusing on strategies to help reduce the occurrence of equine laminitis through the management of nutritionally related risk factors associated with pastures, hays, feeds and the animals themselves. |
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Speaker: Dr. Ann Swinker | Penn State University Summary: Manure, if used properly, can be a valuable addition to any operation's resource system. Many small scale horse operators feel overwhelmed by the huge mound of manure and soiled bedding. It would be nice if that mound would just disappear, but the reality is that it will always be a concern. So how do you manage the never-ending supply of manure? This is where a good manure management program comes into play; benefiting you, your livestock, your land, the neighborhood, and the surrounding environment. |
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Speaker: Dr. Dave Freeman | Oklahoma State University
Summary: Most horse owners house their horses on acreage with the objective for the area to supply part or all of the nutritional needs. This webcast will cover some of the principles behind the decisions that must be made to maximize nutritional benefits of pasture forages. Topics will include grazing management, forage selection and production, and pasture forage management. |
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Pasture Management for Horse Acreages|
Speaker: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau | University of Connecticut Summary: Are you interested in going green and finding ways to help the environment while using best management practices that can save time and money? Then consider joining us for this webcast, in which we will discuss an overview of different aspects to consider in being environmentally friendly such as manure management, runoff management, facilities management, stream and watercourse management, pasture management and more! |
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Speaker: Dr. Kathy Anderson | University of Nebraska Summary: So your mare is going to have a foal this Spring! What an exciting time and mare owners certainly want everything to go perfectly! Mare owners can be very anxious as foaling time approaches and the more prepared they are, the less stressful having a foal can be. This presentation will help owners recognize the signs of a mare preparing for parturition, suggestions on foaling locations and what to expect during a normal foaling plus caution signs to watch for. Furthermore how to care for the mare after foaling will also be addressed. |
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Speaker: Dr. Carey Williams | Rutgers University Summary: Some types of stress include various physical stresses that are based on the physical makeup of the animal and its ability to respond to changes in diet, injury, etc. Psychological stresses are based on a horse's personality and its perception of life. This presentation will provide information on how horses cope with stress, different types of stress and how we can minimize stress in our horses lives. |
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Equine Stress|
Speaker: Karen Waite, M.S. | Michigan State University Summary: If you work with young riders, you know that there is much more to it than just teaching them how to ride! Add competitions to the mix and things get even more complicated. Join us for some ideas to develop you program and the young people you work with as we discuss the Top Ten Tips for Coaching Youth Riders. |
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Speaker: Dr. Krishona Martinson | University of Minnesota Summary: This webcast will cover the key to preventing problems with poisonous plants through proper identification and avoidance of these plants. |
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Speaker: Tom Lenz, DVM | American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners Summary: This presentation covers the plight of the unwanted horse in the U.S. It focuses on the types of horse that becomes unwanted, the reasons they become unwanted, and possible solutions to the problem. |
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 Weaning a Foal
Speaker: Dr. Christine Skelly | Michigan State University Summary: Weaning a foal is an important milestone for the young growing horse.Preparing the foal prior to weaning and then ensuring that the weaning process poses as little stress as possible, will provide the young horse a definite advantage from both a health and psychological standpoint. |
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 Vaccinating Your Horse
Speaker: Judy Marteniuk, DVM, M.S. | Michigan State University Summary: With spring, vaccinating your horse becomes a priority. This presentation will present a logical approach to determining which vaccines are appropriate for your horse. The core vaccines recommended by the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners), as well as other potential vaccines will be covered. |
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 Reducing Risks on the Horse FarmSpeaker: Dr. Betsy Greene | University of Vermont Summary: Whether or not you own, board, teach, or ride in an equine facility, you can help to decrease the potential risks at that barn. Almost everyone can come up with a horror story of accidents, crashes or "near misses" at a stable from the past or present. |
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 Conditioning Your Horse for the Show Season
Speaker: Dr. Brian Nielsen | Michigan State University Summary: Many factors need to be considered when determining how to best condition your horse to meet your goals for the upcoming show season. While physical conditioning plays a major role in how your horse will perform, other factors including how to avoid injuries and how to have your horse mentally prepared must also be considered. |
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 Broodmare Nutrition
Speaker: Dr. John Shelle | Michigan State University Summary: After your mare is pregnant what do you do next? Most novice breeders have a great deal of concern about the nutritional program that the mare requires to deliver a healthy foal. |
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 Hay Selection
Speaker: Matt Shane, M.S. | Michigan State University Summary: When it comes to selecting the right hay for your horse, green is good. However, that is not the only selection factor. This presentation will help horse owners learn about the other factors that go into choosing the right hay for their horses. |
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 Equine Cushings Disease: Challenges of Diagnosis and Treatment
Speaker: Hal Schott, DVM | Michigan State University Summary: Older horses are becoming an increasingly important component of the horse industry. This presentation will describe the clinical problems associated with PPID as well as summarize current knowledge about the cause of PPID in horses. |
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 Conformation and Selection of Horses
Speaker: Dr. Kathy Anderson | University of Nebraska Summary: Selecting a new horse can be an exciting, and stressful endeavor. A horseman with a trained eye for conformation recognizes traits in a horse that can influence how the horse may be able to perform for various events. The phrase "form to function" commonly demonstrates how a horse's basic conformation can dictate its athletic ability. |
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| Selecting the Right Youth Horse
Speaker: Dr. Christine Skelly | Michigan State University Summary: Selecting the right youth horse for your child is one of the most important purchase decisions you will make in your horse endeavors. A good youth horse is a special equine friend, instilling confidence and good life skills to its young owner. However, the wrong youth-horse combination can result in frustration and high expenses at the very least, and in serious injury at the very worst. |
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 Clarification Learning Theory Terminology in Order to Enhance "Fair" Horse Training
Speaker: Dr. Camie Heleski | Michigan State University Summary: There is frequent confusion regarding the terms "negative reinforcement" and "punishment", at least as they relate to handling and training horses. A "reinforcement," whether positive or negative, is something that increases the frequency of a given behavior. A "punishment," whether positive or negative, is something that decreases the frequency of a behavior. |
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Recording Not available |