The early bird discounted registration rate ends Jan. 15 for the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs’ Equine Showcase and the 5th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course, both at the Four Points Sheraton, 1938 Stanton Way, in Lexington. It will still be possible to register at the non-discounted rate for both programs until Feb. 1.

The UK Equine Showcase, now in its third year, will highlight the university’s current equine programs and relevant industry findings. It will run from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 7, with a light reception following.

Topics for the UK Equine Showcase include:

·       Equine Cushing’s disease in the aged horse

·       Is your horse fat? There’s an app for that!

·       The Kentucky Horse Racing Necropsy Program: for the health and welfare of horses, humans and the racing industry

·       The economic impact of Kentucky’s equine industry

·       Stem cells for equine tissue regeneration

·       Age-related susceptibility of foals to Rhodococcus equi

·       Genetics, health and performance

·       Why did my performance horse test positive for prohibited substances?

The 5th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course is an in-depth program on equine reproduction and horse management issues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 8, with lunch provided.

Topics for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course include:

·       Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the mare

·       Starting and stopping a mare’s cycle

·       Methods for evaluating stallion sperm

·       Methods to predict foaling

·       Diagnosing crytorchids and ovarian tumors

·       Problems in newborn foals

·       Managing your stallion for a natural mating or artificial insemination program

·       Diagnosing placentitis (placental problems)

·       Problem mare panel

New this year, an in-depth reproductive “wet lab” will also be offered Feb. 9 to a limited number of participants who want a hands-on educational opportunity led by some of the equine industry’s foremost experts. Participation in the wet lab also requires attendance in either the showcase or short course on the previous two days.

Both the showcase and short course 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.

For the first time, UK is also accepting sponsor participation in the event. Display opportunities are available to participating organizations. Please email equine@uky.edufor details.

To register for the events, visit http://2014ukequineshowcase.eventbrite.com. Wet lab space is extremely limited and will fill quickly. 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. More about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs can be found at http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.