University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs will host a UK Equine Showcase Jan. 18 and the 4th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course Jan. 19, both at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1490 Bull Lea Road, Lexington.

The UK Equine Showcase, now in its second year, will highlight the university’s current equine programs and relevant industry findings. It will run from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 18, with a light reception following.

The 4th 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. Jan. 19, with lunch provided.

“The UK Equine Showcase is a great opportunity for those in the industry to learn about the latest equine research and education efforts at the University of Kentucky. The annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course will focus on equine reproductive efficiency and horse management issues,” said Ed Squires, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and executive director of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. “UK is fortunate to have many experts in equine science who can serve as speakers.”

Topics and speakers for the UK Equine Showcase include:

·         Inflammatory markers and whether they can predict fitness and impending injury; David Horohov

·         Novel therapies for Equine Metabolic Syndrome and if they work; Amanda Adams

·         Effect of antibiotics on gastrointestinal bacteria; Laurie Lawrence

·         Wobbler Syndrome, what is known and remaining questions; Jennifer Janes

·         Beyond deworming, controlling parasites in a horse’s environment; Mary Rossano

·         Kentucky Equine Survey: Preliminary results from Kentucky’s first statewide equine survey in 35 years; Jill Stowe

·         Understanding coat color genetics; Kathryn Graves

·         Insuring land is available for future equine uses; Lori Garkovich

Topics and speakers for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course include:

·         A look at what happens when sperm meets egg; Mats Troedsson

·         Hormonal use in mares; Ed Squires

·         Ovarian problems in mares; Barry Ball

·         A look at how to treat uterine infection in mares; Mats Troedsson

·         Cutting feed costs without cutting corners: tips for more economical feeding programs; Laurie Lawrence

·         Evaluating and maintaining pastures; Ray Smith

·         Mud, erosion and composting; Steve Higgins

·         Control of sexual behavior in stallions; Ed Squires

·         Nutritional management of the stallion; Laurie Lawrence

·         Cases of poisoning in horses; Cynthia Gaskill

Both programs 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.

To register, visit http://ukequineshowcase.eventbrite.com. Early bird registration rates for the UK Equine Showcase are $50 per person, or $40 each when two or more people from the same organization register at the same time. Early registration rates for the Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course are $100 per person, or $90 each when two or more people register at the same time. Attendees can attend both days for $125 per person, or $115 each when two or more people from the same organization register. Prices increase after Jan. 4. Students are eligible for a reduced rate, 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.blandford@uky.edu. More about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs can be found at http://www.ca.uky.edu/equine.