Published January, 2014

Registration closes Feb. 1 for the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs’ Equine Showcase and the 5th Annual Kentucky Breeders’ Short Course, both to be held at the Four Points Sheraton at 1938 Stanton Way in Lexington.

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

New this year, an in-depth reproductive “wet lab” will also be offered Feb. 9 to a limited number of participants who want a handson 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 horse management. Continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians is pending approval by the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

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?

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 cryptorchids 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

To register for the event, visit http://2014ukequineshowcase.eventbrite.com. More about this event and other information about UK Ag Equine Programs can be found at www.ca.uky.edu/equine.

Holly Wiemers, MA, is the communications director for the UK Ag Equine Programs.