UK Ag Equine Programs' August 2019 Wildcat Canter

Welcome back students!

AUGUS T 2019

C ON TE N TS

Wildcat Wrangler Leadership and Outreach Program PAGE 7

Interested in learning more about the equine industry, representing UK Ag Equine Programs at events and learning new leadership skills? If so, consider applying as a Wildcat Wrangler.

Farrell to lead diversity efforts for UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment PAGE 8

Antomia Farrell will permanently assume the role of assistant dean of diversity in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

UK Equine Field Day to be held Sept. 5 PAGE 8

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Ag Equine Programs will host an equine field day from 3:30 - 8 p.m. CDT Thursday, Sept.

5, at Weber’s Retired Horses LLC, 1013 Dripping Springs Road in Princeton. The event is free and open to the public.

Alumni Profile PAGE 10

My original goal was to go to vet school but I ended up decid-ing that was not the right direction for me yet. I still wanted to be involved with the veterinary side of the industry and that is how I ended up in the veterinary technician field.

U PC O M IN G E V ENTS AND I MPORTAN T DEADLINES • • • • •

September 4, Get the Scoop and Movie Night September 11-14, Ag Roundup September 15: Fall internship deadline October 2: Equine Career & Opportunity Fair October 9: UK Equine Trivia Night

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W E L COM E

Welcome For as long as I can remember, fall has always been my favorite season. In Lexington, the change in season brings excitement for the upcoming Keeneland Race Meet, cooler temperatures with changing leaves and the return of the hustle and bustle of thousands of students beginning a new year at the University of Kentucky.

Once upon a time, I was one of those bright-eyed students beginning my first semester in UK’s equine programs. I came to UK chasing my dreams to pursue a career in the equine industry and what I found became so much more than I ever thought possible. It did not take me long to learn I had made the right choice in making equine my academic home. The concepts I learned, the connections fostered, lifelong friendships made and the doors opened can all be attributed to this degree program and its faculty and staff.

Like all of the students, I too am returning to the University since graduating in 2014, this time in a different capacity. I am incredibly excited to be the new operations coordinator for the Ag Equine Programs team!

I am truly honored to have the opportunity to come to work each day supporting a program I hold very close to my heart. While the University and Equine Programs have been through lots of changes, the passion and dedication to educating the next generation of industry leaders has not waivered. This is the passion I once saw as a student sitting in a classroom in Ag North. Fast forward a few years, and I see the same passion behind the scenes in staff meetings in the very same building. I owe so much to the faculty and staff who educated and guided me to get to where I am today. I cannot think of a better way to give back to the program than by serving in this new role.

It is easy to say I believe I made the right decision all over again to join Ag Equine Programs. As all of you begin this new semester, whether it is your first year or your last, I challenge you to chase your dreams and discover what is possible here. Know I am with you embarking on this new journey and I cannot wait to see what this year holds.

Welcome back to campus and best of luck this semester!

Erin DesNoyers, ‘14 Operations Coordinator

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M A STHE A D

Wildcat Canter Editorial Staff Lindsay O’Hara, contributing writer Grace Vazquez, contributing writer Holly Wiemers, MA, APR, senior editor, contributing writer, layout

Wildcat Canter Editorial Board

Erin DesNoyers, operations coordinator Camie Heleski, PhD, lecturer Danielle Jostes, MA, equine philanthropy director Mick Peterson, PhD, equine programs director Savannah Robin, MS, internship coordinator Kristine Urschel, PhD, director of undergraduate studies Kristen Wilson, MS, academic program coordinator

Ag Equine Programs

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

N212 Ag Sciences Building North Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Office: (859) 257-2226 equine@uky.edu www.uky.edu/equine

Connect with us on Social Media

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photo by Jimmy Henning

C LUBS AN D T EAM S D IR E CTORY DR E SSA G E TEAM

Advisor: Dr. Jill Stowe, jill.stowe@uky.edu President: Lindsay O’Hara, OfficialUKDressageTeam@gmail.com Facebook: UK Dressage and Eventing

U K EVENT ING

Advisor: Dr. Jill Stowe, jill.stowe@uky.edu President: Macy Clark, macyclark23@gmail.com Facebook: UK Dressage Team

PO L O TEAM

Advisor: Dr. Roger Brown, rogerbrown@uky.edu Dr. Jamie MacLeod, jnmacleod@uky.edu President: Ben Lynch, benjamin.lynch@uky.edu Facebook: U of Kentucky Polo

R . E. A. D . CL UB

Advisor: Dr. Kristine Urschel, klur222@uky.edu President: Katie Simmons, kesi226@g.uky.edu Facebook: READ Club

E Q UE ST RIA N TEAM Advisor: Dr. Bob Coleman, rcoleman@uky.edu

H UNT SEAT TEAM

President: Mackenzie Mentzer, uk.equestrianteam@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Equestrian Team

W ES TERN TEAM

President: Jamie Henley, ukwesternequestrian@gmail.com

R O D EO TEAM

Advisor: Monty Ott, monty.ott@uky.edu President: Channing McWilliams, ukrodeoteam@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Rodeo Team

SAD D L E SEAT TEAM

Advisor: Dr. Mary Rossano, mary.rossano@uky.edu President: Audrey Schneider, uksaddleseatteam@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Saddleseat Team

Facebook: UKY Western IHSA Team

HO R S E RA C ING CLUB

Advisor: Dr. Laurie Lawrence, llawrenc@uky.edu President: Julie Witt, ukhorseracingclub@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Horse Racing Club

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PR OG R A M S P O TL I GHT

Welcome to the 95 freshman and 26 transfer students that have joined the Equine Science and Management Degree program this fall. We are thrilled to have you!

Bluegrass Equine Digest Check out the August issue of the Bluegrass Equine Digest, a free, monthly electronic newsletter dedicated to providing up-to-date information on equine research from the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in collaboration with TheHorse. com and sponsored by Zoetis.

Click here to see this month’s stories.

• What’s the socioeconomic status of most equestrian participants • Stonestreet Farm launches Yearling Warranty • Blue-green algae: Dangerous to pets and livestock • Legendary equine disease outbreaks

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FEAT URE STORY

Wildcat Wrangler Leadership and Outreach Program

By Kristen Wilson Are you interested in learning more about the equine industry, representing UK Ag Equine Programs at industry events and learning new leadership skills? If so, consider applying to represent UK Ag Equine Programs as a Wildcat Wrangler.

Why be part of this opportunity and become a Wildcat Wrangler?

• Get free UK Equine swag to wear • Network with equine industry professionals and potential employers • Experience a variety of equine industry events • Meet and greet with prospective students and their families to share your UK experiences with them • Earn course credit both fall and spring semesters • Learn new leadership and communication skills Who is eligible?

This opportunity is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors in the Equine Science and Management program in good academic standing.

Will I receive course credit?

Students will receive one credit hour of EQM 300 under the Communications and Leadership emphasis area for both of the fall and spring semesters. Meeting times will be determined based on applicants’ schedules.

How do I apply?

Interested students should complete an interest form by August 30 by contacting Kristen Wilson at kristen.wilson1@uky.edu. Forms will be reviewed by a committee and students may be asked to come in for a short interview if a large number of students apply.

Five UK equine students named as Keeneland ambassadors Congratulations to the five UK equine students who were accepted into the Keeneland Ambassador Program. You can meet and visit with them on Keeneland Scholarship Day, Oct. 18.

• Nick D'Amore • Lindsay O'Hara • Alexis Schwartz • Brittany Willis • Claire Wilson

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F EAT U R E S TORY

Farrell to lead diversity efforts for UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

By Aimee Nielson Antomia Farrell will permanently assume the role of assistant dean of diversity in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Farrell has served as interim director of the Office of Diversity since March 2018.

“This position is critical to the overall goals and mission of our college. Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of all our actions, as we shape a more productive college, commonwealth and nation,” said dean Nancy Cox. “I look forward to new initiatives and advances under her leadership, driven by her passion for providing enriching experiences and trainings pertaining to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

A Louisville native, Farrell earned a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from UK and a master’s degree in human development leadership from Murray State University. She will finish her doctorate in community and leadership at MSU in December.

Farrell began her career with CAFE in 2011 as a 4-H youth development extension agent in Christian County and later served as human resources specialist for the UK Cooperative Extension Service. She is an advisor to the UK chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences and also is the president-elect for the national MANRRS organization. She also serves on several UK diversity committees including the UK Women’s Forum Board, LGBTQ* Advisory Board, UK Equal Opportunity Committee and the UK Harambee Celebration Committee.

“I look forward to leading the Office of Diversity as we take an honest inventory of our college culture, work to build necessary supports and create an inclusive community where all feel equally valued,” Farrell said.

UK Equine Field Day to be held Sept. 5

By Holly Wiemers The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Ag Equine Programs will host an equine field day from 3:30 - 8 p.m. CDT Thursday, Sept. 5, at Weber’s Retired Horses LLC, 1013 Dripping Springs Road in Princeton. The event is free and open to the public.

“The Weber’s are an excellent example of the benefits of resource conservation on horse farms. They will highlight their successes and discuss some of the challenges of implementing Natural Resources WI L DCAT CA N T ER | AUGUS T 2019 | 8

FEAT URE STORY

Conservation Service practices on horse farms,” said Krista Lea, coordinator of the UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program. “Many horse owners do not know they qualify for federal and state cost-share dollars, so the local NRCS office and extension office will be on hand to answer questions. This event is a great opportunity for the local horse community to get some new ideas and assistance for improving their farms.”

Farm managers and horse owners will have the opportunity to explore visitor booths and see displays for every aspect of horse farm management. Speakers and topics include: • Overview of Weber’s Retired Horses, owners Rob and Kim Weber • Utilizing cost share on horse farms, Adam Jones, Natural Resources Conservation Service • Feeding from the inside out, Bob Coleman, equine extension specialist, UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences • Using cost share to reduce overgrazing, Lea, UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences • Establishing horse pastures, Ray Smith, forage extension specialist, UK Department of Plant and Soil Sciences • Maintaining a healthy horse, area veterinarian Libby Maddux "Rob and I are looking forward to the upcoming equine field day. The Regional Conservation Partnership Program has helped us reach several of the goals we have set for improvements to the farm, which ultimately gives greater quality of life for the horses retired here,” said Kim Weber. “The field day is a great opportunity for other horsemen to learn about the resources available to them and to also gain knowledge from excellent speakers."

The Caldwell County Extension office will provide a meal for those in attendance. While not required, an RSVP is appreciated for food planning purposes. Please email DL_CES_Caldwell@email.uky.edu or call the Caldwell County Extension office at 270‐365‐2787 to register.

Sponsors for the event include the Caldwell County Extension District Board, Caldwell County Conservation District, Trice Hughes Inc. and the Kentucky Horse Council.

Weber’s Retired Horses, is an equine retirement facility that provides committed horse owners an individualized care program for placing their treasured horses into full retirement. More information is available at http://webersretiredhorses.com/index.html.

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FE AT UR E STORY

Welcome Back BBQ More than 200 equine students, faculty and staff turned out to UK Ag Equine Programs’ annual Welcome Back BBQ Aug. 29. Participants ushered in a new semester at UK with food, games and getting to know each other.

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FEAT URE STORY

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F EAT U R E S TORY

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F EAT U R E S TORY

Equine Science and Management Alumni Profile Nicole Welch, ‘17 Veterinary Technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Where is home for you?

My hometown is Cumming, Georgia.

How did you first become involved in the horse industry?

When I was 2 years old, my parents put me on a pony at a street fair and I am told I never stopped smiling. I kept bothering my parents about lessons until they finally agreed. I never looked back. I started competing all over the southeast and became captain of my high school equestrian team. My first working experience in the horse industry was doing barn chores and exercising other people’s horses to pay for lessons and show fees.

What were your career goals before graduation?

My original goal was to go to vet school but I ended up deciding that was not the right direction for me yet. I still wanted to be involved with the veterinary side of the industry and that is how I ended up in the veterinary technician field.

How are you currently involved in the horse industry?

I spent the last two years working directly with all types of breeds. My position has allowed me to meet some pretty incredible horses and meet a lot of great people in the industry.

What are your current job responsibilities?

My responsibilities include working up horses for surgery, taking radiographs, jogging horses for lameness exams and assisting veterinarian on-farm calls and field procedures.

What led you to this position?

I started working with retired racehorses and decided I wanted to gain experience on the veterinary side of the industry. I turned that interest into being a veterinary technician. I had quite a few professors that peaked my interest in the science aspect of the industry through classes such as anatomy and genetics. I was very lucky that all my professors were passionate and loved to teach as much as I wanted to learn.

What advice do you have for current equine students?

Do not panic if your original plan does not work out. Look into adding minors to your degree and get involved with any organizations or teams that fuel you passion. Keep an open mind about what is going to happen after graduation. We are in this program because we all have a love for horses and that passion will lead you to where you are meant to be.

Are you still involved with UK? I am a die-hard UK sports fan. I try to attend every football and basketball game that I can. I also helped with the Land Rover Equine Alumni tailgate and I had a blast doing it. I hope to keep being involved with that.

Was there a turning point in college that had an impact on your career?

The biggest turning point for me was deciding to switch from the pre-vet track to the science and management track in the program. It was sort of scary and I felt like I did not have a set plan like I had before. My advisor and professors helped me also add two minors to my degree so I could broaden my options.

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UK EQUINE ALUMNI AFFILIATE NETWORK INVITES UK ALUMNI TO JOIN US FOR

EQUINE TRIVIA NIGHT BLUE STALLION BREWING CO. 610 W 3RD ST, LEXINGTON, KY 40508

10.09.19 // 6:30 PM EVERYONE WELCOME TEAMS OF 5 OR LESS

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Ag Equine Programs

College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

N212 Ag Sciences Building North Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Office: (859) 257-2226 equine@uky.edu www.uky.edu/equine