UK Ag Equine Programs' September 2019 Wildcat Canter

SEPT EM BER 2019

C ON TE N TS

Welcome back over ice cream & a movie PAGE 6

UK Ag Equine Programs welcomed students back to a new semester with an ice cream social and movie night Sept.

4. The more than 80 students who attended were treated to Crank and Boom ice cream and given an opportunity to visit with UK equine clubs and teams.

New Club Added to UK’s Equine Stable PAGE 10

UK students are excited about the newest equine club: Collegiate Professional Horseman’s Association. This club is a chance for equine enthusiasts of all backgrounds, levels and disciplines to create a diverse and unified community.

UK launches series of educational equine parasitology videos PAGE 12

Martin Nielsen, Schlaikjer Professor of Equine Infectious Disease in the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, has created a series of 18 educational videos to help inform horse owners, farm managers and veterinarians about best practices in equine parasitology.

Couple comes full circle with UK through horses, pastures PAGE 14

The University of Kentucky is where Keith and Laura Haag first fell in love with horses, and it’s where they turned to get advice to improve the environment for the horses on Endeavor Farm.

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

October 2: Equine Career & Opportunity Fair October 2-5, Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium October 9: UK Equine Alumni Affiliate Network Trivia Night October 18: Experience Equine Day October 24: Equine Industry Encounter

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W E L COM E

Be Polished. Be Poised. Be Professional. With the UK Ag Equine Career & Opportunity Fair right around the corner, it is the time to hone your skills and be prepared to network with industry leaders.

At this event, you will have the chance to speak to employers who are seeking volunteers, interns, part-time and full-time employees. If you want to get your feet on the ground or continue to bloom in the equine industry, you will want to attend this event.

There are a couple of important things you should know before you attend.

• Register for this event on Handshake. Registration enables you to see up-to-date employer lists and we can print your nametag ahead of time.

• Plan your attire. Business casual/business professional is expected. Check here to see what that entails. Just because it is trendy doesn’t mean it is professional.

• Spruce up your resume and bring it with you if applicable. If you have an updated version of your resume or personal business cards, they would be great additions to bring to share your info.

• Download the Career Fair Plus App. This app will allow you to see the most current career fair map. If limited time is an issue, this will allow you to get in and out fast and see announcements and employer lists in real time from your phone.

• Do your research. Use the employer list within Handshake to start your research of individual employers. Plan your visit by creating a list of the top five to 10 employers you want to visit. This is especially helpful if you have limited time.

• Bring your student ID. We will check you in with your student ID or number.

• Plan your route. There will be signs to guide you, but check it in advance. The career fair will be in the Woodford Reserve Room at Kroger Field. Parking is available outside the Woodford Room in K-Lot. • Professional headshots will be available during the Career Fair to UK Equine Students. You will receive two edited photos in a gallery, but you must be dressed in business casual or business professional.

Remember that you are a walking and talking representation of your school, your mentors and, most importantly, yourself. There is no better time than now to explore the endless opportunities within the equine industry. We look forward to seeing you there and watching how you continue to grow.

Savanah Robin, Internship 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 C O L LE GIAT E P ROFESSIO NAL H ORS EMAN ’ S A S S O C IAT ION

H O R SE R ACI N G CL UB

DR E SSA G E TEAM

PO L O TEAM

Advisor: Dr. Bob Coleman, rcoleman@uky.edu and Savannah Robin, savannah.robin@uky.edu President: Anna Lowes, anna.lowes@uky.edu

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

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

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

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

Facebook: UKY Equestrian Team

R O D EO TEAM

W ES TERN TEAM

President: Jamie Henley, ukwesternequestrian@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Western IHSA Team

E V E N TING TEAM

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

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F EAT U R E S TORY

A welcome back over ice cream and a movie

UK Ag Equine Programs welcomed students back to a new semester with an ice cream social and movie night Sept. 4. More than 80 students who attended were treated to Crank and Boom ice cream and given an opportunity to visit with UK equine clubs and teams. Following the ice cream social, those interested in a movie stayed to see War Horse.

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FEAT URE STORY

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PR OG R A M S P O TL I GHT

Racetrack surface panel embraces safety commitment Source: BloodHorse Daily In an hour-and-a-half discussion that launched the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program speaker series Sept. 18, a pair of racing surface experts and a track executive applauded the horse racing industry's commitment to horse safety in the months since a spike in horse fatalities at Santa Anita Park this spring.

Mick Peterson, director of the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, discussed initiatives undertaken to provide science to improve track maintenance. He was joined by Jamie Richardson, track superintendent at Churchill Downs, and Turfway Park general manager Chip Bach, who provided feedback about how track representatives can best incorporate analytics in an aim to reduce catastrophic injuries in racehorses. Jim Mulvihill, senior director of betting information at Churchill Downs, moderated the panel.

Read the entire story here.

Bluegrass Equine Digest Check out the September 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.

• UK Launches Series of Educational Equine Parasitology Videos • Lack of Rain Starting to Strain Kentucky Agriculture • Equine-Assisted Therapy Staff and Volunteers Needed for Facility Air Quality Survey • West Nile Virus Confirmed in Kentucky

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FEAT URE STORY

Equine Science and Management Alumni Profile Jill Carter, ‘13 Business Specialist at Ocala Equine Hospital Where is home for you?

Michigan How did you first become involved in the horse industry?

My mother’s family had been involved with horses, so I was introduced to it at a very early age.

What were your career goals before graduation?

Before graduation I was hoping to find employment doing what I love, and luckily, I did!

How are you currently involved in the horse industry?

I currently have a 6-year-old Thoroughbred that I compete in eventing.

Did you pursue further degrees?

Yes, I received my MBA from Midway in 2018. I decided to pursue my master's to get a better grasp on the fundamentals of business and to further my career.

What are your current job responsibilities?

I am responsible for business operations at the clinic, which includes but is not limited to: payroll, new employee training, OSHA training, accounts payable/receivable, all sale paperwork, all imaging reports and much more.

What led you to this position?

Honestly, all of my internships influenced me. I did many different internships and took a part of each of them to really find out what I wanted to do for a long-term career.

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

I can’t really think of a single defining moment; however all of the classes I took and people I met throughout my college career helped shaped who I am today.

What advice do you have for current equine students?

Do as many internships as possible and in all aspects of the industry!

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FE AT UR E STORY

New Club Added to UK’s Equine Stable Lindsay O’Hara UK students are excited about the newest equine club: Collegiate Professional Horseman’s Association. This club is a chance for equine enthusiasts of all backgrounds, levels and disciplines to create a diverse and unified community.

CPHA aims to provide professional, industry-oriented experiences and opportunities for its members. Through a combination of guest speakers, tours, and service requirements, CPHA will provide education and networking with some of the industry’s elite.

On Sept. 9, 26 students and co-advisor Savannah Robin, the internship coordinator for Ag Equine Programs, held an inaugural meeting of the UK Collegiate Professional Horseman’s Association. The club is working to get affiliated with the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.

The organization, open to all majors, is a new club started this year through a grassroots effort of the students to fill a need for a non-discipline specific community for equine enthusiasts.

The organization’s mission statement is, “...to unify and empower horsemen of all levels, backgrounds, disciplines and career pathways through the promotion of leadership, education, professional development and service.”

“This is your organization. This is dictated by you,” Robin said to the students in attendance.

Each year the club’s members expect the organization to look different. It’s intended to be fluid and shape to the demographics and goals of the students involved in it. UK CPHA plans to offer tours, feature guest speakers and provide service to the industry, catered around what students want.

Kassie Rutherford, an Equine Science and Management undergraduate student, said, “CPHA to me means a group of people coming together with a common goal of being more involved with the horse industry in the area.”

She said her goal for the club is to help develop structure, and through it, create strong connections.

“I plan on making central Kentucky my home,” Rutherford said, “So making connections that I’m interested in can be important for my future career.”

Through a survey sent to ESMA majors, it was reported that 60 percent of these students were not involved in a club or team, despite there being nine equine specific clubs and teams offered by UK already. The desire was for a club designed to represent students of all backgrounds and disciplines, and provide a level playing field for students to start from. The goal is to create a community for horse lovers.

Bob Coleman, faculty member within the program and co-advisor to the club, says, “When [people] meet around a common interest, friendships are formed that can last a lifetime.”

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FEAT URE STORY

That is the hope of the students and advisors for this organization - to create friendships that can last beyond university and provide network connections that can open professional opportunities.

Brittany Powell, another ESMA undergraduate student, aims to find friendships and networking through this club as well.

She said the opportunities she is most excited about are, “...meeting other individuals who have the same passion as me and improving my networking in the equine industry.”

The first meeting was held in Garrigus and offered students a chance to discuss their goals for the organization. Supplied with pizza, cheese sticks and a blank whiteboard, students made a list of organizations, speakers, areas of interest and connections they would like to be involved with over the coming year.

Robin also led an activity where students were asked to write down their “equine identity” on a sticky note, words that involved their background, experiences and other key equine characteristics in their lives. These were traded in for a folded piece of paper that the students weren’t allowed to immediately open.

Robin asked everyone to open them simultaneously and the papers all read, “Professional Horseman.”

Robin said, “No matter what experience you have, no matter what your background is, you are all now professional horsemen.”

The organization held elections for officers Sept. 25. Results were: president: Anna Lowes; vice president: Brittany Sparks; secretary/treasurer: Lauren Olsen; and committee coordinator: Ann Walcott.

The organization will also offer three committees for students who would like to be involved in leadership positions as well: Leadership, Professional Development and Outreach; Fundraising and Finances; Communications and Public Relations. Students are encouraged to reach out if they would like to be involved, even if they missed the inaugural meetings.

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F EAT U R E S TORY

UK launches series of educational equine parasitology videos Holly Wiemers Martin Nielsen, Schlaikjer Professor of Equine Infectious Disease in the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, has created a series of 18 educational videos to help inform horse owners, farm managers and veterinarians about best practices in equine parasitology. The videos will become available over the course of a few months beginning in October.

Martin Nielsen educating viewers about parasite control, joined by Peak, a Danish-born Standardbred Trotter stallion.

Location: Alabar Stud in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo credit: veterinary student Alyse Hansen, New Zealand.

According to Nielsen, the videos will be especially relevant and important to those who answer yes to any of the following questions: Do you deworm at the first frost? Do you keep your horses stalled following deworming? How about treating wormy-looking horses with a half dose of dewormer? Spoiler alert…yes is the incorrect answer to all of those questions.

Nielsen’s videos fall into one of three categories: short videos addressing common misconceptions about parasite control; longer educational videos outlining important concepts in parasite control; and videos that inform viewers about current findings, research needs and the importance of UK’s equine research herds.

“As a university researcher, I have an obligation to communicate about my area of research to the public. I am constantly searching for the most efficient way to do so. In this day and age, it seems obvious to communicate about these things on social media,” Nielsen said. “I hope to get some useful information into WI L DCAT CA NTER | S EPT EM BER 2019 | 12

FEAT URE STORY

the hands of horse owners, farm managers and equine veterinarians – and to build some awareness about some of the work we do at the Gluck Center.”

Topics that will be covered over the next several months include: • Parasite control philosophy • Deworm Debunk: Deworm at first frost?

• Deworm Debunk: Drug rotation • Parasite refugia • What’s the right dewormer?

• Deworm Debunk: Five-day dewormers • Deworm Debunk: Diatomaceous Earth • Pasture hygiene • Deworm Debunk: Confining horses • How the weather affects parasite transmission • Pasture management • Deworm Debunk: Daily dewormers • Deworm Debunk: Parasite egg counts • Single horse considerations • Does my horse have worms?

• Deworm Debunk: Checking the label • The complexity of resistance genetics “I wanted to try and address common misconceptions and myths in equine parasite control. I run into these over and over again. As a university academic, I deliver my share of webinars, seminars, educational fairs, books, tutorial articles, ask the vet responses, etc., every year, but these misconceptions never cease to exist,” he said. “So this year, I decided to produce a series of short videos suitable for Twitter and Facebook. I’ll address one myth or misconception at the time and in 45 seconds or less, I will explain why it is exactly that – a myth or misconception. This will be interspersed with a few longer videos providing more background information and highlighting recent research findings.”

Those interested in viewing the videos can follow the Gluck Center on Facebook @GluckEquineResearchCenter or on Twitter @UKGluckCenter. Nielsen’s Network for Good page can be found at https://uky.networkforgood.com/causes/8423-nielsen-parasitology-research-gift-fund and his UK page at https://horseparasites.ca.uky.edu/.

Watch Nielsen’s first video, How to Approach Parasite Control, here.

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F EAT U R E S TORY

Couple comes full circle with UK through horses, pastures

By Katie Pratt The University of Kentucky is where Keith and Laura Haag first fell in love with horses, and it’s where they turned to get advice to improve the environment for the horses on Endeavor Farm.

Keith Haag, a 2009 graduate, is the farm manager, and Laura, who graduated in 2010, is the sales coordinator for the Woodford County farm. Since the farm is primarily a commercial breeding operation, they were particularly concerned about the presence of KY 31 tall fescue on the farm. The grass has an endophyte that can cause fescue toxicosis, which can lead to reproductive complications including lateterm abortions in mares. They were also interested in general pasture improvements.

“We want to provide the horses that are on this property with the best pasture that we possibly can,” Keith Haag said. “Our clients spend a lot of money to keep their horses here, and they expect a very high level of care in return. Part of that is providing their horses with good pastures.”

The Haags learned about the Horse Pasture Evaluation Program while undergraduates at UK. Both developed their love of horses as student workers at UK’s Maine Chance Farm and consider Laurie Lawrence, UK equine professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, one of their mentors.

“Dr. Lawrence was always preaching the benefits of pasture maintenance and really drilled it into us how important our pastures are to the health and well-being of our horses,” Keith Haag said. “Our pastures are the most important resource that we have on this farm.”

In fall 2018, the Haags began working on pasture evaluation and improvements with Ray Smith, UK forage extension specialist, and Krista Lea, program coordinator, who was also a former classmate.

“Often farms initially contact us because they have broodmares, and they are worried about the reproductive issues that can arise because of tall fescue, but they often find out a lot of other things about their pastures, like ways to fill in bare spaces and weeds they can control,” Smith said. “So many of our clients call us back, not because of the fescue, but because they are interested in weed management, new grasses to plant and general pasture rotation.”

Through the program, the Haags were able to get a detailed evaluation of the forage composition of the pastures on the entire farm. They began implementing improvements as soon as they received the results.

“They have been so eager for information,” Lea said. “We’ve talked about all different kinds of things from installing dry lots to purchasing hay feeders to improve feed utilization during the wintertime. They are willing to adopt new things. They ask questions to make sure it’s safe and worth their money, but they are very willing to adopt new things not typically seen on horse farms, like electric fencing.”

The electric fence allowed the Haags to renovate an area of a field without moving the horses completely off it.

“It was a ‘hold your breath’ moment after we put it in, but the horses handled it fine,” Laura Haag said.

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FEAT URE STORY

Ray Smith, second from right, UK forage extension specialist, speaks with from left: Keith Haag, Krista Lea, UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program coordinator, and Laura Haag during a visit to Endeavor Farm. Photo by Katie Pratt, UK agricultural communications.

“We are very confident that we can use it as a way to do rotational grazing in our paddocks and pastures going forward.”

The Haags have been pleased with the results and plan to continue using the program.

“We have noticed changes already,” Keith Haag said. “Before, we were just kind of throwing darts at a dart board and really hoping they would stick. Now, we have a much better idea of what we need to be doing and when we need to be doing it. There were some really simple things we could do to improve the quality of our pastures.”

In addition to the Horse Pasture Evaluation Program, UK offers many avenues for equine and other livestock producers to learn about pasture improvements, including extension publications that cover basic pasture management. They are available online at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/foragepublications.

Agriculture and natural resource agents with the UK Cooperative Extension Service, can provide pasture improvement advice to local producers at the farm level.

To view the video, click here.

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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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Learn more or register here

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Thursdays, Beginning November 7 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $40 Registration/$75 for Couples Includes Dinner

NOV 7…. Spencer CES

Pastures: From the Grass & Horse Perspectives

NOV 14…Oldham CES

Feeding Programs & Nutritional Disorders

NOV 21.. Shelby CES

Core Vaccines & What’s New in Healthcare

DEC 5…. Henry CES

Facilities Management & Basic Equipment

Registration includes dinner at each session and all program materials.

Call your local Extension office with questions or to register.

Henry: 502-845-2811 Oldham: 502-222-9453 Shelby: 02-633-4593 Spencer: 502-477-2217

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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