Boy! This winter and spring are a busy time for the Equine Science Center. I’ve been having to sneak in a few extra naps and doughnuts to keep my energy up. As you know, we’re finishing out our series of Virtual Horse Management Seminars focusing on equine nutrition. The next big event on our calendar is the 2023 New Jersey Equine Industry Summit. The Summit will be Thursday, March 16th at the Cook Student Center in New Brunswick, NJ.
It’s time for the Horse Management Seminar again! This year we’ll be sticking with the virtual format as it allows people from across the country (and world) to join us. Log on from 6:30 to 8:30 PM ET on Wednesday, February 8th, 15th and 22nd. This event is free, but you will need to register if you plan to attend one or all of the evenings. You can register at https://go.rutgers.edu/2023HMS.
I am back once again with the latest installment in my series on careers in the equine industry. Today you’ll get to meet Dr. Brian Colquhoun, a veterinarian trained in acupuncture. He owns and operates Colquhoun Equine Health & Performance, a veterinary practice located in New Jersey. We are very lucky here at Rutgers University because Dr. Colquhoun visits campus on a routine basis to share his expertise with undergraduate students in our classes. Enjoy this brief glimpse into Dr. Colquhoun’s career!
Welcome to 2023! It’s hard to believe another year has rolled by and yet, here we are. You may want to stay inside where it’s warm and dry during the winter months which means your visits to the barn become less frequent. I can’t wait until we have our first snow, so I can kick my heels up and create a few snow plumes! Some of my human friends seem to dislike the cold weather and wear so many layers to stay warm. Winter brings special concerns and challenges for the horse owner, in addition to those extra layers of clothing. It’s easy to stay focused on the big problems winter brings such as keeping water troughs and buckets free of ice and then overlook smaller items. Even though you may not think about it very often, it’s important to keep up with your horse’s hoof care this winter season.
Where has the year gone? It seems like it was just last week that I was writing about 2022 being a new year and now it’s almost over. I hope you and yours are ready to welcome in another new year! New Year’s always seems like a good time to take a few moments for reflection and goal setting. As you might guess, my goals and reflections usually center around eating and learning! Most years my list of New Year’s resolutions includes a new flavor of doughnut I want to try. I’m beginning to worry that they will run out of new flavors at some point. It hasn’t happened yet, so I’m keeping my hooves crossed that it stays that way.
As I’ve meandered around campus and the surrounding neighborhoods in the past weeks, I’ve noticed many festive decorations going up. It’s hard to believe the winter holidays and break are almost upon us. I always look forward to this time of year because I can find an almost unending supply of peppermints. Eating candy canes is almost as fun as gobbling up doughnuts! This year the folks at the Equine Science Center made some yummy treats (Yes, some of them are peppermint flavored!). They want to share the recipe with you, so you have treats to share with your horse and human friends! I have to say, they had a lot of fun making these treats and sharing them with my horsey friends. Check it out for yourself.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared an idea for a career in the equine industry with you. This week we return to the series with a look into the life of a Standardbred racehorse trainer. Julie Miller, with Team Miller Stable, is a Standardbred trainer located right here in New Jersey. She’s a great friend of the Equine Science Center and even lets her horses participate in some of our research projects! I got to take a trip down to her stable for the interview. She had a new crop of young horses that had just arrived. Let me tell you, some of them looked cute! I know you’re not here for the cute horses though. You’re here to learn something, so keep reading to find out what life as a Standardbred trainer is like.
It’s time to dig out your comfy pants and find a seat at the dinner table! Thanksgiving is next week. While I hope you get to enjoy time with friends and family this Thanksgiving season, my favorite part of the holiday is always the great spread of food provided at the dinner table! I have a hard time deciding what my favorite dish is. There are just so many to choose from. I must admit cranberry sauce ranks among my favorites. It has the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness!
It’s here! The Rutgers Equine Science Center’s annual Evening of Science and Celebration is tomorrow and it’s back in-person. You’re invited to attend this fun event! Join us on Thursday, November 3rd 6:00 to 9:00 PM for a program packed full of science and celebration.
Have you seen all these pumpkins sitting on people’s porches and in their yards? I’ve been tempted to stop in to sneak a bite, but I decided that might be a bad idea. I don’t want to get in trouble for eating someone’s fall decorations! Here at the Equine Science Center, we’ve been partaking in the festivities! Our students, staff, and faculty gave pumpkin decorating their best effort. Wow! I have to say we have some really creative folks at the center. Check out the photo gallery for some inspiration as you embark on decorating your pumpkin.
My first job at Rutgers University was on mounted patrol. I also carried the Scarlet Knight mascot at football games. One day I became famous when I got excited, stepped onto the field and became the only horse in history to receive a penalty in a football game! And I’m curious and mischievous! I love to be outside, so don’t ever leave my stall door open. I love all kinds of food – just about nothing at a picnic is safe. I also don’t like cheese puffs. That cheetah on the bag scares me to death! After 22 years on mounted patrol, I’m proud to be back, working for the Rutgers Equine Science Center and telling everyone what I know.
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