Even though it doesn’t quite seem like it here in NJ, winter is right around the corner! The first day of autumn was only last week, but I’ll be sure to take my time enjoying the weather before the seasons change again. In the meantime, we can always work on preparing for the colder months. Maybe they’ll come sooner for you if you live north of me!
If you thought my last blog was cool, wait until you read this one! Last time, we talked to some experts at Rutgers about their experience with researching horse behavior. Now, we’re kicking it up a notch and hearing from a leading expert in the horse behavior field: Dr. Sue McDonnell. Dr. McDonnell is the founding head of the Equine Behavior Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She is incredibly knowledgeable in equine physiology, behavior, and welfare, and she was generous enough to share her expertise with us!
I hope y’all are having a great start to the new school year! This week, we’re going to be doing a bit of extra learning, but don’t worry, it’s the fun kind. I wanted to talk to you guys about horse behavior, but I had to make sure I got the right information. So, I decided to consult with some of our experts right here at Rutgers!
I don’t know about you, but this summer really flew by for me! Everyone at the Equine Science Center certainly kept busy; check out some of my past blogs to read about what we were up to! Even though we all had a busy and fun summer, it’s time to start getting back to school. It’s pretty exciting for me since I love learning, and I’m especially excited to listen in on some of the horse-related classes here at Rutgers.
Wow! It seems that the folks at the Rutgers Equine Science Center have certainly been keeping themselves busy this summer! In June, you heard about how they went to Texas for the 2023 Equine Science Symposium, but this time they’re staying a bit more local. Last week, they attended the 2023 Hambletonian Continuing Education Seminar in East Rutherford, NJ.
There has been some exciting research happening at the Equine Science Center! You may remember I have talked about a research study being conducted with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and equine assisted activities (EAA) in the past. Well, the results are finally in and they are exciting!
I’m back with my series on careers in the equine industry! This week I interviewed Mr. David Meirs and his family (Robin & Julie), owners and operators of Concord Stud Farm. They have 250 acres in New Jersey along with farms in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The Meirs own between 30 and 45 mares which they breed and the remainder of the 400 hundred mares are ones they breed and foal out for clients. Whew, sounds like they stay busy! Keep reading to find out what it’s like to be a Standardbred breeder.
The 4th of July is right around the corner, so that means there’s lots of planning to be done! Besides prepping for your BBQ or party, there’s some things you need to consider for your horse too. The holiday comes with a lot of new, and potentially stressful, experiences for your horse, so I’d like to provide some advice for y’all.
Oh my! What an exciting week last week was! The folks at the Equine Science Center traveled to Grapevine, Texas for the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium. This symposium is hosted every two years by the Equine Science Society and brings together the best equine scientists to share the most exciting research being conducted in the field.
Whew, it feels like summer is here. I’ve been hanging out under the shade tree by the water trough these last few days. Warm weather always makes me sleepy and a doze in the shade is the perfect cure for those droopy eyelids! Summer brings more than just naps under the shade tree, though. It also brings the Equine Science Center’s Annual Summer Showcase! This year we’ll welcome you through our front doors on Thursday, July 13th. As always, the event is free, but we do ask that you register ahead of time. You can register at go.rutgers.edu/ESCShowcase2023.
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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