“Caring for Your Equine Athlete” Rutgers Equine Science Center announces 2014 Horse Management Seminar topic

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – “Caring for Your Equine Athlete” is the over-arching theme of the upcoming Horse Management Seminar hosted by the Rutgers Equine Science Center and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. The seminar, scheduled from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2014, will feature presentations by several equine industry experts.

“With the World Equestrian Games being held in Normandy, France later this year, we thought this would be the perfect time to focus on the equine athlete,” says Dr. Carey Williams, Extension Equine Specialist and Associate Director of Extension for the Equine Science Center. “Our goal in presenting this workshop is to give participants a glimpse into the life of a WEG rider and valuable advice for any equine athlete, whether it’s an international champion or a trusted lesson horse.”

Williams has assembled presenters who are recognized as experts in their field to offer perspectives and personal insight. The morning will start with a panel of top competitors from WEG disciplines, including endurance rider Meg Sleeper, combined driving/dressage rider Sara Schmitt, reiner Matthew Palmer, and eventer Carol Kozlowski, with another rider to be announced from jumping. They will discuss their beginnings, ways for interested riders to get started in their disciplines, trials and tribulations of competing at an elite level, and of course they will be open to questions from the audience.

Other topics and speakers will include “Getting Riders and Horses Ready for WEG” by Jim Wolf, with Wolf Sports Group, consultant to USEF; “Saddle Fitting for All Disciplines” by Rick Wills and Charlie O’Brien from Rick’s Saddle Shop; “Conditioning for Your Equestrian Sport” by Dr. Meg Sleeper, cardiology veterinarian for the Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania; and “Hoof Balance and Horse Performance” by Patrick Reilly, Chief of Farrier Services and Director of the Applied Polymer Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to the educational presentations, the seminar will feature informational displays, networking opportunities with industry companies and area organizations, and ample time for one-on-one discussions with the day’s presenters.

Program and registration information can be found in the seminar brochure. For more information, contact Laura Gladney at 848-932-3229, gladney@aesop.rutgers.edu, or Dr. Carey Williams at 848-932-5529, cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu.