Equine Science Center Spring 2014 Webinar Series Announced

New Brunswick, N.J. – The Rutgers Equine Science Center is gearing up for its annual Spring Webinar Series. By definition, a webinar is a seminar, presentation, and/or lecture transmitted over the internet. Webinars are designed to be interactive with the ability to give, receive, and discuss information. The webinar series is open to the public and registration is simple. Best of all, there is no fee to participate. This spring, the very timely theme is “Pasture Management and Equine Metabolic Syndrome.” We recommend logging on 15-20 minutes early to work out any technical issues before the presentations start.

The first webinar will be on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm EST. Dr. Carey Williams is an Associate Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at Rutgers University. Her presentation, “Horse Pasture Management” will describe how and why we manage the pastures our horses graze. We know that a “normal” horse at maintenance can have 100% of its nutritional needs met when turned out on 2-3 acres of good quality pasture during the growing season. But what is good quality pasture, and how can you get this at your farm? You can access this webinar at http://tinyurl.com/oox2efd.

The second webinar will be on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:00 pm EST. Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, Assistant Professor and Horse Extension Specialist at the University of Tennessee, will present “Tips for Managing Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome”. Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a condition characterized by: 1) obesity and/or regional fat deposits; 2) insulin resistance; and 3) laminitis. Feeding management and nutrition are essential to managing horses with EMS. Strategies for managing horses with EMS include exercise, reducing caloric intake, and restricting grazing when environmental conditions favor the accumulation of high levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in pastures. Dr. McIntosh will provide an overview of the signs of EMS and discuss the necessary steps to manage the disorder including reducing calories and NSC in the diet. You can access this webinar at http://tinyurl.com/kgwby6c.

For more information about the Spring Webinar Series, please contact Laura Gladney at gladney@aesop.rutgers.edu or 848-932-3229.