NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ –
“Grazing Rewards and Concerns: How and Why to Care for Your Pastures” 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 – 3:30 pm on Sunday, February 8, 2015, will feature presentations by several equine industry experts.
“We all know that pasture can provide a substantial amount of a horse’s nutrition, but there is also increased concern about the metabolic problems that some horses experience when turned out on lush grass,” 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 explain when the risks and benefits are the greatest, and teach guests how to properly manage pastures and grazing.”
Williams has assembled presenters who are recognized as experts in their field to offer perspectives and personal insight. The morning will start with topics including “Nutritional Benefits of Pasture and When Pasture Is Not Enough” by Dr. Steve Duren from Performance Horse Nutrition, “Pasture Problems: Safe Grazing Tips for Managing Equine Metabolic Syndrome” by Dr. Bridgett McIntosh from Virginia Tech, “Equine Grazing Behavior” by Dr. Amy Burk from University of Maryland, and “Rotational and Continuous Grazing: New Research You Can Use” by a team of researchers from across the East Coast.
The afternoon will consist of presentations about pasture management, including “The Fences Are Up – Now What Do I Do? Basic Pasture Management” by Bill Bamka from Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Burlington County, “Got Weeds? Understanding and Managing Weeds in Your Pastures” by Donna Foulk from Penn State University, and “Danger in the Grass – Plants that Are Toxic to Horses” also by Donna Foulk.
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.
Complete program, registration information, and seminar brochure are posted on the Equine Science Center website at esc.rutgers.edu. For more information, contact Laura Kenny at 848-932-3229, kenny@aesop.rutgers.edu, or Dr. Carey Williams at 848-932-5529,cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu.