Press Release: Annual “Evening of Science & Celebration” to Showcase Equine Research and Award Presentations

New Brunswick, N.J. – The Rutgers Equine Science Center will host its 2022 “Evening of Science & Celebration” on Thursday, November 3rd from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

The Evening of Science and Celebration is an opportunity to unite equine professionals, horse owners, farm owners and barn managers, educators and students, 4-H members, and all equine enthusiasts for the purpose of learning about current projects and ongoing research initiatives being conducted at the Equine Science Center. The Center aims to address horse industry issues and challenges through sound science and research.

For our keynote, Dr. Frank Andrews from Louisiana State University will join the Center to present “Dietary Management of Gastric Ulcers in Horses.” His talk will focus on risk factors, clinical signs, and how stomach ulcers can be diagnosed.

Event Flyer

Dr. Andrews is currently the LVMA Equine Committee Professor, Head of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and Director of the LSU Equine (Equine Health Studies Program) at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. He has published numerous manuscripts in refereed journals, book chapters, and scientific abstracts and conference proceedings. He has received 34 funded grants and contracts since arriving at LSU totaling nearly $2 million.

Dr. Andrews is a clinician-scientist with a strong research background in the areas of equine gastrointestinal health and disease, and has been active in scientific investigation for over 30 years.

Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Founding Director of the Equine Science Center, will give her yearly update on the state of the Center, and give an overview of the accomplishments that have occurred over the last year.

Research updates will be provided by Ph.D. Candidate Ellen Rankins, from the Rutgers Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Program, presenting on her research into “Co-regulation Between Horse and Human in Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) and its Effects on Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans”. Dr. Kenneth McKeever; Associate Director of Research, Rutgers Equine Science Center, and Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences; will present on his research into “Effect of Nasal Flairs on Thermoregulation During Exercise”. Dr. Daniel Gimenez, Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, will present on his research into “Effects of Horse Manure-Sourced Biochar on Soil Nutrients, Carbon Sequestration and Hydraulic Properties of Agricultural Soils”.

The evening will also include the presentations of the “Spirit of the Horse” award, and the “Gold Medal Horse Farm” award.

Dr. Octavia Brown, Emeritus Professor of Equine Studies at Centenary University, will be awarded the 2023 “Spirit of the Horse” award. The Spirit of the Horse award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed because of their involvement with horses and who have acknowledged the impact by giving back to the horse industry.

“Dr. Octavia Brown has been a stalwart supporter of the equine community in New Jersey and was an instrumental organizer and founder of multiple equine programs and initiatives throughout the state”, said Equine Science Center Director, Dr. Karyn Malinowski. “Tave is truly worthy of the ‘Spirit of the Horse’ award, as evidenced by her long-time commitment to the advancement of Equine Assisted Services nationwide.”

The 2022 winner of the Gold Medal Horse Farm award will be announced at the event.

The event requires registration that can be made online at: https://go.rutgers.edu/Evening2022 .

For additional information, please contact the Equine Science Center at 848-932-9419 or

Kyle Hartmann at kylehart@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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The New Jersey Gold Medal Horse Farm Program

The award and this overall program give recognition to outstanding equine farms for their dedication to environmental sustainability and management. It also underscores the efforts of the New Jersey equine industry to maintain the beauty of the Garden State.

The program is a collaborative initiative by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers University (NJAES), the Rutgers Equine Science Center, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA).

Previous awardees include: Topline Farm(2021), The Centenary University Equestrian Center (2020), Fair Winds Farm (2019), Mortonhouse Farm (2018), Dorsett Arabians (2017), Hidden Hills Farms (2016), Lord Stirling Stables (2015), Woodhollow Farm (2014), D’Arrigo Racing Stable LLC (2013), and Showplace Farms (2012) as the state’s only Gold Medal Horse Farms. Farm owners interested in applying for next year’s award may access the application at: https://go.rutgers.edu/ESC-GMHF