C onratul a ti ons to our F all 2019 g ra d ua tes !
WIN T ER 2020
C ON TE N TS
Celebrating our Fall 2019 graduates PAGE 6
UK Ag Equine Programs celebrated its 17 Equine Science and Management graduates in December at the Pirri Teaching Pavilion on UK’s Maine Chance Farm. We wish them the best of luck as they officially became alums of our program.
Summer and Fall 2019 interns showcased PAGE 14
On Dec. 12, the Summer and Fall 2019 interns of the Equine Science and Management program were recognized during UK Ag Equine Programs’ Internship Showcase. The event highlights the work done by interns that semester and recognizes the importance of the program’s partnership with the equine industry host sites.
A Wildcat Wrangler perspective PAGE 17
By Ashlyn Justice, 2019-2020 Wildcat Wrangler Follow your passion. That’s what Mama always said to me. My passion is horses, which took me all the way from small-town Georgia to the University of Kentucky to study Equine Science and Management.
UK Ag Equine Programs hosts 9th annual Equine Showcase PAGE 18
UK Ag Equine Programs hosted the 9th Annual UK Equine Showcase Jan. 24-25 at the Fayette County Extension office. The event highlighted the university’s equine programs and relevant industry findings with an emphasis on the foal, from birth to weaning.
U PC O M IN G E V ENTS AND I MPORTAN T DEADLINES • February 5 - Last day to drop a class without a W • March 16-20 - Spring Break
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W E L COM E
A pivotal time It is a new semester, a new year and a new decade. On many fronts, it seems to me things are happening that are historical in scope - not just newsworthy – truly historical. What I mean is that many decades from now, people will look back and categorize the current time period as pivotal. I hope that we ‘pivot’ in positive and constructive ways. Time will tell. My friends may well be a bit worried right now that I am going to start sharing my views and opinions on polarizing topics of the day that are indeed historical in importance. No worries. I want to reflect on an issue that in actuality almost everyone is in agreement on – catastrophic injuries to equine athletes are horrible. There is broad consensus on this point whether you think about horses night and day or only on the first Saturday of May. There is broad consensus on this point independent of a person’s political views, economic resources, ethnicity, gender, age, religious affiliation and animal welfare beliefs. So in what way is the current time period historical? I think there are two reasons. First, the issue of catastrophic equine injuries has entered the consciousness of the general public. People are much more aware of what is happening, openly concerned and paying attention. Public awareness is no longer limited to a vague recollection of Barbaro or Ruffian from many years ago, but a growing appreciation for the true scope of the problem. Life-ending injuries to horses during athletic competitions across all equestrian events now make national headlines – high profile horses for sure, but the ‘also-ran’ horses as well. The second reason I feel we are in a pivotal time, thankfully, is a positive development. The broad horse world across the spectrum of business groups, industry affiliations and equestrian disciplines are all increasingly working together and being proactive. The consensus that catastrophic injuries to horses during competitions are horrible is increasingly being translated into proactive engagement with a genuine commitment to do much better. What is the role of academic centers like the University of Kentucky? In two words: central and critical. Important variables, both direct and indirect, are frequently complex and multifactorial. Naturally, there are a number of viewpoints on the best path forward, manifesting at times as conflicting positions that people promote with passion. However, essential catalysts to move this process forward productively are accurate data, new knowledge and informed people. This is exactly what UK Ag Equine Programs is all about – all three of these. There should absolutely be discussion, even debates, on how to interpret the data and apply new knowledge to affect enlightened policies. Yet the key components of accurate data, new knowledge and informed people will advance the process in constructive ways. These are historic and pivotal times in the horse world. The University of Kentucky can definitely be part of the solution and help us ‘pivot’ in the right direction. James N. MacLeod, VMD, PhD
Director of UK Ag Equine Programs John and Elizabeth Knight Chair and professor of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center
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M A STHE A D
Wildcat Canter Editorial Staff Lindsay O’Hara, contributing writer Grace Vazquez, contributing writer Holly Wiemers, MA, APR, senior editor, contributing writer, layout
Wildcat Canter Editorial Board
Erin DesNoyers, operations coordinator Camie Heleski, PhD, lecturer Danielle Jostes, MA, equine philanthropy director Jamie MacLeod, VMD, PhD, equine programs director Savannah Robin, MS, internship coordinator Kristine Urschel, PhD, director of undergraduate studies Kristen Wilson, MS, academic program coordinator
Ag Equine Programs
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
N212 Ag Sciences Building North Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Office: (859) 257-2226 equine@uky.edu www.uky.edu/equine Photo credit, cover and this page: Jimmy Henning
Connect with us on Social Media
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photo by Jimmy Henning
C LUBS AN D T EAM S D IR E CTORY C O L LE GIAT E P ROFESSIO NAL H ORS EMAN ’ S A S S O C IAT ION
H O R SE R ACI N G CL UB
DR E SSA G E TEAM
PO L O TEAM
Advisor: Dr. Bob Coleman, rcoleman@uky.edu and Savannah Robin, savannah.robin@uky.edu President: Anna Lowes, anna.lowes@uky.edu
Advisor: Dr. Jill Stowe, jill.stowe@uky.edu President: Lindsay O’Hara, OfficialUKDressageTeam@gmail.com Facebook: UK Dressage and Eventing
E Q UE ST RIA N TEAM Advisor: Dr. Bob Coleman, rcoleman@uky.edu
H UNT SEAT TEAM
President: Caroline Molther, caroline.molther@uky.edu
Advisor: Dr. Laurie Lawrence, llawrenc@uky.edu Presidents: Catherine Primavera, ukhorseracingclub@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Horse Racing Club
Advisor: Dr. Roger Brown, rogerbrown@uky.edu Dr. Jamie MacLeod, jnmacleod@uky.edu President: Tommy Huber, Tommy_huber@uky.edu Facebook: U of Kentucky Polo
R . E. A. D . CL UB
Advisor: Dr. Kristine Urschel, klur222@uky.edu President: Brendan Mitchell, brendan.mitchell@uky.edu Facebook: READ Club
Facebook: UKY Equestrian Team
R O D EO TEAM
W ES TERN TEAM
President: JRebecca Brown, beccabrown@uky.edu Facebook: UKY Western IHSA Team
E V E N TING TEAM
Advisor: Dr. Jill Stowe, jill.stowe@uky.edu President: Macy Clark, macyclark23@gmail.com Facebook: UK Dressage and Eventing
Advisor: Monty Ott, monty.ott@uky.edu President: Anna Doll, ukrodeoteam@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Rodeo Team
SAD D L E SEAT TEAM
Advisor: Dr. Mary Rossano, mary.rossano@uky.edu President: Frannie Salisbury, uksaddleseatteam@gmail.com Facebook: UKY Saddleseat Team
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F EAT U R E S TORY
Celebrating our Fall 2019 graduates UK Ag Equine Programs celebrated its 17 Equine Science and Management graduates in December at the Pirri Teaching Pavilion on UK’s Maine Chance Farm. We wish them the best of luck as they officially became alums of our program.
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Congratulations to our Fall 2019 Graduates! Internship site: Godolphin, I was a farm tour guide.
Internship site: I worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the UK farm on the Veterinary Science side.
Favorite memory: Meeting my friends that will be my friends for life.
Kendall Cain
Samantha Bussanich
Brentwood, Tennessee
Emerson, New Jersey
Plans for after graduation: Working for a farm in Lexington, and hopefully going abroad by summer.
Plans for after graduation: I have accepted a position as a veterinary technician/assistant at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Internship site: I completed my internship at Aleseria Farm.
Internship site: Grooming for Taylor Made Farm.
Benedict Hanley
Favorite memory: My equine internship was my favorite memory.
Lexington, Kentucky
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: Dr. Camie Heleski. She was always helpful and understanding. Plans after graduation: I plan to attend the Irish National Stud Course* 2020. *Irish National Stud Course is an elite learning opportunity that accepts students from around the world.
Favorite memory: My internship, I learned a lot and made some great connections.
Audrey Johnson Roscoe, Illinois
Favorite memory: My favorite memories were those created at my internship site, Aleseria Farm.
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: I thank Clint Quarles (Ag Law) for his unreal sense of humor and for instilling humility yet encouragement in his students. Plans after graduation: I will be working for Columbiana Farm in Paris, Kentucky.
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Internship site: Coolmore America, I interned as a stable hand.
Michaela Kemp
Loretto, Ontario, Canada
Favorite memory: Studying equine fitness and anatomy in the Equine Study Abroad program in Scotland at Oatridge College.
Plans after graduation: I plan to attend the Irish National Stud Course* 2020. *Irish National Stud Course is an elite learning opportunity that accepts students from around the world.
Internship site: Managing and grooming at Wainui Farm.
Ryann Mahaney Zionsville, Indiana
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: Dr. Bob Coleman. He has been so helpful throughout my time with the equine program and has always been so supportive. Plans after graduation: Working at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital as a vet tech. Internship site: Dell Ridge Farm
Internship site: I interned at Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP).
Minor: Agricultural Economics
Minor: Agricultural Economics
Channing McWilliams Walton, Kentucky
Favorite memory: I enjoyed working at the UK farm as a teacher’s assistant. I also enjoyed being president of the UK Rodeo Team and meeting all the new people that are interested in rodeo. I liked helping them grow and become more structured. Plans after graduation: Helping grow my family business, Breakthrough Equine Center, a new equine rehabilitation and therapy center in northern Kentucky.
Favorite memory: My internship, I learned a lot and made some great connections.
Tristan Peach
Frankfort, Kentucky
Favorite memory: My favorite memories were of my internship.
Certification: Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: Dr. Elizabeth James, her careers class taught me a lot about being professional and paying attention to detail. Plans after graduation: I am currently in the process of starting my own business.
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Internship site: I interned at Holladay Hills Stable as a marketing and barn management intern.
Internship site: I interned at Shawhan Place. Minor: Agricultural Economics
Alexis Schwartz
Sydney Segal
Washington Court House, Ohio
Favorite memory: Studying abroad in Scotland.
Baltimore, Maryland
Favorite memory: I would say my favorite memory would be the job experiences and being able to work in all different aspects of the industry, from in the office to out in the barns. Plans after graduation: I will be working for the United States Trotting Association in Columbus, Ohio, in the Member Services Department.
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: Dr. Jackie Wahrmund. She was not only a great professor, but an amazing advisor. Plans after graduation: I am backpacking through Europe before applying for graduate school in the fall. Internship site: YMCA Camp Ernst as the ranch intern.
Internship site: Holladay Hills Stable as an assistant manager. Favorite memory: Meeting the friends that i walked across the stage with in December.
Sarah Shanberg
Minor: Plant and Soil Science
Sydney Shelton Chicago, Illinois
Tampa, Florida
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: Colette Tebeau, she was so nice and passionate about anatomy, which made me love learning and want to come to class. Plans after graduation: I will be working at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.
Favorite memory: Winning overall team high-point as the vice president of the Saddle Seat Team.
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your college career: There are so many great people, it’s hard to choose, but Dr. Bob Coleman and Dr. Mary Rossano are two of my favorite faculty members. They both introduced me to so many new ideas and studies within the industry. Plans after graduation: I will be starting my MBA in the fall at Northeastern Illinois University.
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Internship site: Winstar Farm. I interned at the Rehabilitation and Internship site: Training Division. Winstar Farm. I interned at the
Anastasia Vialov Baltimore, Maryland
Anastasia Vialov
Rehabilitation and Favorite Training Division. memory: My favorite Favorite memory was Justify memory: winning the Triple My favorite Crown while memory was Justify working forthe Winstar. winning Triple Crown while
Most impactful UK staff or faculty member your working on for Winstar. Baltimore, Maryland college career: Most impactful UK staff or faculty member on your Dr. Camie Heleski was the most impactful professor college career: I had atDr. Kentucky. She encouraged to be professor inCamie Heleski was the most me impactful volved in the industry outside of class and pushed I had at Kentucky. She encouraged me to be inme to explore my interests class. volved inand theresearch industry outside of classin and pushed
Congratulations to our other graduates Congratulations to as graduates well: our other as well: Elizabeth Burwell ChristineBurwell Steedly Elizabeth Christine Steedly Neal Wilson Neal Wilson
me to explore and research my interests in class.
Plans after graduation: Plans graduation: I hope to be after attending veterinary school in the fall I hope to be attending veterinary school in the fall of 2020. of 2020.
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EQUINE PROGRAMS SPOTLIGHT Involvement in the industry:
Savannah Robin
UK Ag Equine Internship Coordinator
Robin works to prepare the next generation of equine leaders to take a role within the Equine Industry. Her interest in the industry first began because she grew up with a passion for Quarter Horses.
Education: University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,Food and Environment, B.S. Agricultural Education University of Kentucky,College of Agriculture,Food and Environment, B.S. Agricultural Communications University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture,Food and Environment, Career, Technical and Leadership Education University of Kentucky, College of Education, Educational Leadership - Principalship Certification In progress: University of Kentucky, College of Educaiton, Doctorate of EducationEducational Leadership
Impact: Robin is heavily involved with Kentucky Farm Bureau and within other agricultural industry boards and committees. She owns and operates a farm with her husband and daughters, where they raise cattle and cut flowers.
Favorite aspect of work: Robin's absolute favorite aspect of her job is our students. Her second favorite aspect is that no day is the same. She said she loves that one day she can be at a horse farm, the next day she's jam-packed meeting with students and then the next day she's guest speaking in a class. She loves the diversity of our industry and this position.
History with the program: Robin has served in this role within the program for a year and a half. However, she worked as a student intern within the program for two years during her time in college.
Advice for equine students: Remember that you're always growing. There is always room to grow and learn something new. Take chances, say yes to opportunities and be present. Stop comparing yourself to those around you and just be ready to be YOUR best self everyday.
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PR O G R A M S P O TL I G HT
Equine Science and Management Alumni Profile Hillary Ramspacher, ‘14 Office Manager/Equine Administrator at Burleson Farms Where is home for you? I grew up outside of Philadelphia but Lexington has been home for me for the last 10 years. How did you first become involved in the horse industry? I have had horses for as long as I can remember. What were your career goals before graduation? To run a commerical Thoroughbred sales consignment. How are you currently involved in the horse industry? I work in the Thoroughbred racing industry. I also have a small private farm with my boyfriend where we have polo ponies and my sport horses. What advice do you have for current equine students? To stick with your studies. While hands-on experience is crucial in the industry, it is always beneficial to have a degree to back it up.
What are your current job responsibilities? I handle all administrative duties in the office. We are a commerical Thoroughbred farm with about 65 resident mares. We will have 45-50 foals to raise and sell as weanlings and yearlings. My core responsibilities vary as the seasons come and go, which makes for a nice change of pace. What led you to this position? I originally left college before graduating after being offered a management position on a large racing farm here in Lexington. I ran a layup and training division there but ultimately decided to go back to finish my degree. Dr. Coleman played a key role in my success upon returning to school. He was fabulous in helping me get back into the swing of student life and guided me through to graduation. Was there a turning point in college that had an impact on your career? When I decided to leave classes was the biggest turning point for me. It was a major eye-opener. I was offered an amazing opportunity with a better salary than friends who had graduated were earning. That provided me with incredibly valuable experience to grow upon as I went back to school.
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PRO GRAM SP OTL IGH T
Fall 2019
EQUINE SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT DEAN’S LIST Megan Archambault Michelle Baker Samantha Baker Madison Balesk Hannah Batchelor Chloe Bellerive Satya Benoit Elizabeth Boladian Abigail Braese Lauren Brown Baylor Brown Dorothy Broyles Jenna Bryant Ryan Burton Elizabeth Burwell Grace Camp Camille Camp Colin Caporusso Kendall Carlson Shannon Casazza Elizabeth Chapleau Michael Ciccolella Erin Clifton Kaelynn Corl MaKenna Cornell Breann Crouch-Edgar Nicholas D’Amore Hanna Darrow
Kylie Daugherty Alexandria Davis William Deatrick Sabrina Decamp John Del Secco Shelby Devita Taylor Dorsey Lillian Dubler Emily Elkin Sara English Samara Galbraith Courtney Gaskill Melanie Gelernter Rebecca Geringer Sierra Gibson Kelsey Hargadon Kelsey Harp Erinn Hewett Margaret Higgins Darrian Hoerig Margaret Holloway Naomi Hurdle Micah Hurt Sabrina Jacobs Roberta Jarman Audrey Johnson Ashlyn Justice Hayden Klemanski
Hannah Koehler Miranda Kunes Cecilia Kurkowski Averie Levanti Anna Longsdorf Anna Lowes Ryann Mahaney Trevor Martinelli Misty Medeiros Ryan Moloney Caroline Molther Kiley Moore Madison Moore Raegan Morrison Christiana Nash Ann Nichols Maria Oachs Lindsay O’Hara Jordan Parker Emma Partridge Tristan Peach Jayna Pellett Olivia Petrey Monica Pinkerman Rebecca Plank Rebecca Posner Catherine Primavera Rachel Reed
Isabella Reed Blakley Releford Madeleine Richards Katherine Ritz Caroline Robbins Callie Roberts Larkyn Rogers Kassandra Rutherford John Sanders Sydney Segal Rebekah Serrett Sarah Shanberg Mackenzie Smith Sarah Turri Elizabeth Vejr Anastasia Vialov Madison Walker Hannah Warner Christina Westfall Hannah White Rhiannon White Anne Wilferth Samantha Winslett Marion Yingling Madison Zahradka Juliana Zarlengo-Saccaro Riley Zimmerman
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PR O G R A M S P O TL I G HT
Summer and Fall 2019 interns showcased By Holly Wiemers On Dec. 12, 2019, the Summer and Fall 2019 interns of the Equine Science and Management undergraduate degree program were recognized during the bi-annual UK Ag Equine Programs Internship Showcase. The event highlights the work done by interns that semester and recognizes the importance of the program’s partnership with the equine industry host sites. The internship is a required element of the ESMA degree and the process culminates with a poster presentation by students who completed their internship that semester. Additionally, a panel of independent evaluators visit each student at their poster and provide feedback about their work. One of the highlights is the awards portion of the event. The awards recognize excellence by both intern as well as internship host site. Outstanding Fall Intern, which recognizes one winner from a group nominated by their supervisor for exceeding their work expectations and rising to the challenge of the internship, was awarded to senior Megan Blanton. She completed her internship as a student teacher at Diamond Oaks Career Campus. Outstanding Summer Intern was awarded to senior Anne Meredith Wilferth, who interned as head wrangler at Pine Cove Chimney Point. Outstanding Summer Host Site, given to an industry partner who has gone above and beyond to provide an experience with their intern, was awarded to Champagne Run Farm. Outstanding Fall Host site was awarded to Kentuckiana Farm. The People’s Choice award winner is selected from the intern poster or experience that received the most votes from attendees. That award was given to senior Kiley Moore, who interned with Makers Mark Secretariat Center. Similarly, alums of the program who attend also cast their votes for best internship poster and reflected experience. The Alumni Choice award was given to senior Sydney Segway, who interned with Holliday Hills Stable. Photo by Grace Clark
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PRO GRAM SP OTL IGH T
Photos by Grace Clark and Seth Riker
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P R O G R A M SP O TL I G HT
Megan Blanton, Outstanding Fall Intern, interned with Diamond Oaks Career Campus.
Outstanding Summer Intern was awarded to Anne Meredith Wilferth, who interned as head wrangler at Pine Cove Chimney Point
Outstanding Fall Host site was awarded to Kentuckiana Farm.
Outstanding Summer Host Site was awarded to Champagne Run Farm.
The Alumni Choice award was given to Sydney Segway, who interned with Holliday Hills Stable. The People’s Choice award was given to Kiley Moore, who interned with Makers Mark Secretariat Center.
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Photos by Grace Clark
PRO GRAM SP OTL IGH T
A Wildcat Wrangler perspective By Ashlyn Justice, 2019-2020 Wildcat Wrangler Follow your passion. That’s what Mama always said to me. My passion is horses, which took me all the way from small-town Georgia to the University of Kentucky to study Equine Science and Management. Freshman year, I wanted to be involved in many things in college. Being from a small town, I wanted to get really involved to make a big university feel small. I wanted to join something in Equine Programs, but I couldn’t decide what club or team to join. Spring of sophomore year, I got an email about a pilot run of a new group called Wildcat Wranglers. It was an opportunity to get involved with the Equine Programs and help promote them at events. So, I took the horse by the reins and applied, got in and stayed with the group from pilot to official launch. I am so thankful I did. As a Wrangler, I learned more about Equine Programs through guest speakers and lectures as well as learning about the equine industry through events and networking opportunities This gain of knowledge really opened my eyes to the expanse of the Equine Programs, what it stands for and what it provides for the community. In the beginning, I took the program for granted because I didn’t know how impactful it would be. You can’t find a program anywhere else like this. We are unique and I am proud not only to be a part of it, but to promote it as well. Getting to go to events and representing the Equine Programs is my favorite part of being on the team. We have gone to events like Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Retired Racehorse Project, as well as campus events such as the Experience Equine Day. Through these events, I got to share my passion for the equine industry and my love of the program I am a part of. I have met people I would have never had the opportunity to meet. I get to swap equine stories with new people while also learning new things from their experiences. Through these connections, my range of knowledge of other disciplines and areas within the equine world has expanded. This opportunity has allowed me to get to know the faculty and staff. I have seen firsthand how much effort and time they invest into their students and how much they genuinely care about them. The relationships I have built have helped make my college experience so much more memorable. I have people in my corner cheering me on every step I take. Without this team, I wouldn’t have made my connections as strong as they are today. I grew up taking lessons at summer camp and riding trails. I never experienced the competitive world or was immersed in the equine industry to know more than the basics. I came into college nervous I would fail since I thought I knew very little compared to others. But I have learned that is just perspective. Through this program, my confidence grew, my equine knowledge expanded and I became a stronger leader. I have realized I am not just a college student, but a member of a community. I have cherished being a Wildcat Wrangler and cannot wait to embrace the new experiences it will continue to bring. WI L DCAT CAN T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 17
F EAT U R E STORY
UK Ag Equine Programs hosts 9th annual Equine Showcase By Holly Wiemers University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs hosted the 9th Annual UK Equine Showcase Jan. 24-25 at the Fayette County Extension office. The event highlighted the university’s equine programs and relevant industry findings with an emphasis on the foal, from birth to weaning. Speakers and topics for the showcase included: Epidemiology and Diagnostics – The University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: Who we are, what we do and what we see • Who we are and what we do, Jennifer Janes, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory • What we see, Rebecca Ruby, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory • The UKVDL: other duties, Al Loynachan, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Infectious Disease, Immunology and Parasitology focus • Vaccination of mares with an R. Equi Pili-based vaccine leads to the transfer of anti-pili antibodies to their foals, David W. Horohov, Gluck Equine Research Center • Development of innovative molecular tools to study equine infectious disease, Carrie Shaffer, Gluck Equine Research Center • Identification of factors contributing to equine proliferative enteropathy and Lawsonia intracellularis infection in horses, Allen Page, Gluck Equine Research Center • Parasite Control in Foals: Finding the Right Program, Martin Nielsen, Gluck Equine Research Center Nutrition focus • Introduction, Laurie Lawrence, Department of Animal & Food Sciences • Microbial colonization of the neonatal GI tract, Morgan Pyles, Department of Animal & Food Sciences • Mineral content of Central Kentucky pastures, Ashley Fowler, Department of Animal & Food Sciences • Minerals: nutritional importance and assessment, Mieke Brummer-Holder, Department of Animal & Food Sciences Musculoskeletal focus • Skeletal development and the relationship to adult orthopedic Issues, Bruno Carvalho Menarim, Gluck Equine Research Center • Why understanding the biology of different cartilage tissue types may provide new therapeutic insights for joint cartilage lesions, Emma Adam, Gluck Equine Research Center and UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory • The role of genetic determinants of Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy (Wobbler Syndrome), Jennifer Janes,
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FEATUR E STORY UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory • Stem cells: what defines a stem cell, different types of stem cells and how donor age effects stem cell performance, James N. MacLeod, UK Ag Equine Programs & Gluck Equine Research Center Genetics focus • Patterns in horse breeding, Ernie Bailey, Gluck Equine Research Center • Genetic Testing at Gluck, 34 years of answering the question “Who’s your (horse’s) daddy?” Kathryn Graves, Genetic Testing at Gluck • Neonatal Isoerythrolysis: The diseases, the cause and what you need to know about it, Emma Adam, Gluck Equine Research Center and UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Economic focus • Foal finances: Economic considerations of producing a foal from breeding to weaning for small breeders, Jill Stowe, Department of Agricultural Economics “This is a unique and special outreach event. The purpose is to ‘showcase’ some of what is happening at the University of Kentucky in terms of scientific discovery and service efforts relevant to young foals,” said James MacLeod, director of UK Ag Equine Programs and Elizabeth A. Knight Chair within the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center. “Attendees hopefully gained new information they can apply to their programs, but importantly also a greater appreciation for some of the critical questions being addressed at UK, why these issues are important and where the cutting edge of research is on a number of very interesting topics.” Patron sponsors for the event included Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Hallway Feeds, Kentucky Equine Research, Kentucky Performance Products, McCauley’s, Tribute Equine Nutrition and Zoetis. Supporting sponsors included the North American Equine Ranching Information Council, Park Equine Hospital, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and The Pond Lady.
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FEAT U R E S TORY
More than 150 people attended the 10th annual Pastures Please!! event Jan. 27 at the Fayette County Extension Office. Topics included making the best of your investment in hay, managing weeds for pasture renovation and establishment, year-round establishment and a farm manager panel about how pasture improvements had impacted their farms. Photos by Jimmy Henning. WI L DCAT CA N T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 20
PRO GRAM SP OTL IGH T
Bluegrass Equine Digest Check out the December issue of the Bluegrass Equine Digest, a free, monthly electronic newsletter dedicated to providing up-to-date information on equine research from the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in collaboration with TheHorse.com and sponsored by Zoetis. Click here to see this month’s stories. • Understanding Gene Expression and Physiology During Pregnancy • Opossums and EPM • Horse Feeding Basics • Video: What is Ergovaline and Where is it Found?
Note From the Editor The December issue of the Bluegrass Equine Digest marked the 127th consecutive month we’ve brought UK equine research to readers via our content partner The Horse and newsletter sponsor Zoetis. When we set out on this journey 10 ½ years ago, we never imagined we’d have more than enough content to fill a monthly publication or how much interest horse owners had in learning about the university's equine research happenings. From the nitty gritty details of scientific discovery to fun topics like weeds and minerals and pastures, it’s been more than a pleasant discovery on both counts. With two American Horse Publications wins for top e-newsletter in the corporate category, as well as several runner-up designations over the years, it’s obvious this publication hit its mark. We very much appreciate its readership and The Horse for helping facilitate that opportunity. All good things must come to an end, though, as innovation and change are overarching goals for us all. December marked the last issue of the Bluegrass Equine Digest. It’s not an end to UK sharing its equine research, however. Stay tuned for some exciting new projects, both in conjunction with our longtime collaborating partner, The Horse, as well as from our program directly.
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C LUB S A N D T E AMS UPDATES
The UK Dressage Team has moved its team facilities to Clover Hill Farm in Paris, Kentucky. The team’s new coach is Betsey Smith-Price, who has an extensive and diverse background in the equine industry and collegiate coaching. The team’s next competition is Feb. 8-9 at Otterbein University. Pictured here is Deja Robinson with her horse.
The UK Western Equestrian Team hosted a successful show Jan. 25-26 and was reserve high point team on the 25th. The team had a handful of riders point-up as well as qualify for regionals. The team’s final show of regular season in Feb. 22 in Morehead, Kentucky. Pictured (left to right) are Bennie Sargent (coach), Gabrielle Young, Michelle Baker, Becca Brown, Megan Blanton and Alex Hemberger, Bob Coleman (advisor) and Vern (horse). The UK Hunt Seat Equestrian Team was reserve high point team at the UK Equestrian Team UK-hosted show on Jan. 25 and high point team on Jan. 26. As of this publication, the team is officially leading its region by 14 points with one show left in the season. The UK Saddle Seat Team is competing at the University of Louisville Feb. 1-2 for an ISSRA horse show. Rider Emily Brown (pictured next page) was awarded the Kieth Bartz Impact Scholarship Award from the American Saddlebred Museum. Additionally, the Saddle Seat team is participating in DanceBlue this year and is looking for donations for its DanceBlue team. If someone would like to donate, they can follow this link to our network for good donation page. The team has raised WI L DCAT CA N T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 22
C LUBS AN D T EAM S UP D ATE S
$5,000 so far and is excited to be able to participate in something so special. https://danceblue.networkforgood.com/projects/52271-danceblue-golden-matrixfund-dance-teams-university-of-kentucky-saddle-seatteam-2020-danceblue-team
UK students named as some of the leading riders of intercollegiate eventing Source: USEA news release In 2019, the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program saw more riders competing in team challenges and more championship entries than ever before. The program has steadily gained popularity since its creation in 2014. The USEA intercollegiate national leaderboards were introduced in 2016 and every December, a new set of nationally ranked riders are named. For 2019, the collegiate riders that took home top honors were Jackie LeMastus of University of Kentucky, Charlotte Stillfried of Randolph-Macon College, Morgyn Johnson of Randolph-Macon College, Noa Crowley of Otterbein University and Keileigh McMurray of University of South Carolina-Aiken. LeMastus topped three leaderboards in 2019: the USEA Intermediate Intercollegiate Rider of the Year, the USEA Preliminary Intercollegiate Rider of the Year, and the USEA Preliminary Young Adult Rider of the Year. LeMastus earned 27 points at the Intermediate level while competing the 2005 English Thoroughbred gelding Indian Mill (Millkom x Charwelton) and the 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding Lup the Loop (Lupicor x Hogans Lass). LeMastus and Indian Mill placed second in the Intermediate Rider division at Ocala Winter II, second in the Intermediate Rider division at Ocala International, and won Area VIII’s Intermediate Championship at Jump Start Horse Trials. LeMastus also placed third in the Open Intermediate division at Jump Start Horse Trials while riding Lup the Loop. The top three highest-ranked collegiate riders at the Intermediate level were all members of the University of Kentucky Eventing Team. Colin Gaffney was the second-highest ranked and rounding out the top three was Emilie Mudd. To read the story in its entirety, go to https://useventing.com/news-media/news/ the-leading-riders-of-intercollegiate WI L DCAT CA N T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 23
PR O G R A M S P O TL I G HT
Classroom in action Source: Bob Coleman, faculty member within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences Recently, my equine facility design and management class met with Morgan Hayes, a faculty member, and Staci McGill, a graduate student, both within the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department to look at farmstead design. The table allowed us to talk about planning issues and then have students move building and fences to set up what they thought might be a suitable farm/facility design. It’s an example of the great collaborations within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Brook Ledge Road Scholar - horse transport opportunity for undergraduate A new program has been introduced by Brook Ledge, called the Brook Ledge Road Scholar. Brook Ledge will be gifting a travel award to one undergraduate who is university-bound for their horse to be shipped to school with them. The company’s first award will be given for the Fall 2020/Spring 2021 semesters. The Brook Ledge Road Scholar will be awarded travel for one horse to be transported from their home location to their university (or nearby facility) in the fall semester of 2020 and then home in the spring semester of 2021. The company’s objective is to award this opportunity to someone in need of this type of service, who otherwise it would not be fiscally possible for them to ship their horse to school with them. An essay will be required as part of the submission process. These two items, need and written essay, will be the most heavily weighed when choosing a recipient. This opportunity is not a scholarship. There are terms and conditions, which can be found on Brook Ledge’s website, where students can submit their information. The company will start accepting applications from Jan. 1, 2020 through March 15, 2021. Brook Ledge Horse Transportation is a third-generation family-owned and operated business headquartered in Oley, Pennsylvania, with farm/office terminals in Lexington, Kentucky, and Ocala, Florida. The company has been transporting horses for more than 50 years and treats each animal with the same care, whether they are a Triple Crown winner or pasture companion. The company states that it operates the finest equipment in the industry and has excellent drivers who are horsemen. Brook Ledge ships horses across the country in a safe, efficient and timely manner. The road trips have two drivers, so the van is moving continuously, and hay and water are checked every few hours. For more WI L DCAT CAN T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 24
PRO GRAM SP OTL IGH T
Kentucky agricultural receipts hold steady for third year, net incomes up, equine ranks second of Kentucky’s agricultural commodities By Katie Pratt, UK Agricultural Communications Specialist. Source: edited UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news release. Kentucky agricultural receipts will likely hold steady for the third consecutive year despite trade concerns and relatively low commodity prices. Agricultural economists from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment are projecting 2019 farm cash receipts to be $5.9 billion, equaling the past two years. Kentucky producers saw increases in equine, corn, wheat, dairy, and hemp receipts. “While low commodity prices continued throughout 2019, sales were aided by better than expected grain yields in certain parts of the state,” said Will Snell, PhD, UK agricultural economist. “We expect Kentucky agriculture cash receipts to slightly exceed $6 billion in 2020 with poultry, cattle, and hogs rebounding from 2019 levels. Trade developments and weather will ultimately dictate the 2020 market.” UK agricultural economists estimate Kentucky producers’ net cash income will exceed $1.8 billion, which is slightly up from 2018 and largely due to two rounds of direct government payments producers received as a result of the Market Facilitation Program. The program was created by the Trump administration to support farmers amidst the ongoing trade war. Accounting for this program and other federal farm programs, Kentucky farmers may receive more than $300 million in direct government payments in 2019. U.S. net farm incomes totaled $92.5 billion, which is a 10% increase from 2018. Payments from the Market Facilitation Program and crop insurance indemnities accounted for nearly one-third of U.S. net farm incomes in 2019. “Despite an expected increase in 2019 net farm income, the national and Kentucky farm economies remain very vulnerable, especially if either experience low crop yields, additional trade disruptions, the elimination or reduction of Market Facilitation Program payments, higher interest rates, and/or a decline in asset values materializes,” Snell said. Despite a sales decline in 2019, poultry will remain Kentucky’s top agricultural commodity, comprising 21 percent of all projected sales for the year. Equine, corn, soybeans, and cattle are expected to follow in that order. WI L DCAT CA N T ER | WIN T ER 2020 | 25
The equine industry experienced its third year of gains with receipts continuing to surpass $1 billion. UK agricultural economist Kenny Burdine expects the industry to continue to grow in 2020, provided the U.S. economy as a whole continues to be relatively strong. “Kentucky is a unique state for marketing specialty crops, in that we have a larger portion of total sales coming from direct-to-consumer purchases rather than from the wholesale markets like larger producing states,” said Tim Woods, PhD, UK agricultural economist. “So when the national economy is relatively strong and people have more disposable income and consumer spending is higher, direct-to-consumer markets tend to do better.” For the entire outlook, visit the UK Department of Agricultural Economics website at https://agecon. ca.uky.edu/sites/agecon.ca.uky.edu/files/2019-2020_ky_and_us_ag_outlook.pdf.
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is one of the newest members of the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition When the racetrack-led Thoroughbred Safety Coalition outlined its goals at a meeting last fall at Keeneland, it invited other organizations with industry ties and similar goals to join its efforts. The TSC reported Dec. 19 that its steering committee, which met in New York Dec. 18, approved four new coalition members: the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and the University of Kentucky. Of the membership, UK College of Agriculture Dean Nancy Cox said, "The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is proud to join the Thoroughbred Safety Coalition as the horse racing industry takes new steps to reconfirm its commitment to the safety of its equine and human athletes. We look forward to supporting the coalition's reform efforts with our ongoing research on safety, anchored by programs in drug testing and racetrack surfaces." To read the story in its entirety, visit https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/237579/ ntra-toba-others-join-thoroughbred-safety-coalition. To learn more about the coalition, visit https:// thoroughbredsafetycoalition.com/.
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Fear the Cowboy graduates to Oklahoma Source: The Daily Racing Form It’s college basketball season, and everything in Lexington, Kentucky, is wallpapered in Wildcat blue. But stu-dents from the University of Kentucky could be forgiven for having fond thoughts about an adopted Oklahoma Sooner. Multiple Grade 3 winner Fear the Cowboy, bred and raised by UK’s Maine Chance Farm, which em-ploys students as part of the curriculum, enters stud this season at Glasses Creek Ranch near Madill, Oklahoma. Maine Chance Farm was formerly owned by cosmetics magnate and Thoroughbred owner Elizabeth Arden. After her death, the property was put up for sale by the executors of her estate, and UK, which owned neigh-boring land as research farms, purchased the property in 1967. The farm now operates as a research and teaching facility under the auspices of the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences, with broodmares and stallion seasons donated by industry participants. Students work on the farm handling the broodmares, doing foal watch and delivery, handling farm chores and mainte-nance and eventually prepping and selling the yearlings. Read the story in its entirety at https://www.drf.com/news/fear-cowboy-graduates-oklahoma
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Ag Equine Programs
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
N212 Ag Sciences Building North Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Office: (859) 257-2226 equine@uky.edu www.uky.edu/equine