Seminar on “Caring For The Geriatric & Aging Horse” Held In Lehigh Valley
Do you know that older horses have special nutritional and health needs? Do you have the older performance horse and want to help keep him performing as best as he can? Do you have that sweet, older “lawn ornament” but you want to do the best by him? Or are you involved with an equine rescue program and often take in under-nourished or neglected animals?
Then consider attending the Caring for the Geriatric and Aging Horseseminarwill be held Saturday, March 10, 2012, (9:00 AM-3:00 PM; registration starts at 8:30 AM) at the Best Western Conference Center in Bethlehem, PA.This seminar will present the latest information on how to meet the nutritional needs of geriatric, underweight, and metabolically challenged horses. Other topics will include adopting practices to increase comfort and manage pain in older horses; understanding diseases associated with the aging process; addressing the mental and physical needs of geriatric and/or rescued horses; and knowing when to say good-bye to your equine friend. This seminar has been developed for barn managers, non-profit or equine rescue groups that care for older and/or neglected horses, and anyone that rides or cares for older horses. Cost for the program is $45 per person which includes all talks, written materials, and lunch.
The program is being conducted by the Penn State Extension Equine Program Team as one of many educational seminars being offered across the state to those in the equine industry. According to Donna Foulk, Extension Educator in Northampton County, “We are very excited to have such incredible speakers for this day-long program.”
Starting the program (9:00-11:00 AM) will be Dr. Sarah Ralston, VMD, and Associate Professor of Animal Science at Rutgers University, who will speak on “Feeding the Geriatric and Aging Horse” and “Metabolic Disorders Associated with Aging.” Dr. Ralston is nationally-noted for her research on aging equines and has authored many publications and contributed articles to numerous equine magazines.
Rounding out the morning program (11:00 AM-noon) will be Lisa Shotzberger of the Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines who will cover topics such as “What 100 Years of Caring for Retired and Rescued Horses Can Teach Us”, “Meeting the Physical and Emotional Needs of Geriatric and Neglected Horses” and “Tips for Running a Successful Non-Profit Retirement or Rescue Operation.” The Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines is a retirement facility for aged and/or abused horses. Founded in 1888, it is the country’s oldest, non-profit organization dedicated to equine care. Located on 383 beautiful acres of rolling hills in southeastern Pennsylvania, Ryerss Farm provides a wonderful setting for horses to graze and play, living their golden years in comfort and dignity.
From 1:00-2:00 PM, Dr. Jennifer Buchholz, VMD of Blauner, Vecchione and Associates in Skippack, will cover “Keeping Older Horses Comfortable and Mobile.” She will also touch on the use of alternative medicines and use of supplements.
Completing the program (2:00 – 3:00 PM) will be Dr. Ann Swinker, PSU Equine Extension Specialist, who will talk about “Knowing When to Say Goodbye.” Although some owners never want to think about that day, it is a reality and it is important to make decisions ahead of time on what and how to proceed, especially if your horse is boarded out or otherwise cared for by others. It is important to discuss these issues with family members, stable managers, and your veterinarian.
The Penn state Extension Equine Program team is also offering several “Equine Environmental Stewardship” short courses which will be held on the following dates and locations: March 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Lehigh County Ag Center, Allentown, PA; April 3, 10, 17, and 24 – Columbia County Extension Office; April 5, 12, 19, and 26 – Wayne County Extension Office. Additional sites are also being planned. Participants in this short-course will be made aware of new and emerging information that will benefit their horses, their farms, and the environment. Participants will learn how to: reduce grazing health risks; rotate and rest pastures; identify grasses, weeds, and toxic plants; properly fertilize soil; properly store, compost, and apply manure; develop feeding programs for horses that meet but do not exceed nutritional requirements. Participants will also learn how the new manure and nutrient management regulations will impact their farm. Cost is $45 per person for all four sessions.
For any of the course content information, contact Donna Foulk at dlf5@psu.edu or at 610-746-1970. To receive program registration materials or to be added to the list serve regarding future Equine Program Team offerings, contact Norma Young at njy1@psu.edu. For these and additional course offerings, you can also visit: http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/equine/Penn-State-Extension-Equine-Team/penn-state-extension-equine-program-short-courses-and-workshops or http://bit.ly/tKXAks. Penn State is an equal opportunity university.
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