April 2, 2004

Contact:    
Donna L. Foulk
908-475-6503

 

 

Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Equine Science Center to Offer Short Course for Horse Owners and Barn Managers

 

• With all of the specialty horse feeds and supplements on the market today, are you confused about how to feed the horses on your farm?
   
• Do you know how to protect yourself against lawsuits involving people visiting, working, and riding on your farm? 
   
• Would you like to have current, state-of-the-art information about fencing materials and riding arenas?
   
• Do you know how to properly manage your pastures and manure?

 

          Answers to these and other questions will be featured at the 2004 Barn Manager’s Short Course, sponsored by Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Equine Science Center, on April 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, Route 22, Phillipsburg, NJ.

          The first day is devoted to issues involved in sucessfully managing an equine operation. Agents representing Blue Bridle Insurance Company will discuss insurance coverage; Elizabeth Durkin, a New Jersey attorney and equestrian, will cover ways to reduce the legal risks involved in owning horses and managing a farm; and Dr. Eileen Wheeler, Penn State Department of Agricultural Engineering specialist, will provide current information on fencing options, economics and safety, as well as talk about arena construction, maintenance and dust control. Since manure management is becoming a critical issue for horse owners and farm managers, Dr. Michael Westendorf of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Department of Animal Sciences will present a talk on manure storage, composting, and disposal. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with successful New Jersey farm owners and managers in a panel discussion/Q&A session.

          The Friday session will feature lectures on a variety of equine nutrition issues. Equine nutritionist Sarah Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Department of Animal Sciences will present information on basic nutrition and guidelines for developing a feeding program for horses with special nutritional needs. Dr. Ralston will also discuss nutritional programs for growing foals, geriatric horses, horses with laminitis and Cushing’s disease, and glucose intolerant horses. Since forages are an extremely important component of a horse’s diet, Bob Mickel, a Hunterdon County agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, will discuss how to enhance pasture quality and maximize nutritional potential. Donna Foulk, also from Rutgers Cooperative Extension, will provide information on how to determine hay quality and match hay to the needs of the horse. Dr Carey Williams, Extension Specialist in Equine Management, will discuss how to feed the performance horse and address the topic of adding supplements to a horse’s diet.

          The cost of the two-day program is $100, which includes lunch and handout materials. Due to space limitations, early registration is strongly recommended. For a registration form, contact the Warren County office of Rutgers Cooperative Extension at 908-475-6503.

 

Rutgers Cooperative Extension educational programs are offered to all without regard to race, religion, color, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.