Everything Equine and Horses 2008 offers horse enthusiasts from Vermont and Northeast the chance to learn from local and national experts during the two-day show.

This year we have some great speakers that are sponsored by equine industry members at the Everything Equine and Horses 2008 event, and we are please that they are helping us to bring high quality education and information to the equine industry in Vermont and beyond.

Triple Crown Nutrition and Blue Seal Feeds brings our headliner, internationally known author, clinician and coach, Jane Savoie.

Jane Savoie: “We all have different learning styles; visual, auditory, kinesthetic…we cannot force ourselves to learn in a certain way if that’s not, by nature, what we do.” Are you a visual learner? Do you learn best by listening? Do you ride by “feel”?

Jane’s newest Happy Horse program uses print, CDs, and DVDs to cover everything from how to use your aids, to the training scale, to the movements from training to third level; the mental aspects of riding; and problem solving. She created a 135-page manual that summarizes these lessons in an easy to understand Question and Answer format. You can read it, watch it or listen to it. WOW! You can be taking a riding lesson while you are sitting in traffic! If you have ever attended a clinic and wished you could “take it home with you”, here is the program for you. If you are frustrated or confused, have no access to a good trainer or just plain want to learn how to partner with your horse in a clear, systematic way this program is for you.

The Secret to Banishing Your Fears - Learn strategies including a simple energy balancing technique to clear out any negative emotion like fear, insecurity, anger as well as to manage pain.

5 Keys to Having an Awesome Ride - Great athletes in any sport have several things in common both during training and on the day of competition. Some of these attributes include; Calmness, relaxation, focus, feeling challenged, having fun, skills are automatic and instinctive, and confidence. Learn how to get “into the zone” for a great ride every time…

Teach Your Horse the A B C’s So You Can Communicate! - Regardless of the discipline and/or level of riding, you can learn how to use your aids, seat, legs, and hands effectively. This demonstration will break down the aids into the a b c’s of your non-verbal equine language. Once your horse knows the alphabet, you can effectively communicate in words and sentences!

Teach Your Horse to Relax – Jane will show you two simple exercises to help any horse become mentally relaxed and physically supple.

Our second sponsored presenter is Dale Myler, one of three brothers that are behind the creation of the famed Myler Bits.

Years ago Ron Myler, a rodeo competitor and professional cutting horse trainer, realized that to get the very best from every horse he rode; he needed to communicate more effectively with them. That required a relaxed horse, ready and willing to receive a rider’s message. Ron’s brother, Bob Myler, was formerly a machinist and welder who was skilled at working with metals. His clever mind for engineering created a bit that offered a curved mouthpiece for tongue relief, and is an integral part of the bitting system. Dale Myler, also an experienced horse trainer began using them as well. Soon, all three brothers were collaborating on bit design and theories. Dale’s extensive research into equine dentistry and equine physiology has brought an added understanding to the connection between bitting and the equine mouth.
Dale Myler - Adept at bitting both English and Western styles of riding, Dale has experience with horses and riders of various disciplines including Hunters/Jumpers, Eventing, Dressage, Reining, Cutting, Western Pleasure, Barrels, Roping and more. He has successfully bitted thousands of horses of various breeds, from young horses just beginning training to well-seasoned campaigners. Re-bitting the “problem horse” is a favorite challenge for Dale.

Why Your Horse Evades His Bit - This seminar will show you the pressure points of bridle bits and why horses evade certain pressure points. After this seminar, you’ll be able to evaluate your own bits and how and why they affect your horse.

Putting Myler Bits to Practice - See a horse worked in his normal tack and bit, and then watch for a change in behavior after he gets a bit change.

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Andrew Beals serves as the Technical Manager - Specialty Feeds for Poulin Grain, Newport, Vt. From an early age, Andrew has been involved with horses, sheep and poultry. After receiving his B.S. in Agriculture at the UVM, Andrew spent three years at the UVM Morgan Horse Farm. It was his experience there, in charge of breeding and foaling that reinforced the importance of nutrition in equine health.

Carbohydrates 101: Understanding the role of carbohydrates in equine nutrition.
Carbohydrates 911: Identifying a nutritional program for horses with medical conditions that are carbohydrate sensitive.
Feed Costs: Coping with Increased Prices - Examine where grain/hay prices have been, where they are going, and the importance of a balanced ration. The value of quality forage and a balanced ration: Tips on how to do a better job feeding your horse at better price.
Hay Analysis: Why? And Understanding the Analysis - We’ll have examples of hay and the nutritional analysis for each, so that we can evaluate physical and chemical characteristics of different types and qualities of hay.

Dr. Emilie Beaupré is a New England native and an animal science alumnus of the University of Vermont. She received her veterinary degree from Colorado State University. Emilie’s interest in sport horse medicine and complementary medicine led her to become certified in veterinary acupuncture by Colorado State University.

Equine Acupuncture: Live demostration showing common acupuncture points, the different uses of this treatment modaility and its efficacy.

Mary Brust and her business partners own Triple Combination Farm, a boarding, training, and riding facility in Ferrisburgh, VT that offers riding to for all levels with a focus on eventing. After two years of effort to find the perfect situation, Mary has an abundance of knowledge to share on the ins and outs of purchasing an equine business!

What You Need to Know Before Buying an Equine Business in VT

Dr. Josie Davis is Associate Dean and Equine Lecturer for the Equine Science Program.

Green Horsekeeping – How can you make your equine operation more “green” or environmentally friendly? Josie will give you ideas on decreasing your footprint on the environment through a variety of actions involving everything from fly spray and light bulbs to manure handling and composting.

Dr. Allison Miller completed her veterinary training at Cornell University, and she is doing her post-graduate internship at Vermont Large Animal Clinic Equine Hospital in Milton, VT.

Colic: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment - How to prevent, diagnose and treat equine colic. Computer generated images will be used to illustrate how the intestines become displaced in the equine abdomen.

Ruth Ventala has worked for Land O'Lakes Purina Feed since 1987 as an Account Manager and Equine Nutrition Specialist. Ruth received her BS in Animal Science from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture. She has been recognized for her many achievements in sales and leadership. Ruth enjoys working with and educating horse owners in developing whole horse nutritional programs.

Feeding the Special Needs Horse – Learn about nutrition and management for feeding horses that are overweight, underweight, senior, or dealing with metabolic conditions.
Ingredients for the Well-Being of the Horse – Test your knowledge on horse feed ingredient identification.

Dr. Jenny Wilkinson earned her veterinary degree at Cornell University and practiced with Vermont Large Animal Clinic and Equine Hospital until January, 2008. She is currently a lecturer in the Animal Science Department at the University of Vermont.

Equine Preventative Medicine - Focus on physical examination, vaccines, and deworming. Topics not discussed include nutrition, dentistry, and farrier work.
Equine Emergencies - Topics include colic, choke, corneal ulcers, wounds, and cellulitis. Describe basic signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

Dr. Randy Frantz is a 1988 graduate of North Carolina State University, and owns Burlington Equine Veterinary Service in Charlotte. He is certified in acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and is certified in veterinary chiropractics from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

Rehabbing the Lame Horse – Following lameness, whether short term or prolonged, it is important to have a successful rehabilitation plan. This talk will cover types of lameness and options as the horse recovers.

Alternative Therapies in the Equine
Dr. Lorie Valentino graduated from Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her residency and Masters Program in Equine Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri. Dr. Valentino is board certified in Equine Internal Medicine. Her special interests include neonatal care, neurological diseases, Cushing's and Equine Metabolic disease and respiratory problems in horses.

Equine Neonatal Care - Presentation focusing from late pregnancy, to foaling, to weaning of a foal. Different disases to be concerned about and preventative measures to avoid problems in newborns and foals.

Gene Ovnicek

Hoof Mapping, Evaluation & Recognizing Distortion - With a few simple techniques; farriers, veterinarians and even horse owners can make important evaluations of their horse’s feet and see how the foot is functioning, if there are parts that are unhealthy or need attention, and even be able to recognize early warnings signs that can lead to lameness. In this lecture, Gene Ovnicek will talk about how to use a simple hoof mapping protocol to look for distortions and ultimately help determine how well feet are balanced and functioning.

Managing Mismatched Feet (Club or Upright Feet) - One of the biggest concerns that farriers get from owners is not having feet that match angles or sizes, and both parties being frustrated about not being able to make pairs of feet match. This lecture will give you information about how the internal structures of the foot and the demands placed upon feet play a role in the conformation of each individual foot. And, once the function and needs of each foot are better understood, Gene will offer some simple guidelines on how to manage feet that don’t match to insure for a life of soundness for the horse.

Natural Balance Hoof Trimming: Mapping & Evaluation - In this demonstration, Farrier Gene Ovnicek will demonstrate a few simple techniques that anyone can use to evaluate the health and function of their horse’s feet. From there, Gene will use the Natural Balance Hoof Mapping protocol to guide him through basic barefoot trimming methods and maintenance.

First Aid Treatment for Laminitis/Founder - Laminitis and/or founder has long been a scary thought for most horse owners, as the prognosis has not been favorable in the past. However, the likelihood of saving your horses life and returning them to a pre-disease condition can be greatly improved with the use of some simple and inexpensive first aid applications. Gene will demonstrate a few of the most common and most effective things you can do for your horse with acute hoof pain, even before the vet is able to see the horse.

Jessica Ebert was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, where she started vaulting and riding at the age of 5. She went on to receive her law degree in Hamburg, a Masters degree in Comparative Law from the University of San Diego, CA and Ph.D. in International Law from the University of Hamburg. Jessica moved to Vermont in 1997 and began practicing law at Collins, McMahon & Harris in 2002, where she specializes in equine law, corporate and computer law, estate law and litigation. Jessica represents numerous equine facilities and horse owners in Vermont and is the official legal counsel for the Vermont Horse Council.

Do’s and Don’ts: Dealing with Equine Clients

Do’s and Don’ts for the Small Farm Owner (Keeping Neighbors Happy)

Dr. Betsy Greene earned her AAS and BS from Morehead State University, an MS from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D from Kansas State University. She worked at Washington State University for seven years, and is currently an Associate Professor and the Extension Equine Specialist at the University of Vermont.

Reducing Risks in Your Barn – Can you find the hidden and obvious dangers in your facility? How about issues in some of the university facilities? Come try your skills at identifying issues, and then check out your own place for hazards that can be avoided.

VT Equine Industry Committee Issues: Coggin’s, etc. – What would be the pluses or minuses of only requiring a Coggin’s test every other year? Should there be some sort of “Health Passport” for equines traveling to shows within New England or the Northeast? Bring your comments and concerns to share on these and other equine business topics or challenges. (Dr. Betsy Greene and Dr. Kristin Haas)

The Real Cost of a Hor$e – What does it really cost to keep a horse? This presentation will give an informative and humorous look at what you might spend on ole Jubel. Come make comparisons to your own costs for your show horse or pasture ornament.

Heather Collins has over 37 years of riding experience, 15 years as a physical therapist, and 7 years studying yoga. She was the 1984 IHSA National Champion Hunt Seat Equitation rider, as well as a US Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist. Her efforts focus on improving your riding through core strengthening. For more information: http://heathercollinspt.com/home.html
Are You as Fit as Your Horse? - Come join us for a review of common strength and flexibility limitations in equestrian athletes. This will be followed by a session of core strengthening and yoga stretches. Please come wearing comfortable clothes. Everyone is encouraged to participate but auditors are welcome as well. Written handouts, which illustrate a comprehensive set of stretching and strengthening exercises will be provided.

Dan Langan started riding at age 10 and tagged along to Orchard Hill Stables in Cazenovia, NY. He later formed BKL Stables with his mother to buy and sell horses. Currently, Dan rides and trains out of Cottonwood Stables in Colchester. He has trained with top trainers such as Michael Matz, Rodney Jenkins, John Madden, and Joe Darby. He was selected for the Young Riders Development Training with the United States Equestrian Team at Gladstone, New Jersey.

Course Design 101
Course Design for Problem Solving

Sue Mellen is certified through the American Assocation of Natural Hoof Care Practitiononers and is an Instructor for the Canadian Association of Holistic Equine Therapists. She owns and operates Whole Horse Hoof Care, specializing in trimming for structural soundness.

Whole Horse Hoof Care - This presentation will cover many things that can affect your horse’s hooves, ranging from diet to saddle fit, and more.

Josh Nelson
This information-packed seminar will help all horse owners to understand the importance, economic and environmental benefits of composting horse and other animal manures. Whether you manage 1 or 100 animals, composting can save or make you money. For facilities with 20 + horses, Josh will introduce a new technology which allows you to capture the free heat which can save you thousands annually.

Pieter Prinsloo is a sales representative with Alltech Vermont. His territory is Vermont/ New England region. He graduated from Ohio State University in 2007 with B.S. degree from Animal Science department and is originally from South Africa,

Suzanne Jaques is a certified equine sports massage therapist, trained by Mary Schriber, founder and owner of Equissage, Inc. She has a registered Morgan that she enjoys riding for recreation in Milton, VT

Kelley Robie

Dianne Lashoones
Demystifying the Easy Gaits of the Gaited Horses
Are these gaits natural or manmade? What is the difference between a pace, stepping pace, rack, running walk, foxtrot? How can you tell what gait your horse is doing?
Dianne Lashoones and Suzanne Cobb is a licensed IJA (Independent Judges Assoc) judge
will explain the mechanics of various easy gaits, what influences the horse to do the gaits he is doing, and how you can identify the gaits

Dr. Bill Valentino
• Lameness demo: Live lameness exam showing diagnositc clinical techniques and discussion regarding the different imaging techniques and nerve blocks.

Karen Lassell went to Miner Institute in 1991 following graduation from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Animal Science, Equine Option. As the Equine Manager, her job encompasses both the care of the Morgan Horse herd and the equine education programs. With several foals each year there is always a horse in training for one of the many disciplines, including English, Western, and driving Karen is a Regional Vice President for the New York State Horse Council and is current president of the Champlain Valley Morgan Horse Association.

• Market right the first time. Basic how-to's in putting together a package to promote your horse for sale and the common mistakes to avoid.
• What is an "Unwanted Horse"? The problem of over-filled rescues and trailerloads of slaughter-bound horses crossing the borders may seem an insurmountable problem for the average horse owner, but there are things you should be aware of and ways you can help. Just because you can't save them all doesn't mean you shouldn't try to help one.

Dr. Rachel Gilker is the Vermont Pasture Network Coordinator and has recently been awarded a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant. She is collaborating with Dr. Betsy Greene and others to work on Improving Horse Pasture Management in Vermont.

• 4 Horses, 3 Acres, Low Budget: Whadday Do? –
• High Traffic Rennovations: Gravel Worth its Weight in Gold – Rachel and Patty Hart (Enniskerry Farm) will talk about work has been done through a SARE grant (Gilker and Greene) to improve a High Traffic area on the farm.

Stephanie Lockhart came to Vermont in 1987 from California, where she was competitive in many different riding disciplines aboard a variety of breeds. Since coming to Vermont, she has been a freelance riding instructor, trainer, and competitor in dressage in eventing. Using natural horsemanship techniques, her focus is on creating a happy and harmonious relationship between horse and human. She is currently involved in promoting the Colonial Spanish horse through presentations, training, and sales of these versatile horses of historic importance. Stephanie manages and works out of John Fusco’s Red Road Farm, home to Colonial Spanish horses and retired equine movie stars. She lives in Elmore, Vt., with her husband and two daughters, who also share a passion for horses.
• Discover the Colonial Horse (Sat 10:15-10:30)

Dr. Josie Trott received a degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Sydney (1995) and her PhD (1999) in Zoology and Molecular Biology from University of Melbourne. Following a postdoctoral position at the National Cancer Institute (1999-2001), she is currently teaching in the equine program in the UVM Animal Science department. She is a certified Equine Body Worker from Equinology.

Deb Danforth
"The Appaloosa, one of the most beloved and versatile American horse breeds, can be found excelling in nearly every discipline. From the race track, to the show ring, to the ranch, and the trail, Appaloosas are prized for their easy-going dispositions as reliable family horses. Come see why we are unique beyond our colors."

Cindy Cross-Greenia

Beth Shelley
Tiny's Sweetheart "Sweetie” and her owner Beth Shelley will be demonstrating sidesaddle riding techniques and the history of the equipment and habit. Beth and Sweetie's successful show career has taken them throughout New England taking home many championships, including the 2007 International Sidesaddle Organization reserve champion horse and rider, as well as ISSO championships in English pleasure, hunter pleasure and equitation.

Beth Shelley and her sidesaddle mount Sweetie will be teaching you about the equipment with a close up view of the parts of a sidesaddle.

Dr. Phil van Harreveld – Dr. Phil graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. In 2001, Dr. Phil was certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in large animal surgery. During his surgical residency, Dr. Phil received a Masters Degree in Veterinary Clinical Sciences from Kansas State University for research work in the field of equine joint and bone biomechanics. Dr. Phil’s special interests include lameness examination, soft tissue and reproductive surgery, and the management of medical and surgical equine colic. He currently co-owns and operates Vermont Large Animal Clinic Equine Hospital in Milton, Vermont.

• U/S Demo: A live ultrasound examination showing the details of the equine anatomy and commom injury locations.

• Joint talk: Alternative treatments available for the treament of joint diseases (arthritis) and tendons and ligament injuries.

Liz Fell
"A Bit About Bits." Learn a little about single and double jointed snaffle bits. See how they are positioned in the mouth by digital x-ray and learn which bits were most accepted by the horses in the survey.