UMD Equine Experts Discuss Responsible Horse Ownership Online

Weeklong series of webinars that are already under way coincides with Gov. O'Malley's announcement that May 14 - 20 is Responsible Horse Ownership Week

	"Terpretariat" - the UMD Equine Mascot Click on image for full caption and higher resolution

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - What are the basic costs of owning a horse? How is a horse's digestive tract unique? What type of feed should I buy? What should I do in the event of an equine emergency?

Discover answers to these questions, and more, when University of Maryland equine experts present a weeklong series of lunchtime webinars covering everything from what to look for when buying a horse, to dietary strategies, to pasture management tips.

The hour-long online discussions are presented by University of Maryland Extension free of charge, and can be viewed both live and again at a later date by going here.

The informational programs coincide with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley proclamation of May 14 - 20 as "Responsible Horse Ownership Week," dedicated to improving equine welfare in the state via programs and education for all breeds and aspects of the horse industry.

The webinars are also timely, given that the 137th running of the Preakness Stakes -- the middle jewel of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown -- will be run this weekend at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

"This is a good time to talk about horses, and an even better time to learn about responsible horse ownership and some tips for keeping your horses happy and healthy," says Amy Burk, an associate professor of animal and avian sciences who leads the equine studies program at Maryland.

Equine topics this week include:
Monday - "Horse Ownership 101"
Tuesday - "Maximizing Your Horse's Nutrition for Optimal Health and Performance."
Wednesday - "Equine Facilities and Pasture Considerations"
Thursday - "Basic Equine Health and Emergency Preparedness"
Friday - "Horse Shopping - Better Ask Some Questions"
Each session starts at noon and is about one hour long.

Go to the UMD Equine Studies Webinar site for more information. The webinars may be accessed here.

Horse facts and figures in the state of Maryland
-- Maryland has more horses per square mile than any other state. Twice as many as Kentucky!
-- There are more than 79,000 horses in Maryland, nearly a third of them thoroughbreds.
-- Equine-related farms maintain Maryland's green space, with more than 587,000 acres in the state dedicated to horses.

About University of Maryland Extension
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the college of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

About the UMD Equine Studies Program
The Equine Studies Program at the University of Maryland offers educational programs for youth and adults interested in learning more about the care, use, and management of horses. Within the University setting, we offer classroom and hands-on laboratory activities for students within our B.S. degree program in the Animal and Avian Sciences Department and within the Institute of Applied Agriculture's Equine Business Management Certification program.

12113