Equine Issues Series
Submitted by: Crystal Smith
Phone: 540-635-4549
Email Address: csmith06(at)vt.edu
Date Added: 8/13/2008
Recently the American Horse Council hosted a National Issues Forum in Washington, DC. A number of horse industry hot topics were presented and addressed by industry leaders, government officials, university faculty and other interested parties. At the top of the list were topics such as the unwanted horse, horse identification, welfare and more.
In an effort to bring some of this information home, Virginia Cooperative Extension is going to be offering a local program utilizing some of the same fantastic resources and speakers that appeared in DC last month. The Equine Issues Series September 10, 17, and 24 will focus on the unwanted horse, horse identification, and upcoming legislation that is presently important to the horse industry. Dr. Pat Evans, Extension Horse Specialist from Utah State University, will present data collected from rescue organizations, livestock sales, and breed organizations on the unwanted horse issue. Dr. Ann Swinker, Extension Horse Specialist at Penn State, will discuss the Horse Identification Project. Penn State gathered industry perspectives on the potential positive and negative impacts of horse identification, and are experimenting with chipping and tracking animal movement. The final night of the program a representative from the American Horse Council will be present to discuss pending legislation that may impact the horse industry. Please plan to join us in September at Historic Long Branch in Clarke County, VA for this educational program. There is no cost to participants due to generous sponsorship by Clarke County Equine Alliance, Clarke County Farm Bureau, and VAnimalID but RSVP is required by September 5th. For more information or to RSVP for the program please contact Crystal Smith, Extension Agent, Animal Science at Crystal.Smith@vt.edu or 540-635-4549.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, national origin, disability, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
|
