Horseketeers Pony Club

Going behind the scenes at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine was a huge thrill for the Horseketeers at Equine Education Day this past Saturday. Lectures covered such topics as lameness and the latest on Equine Metabolic Syndrome, and included a video of a foal being born. Demonstrations provided a look inside a horse's stomach, a close-up view of a horse galloping on a treadmill, and a lesson in important points of horse anatormy.  The program wrapped up with a student-led guided tour of the Large Animal barns, operating rooms, and treatment bays, and the Small Animal Hospital. At the end of the tour, participants were able to talk with their student tour guides about how they decided to study veterinary medicine, the competitive application process, and the experience of being a vet student. All in all, an interesting and inspiring day with over 100 of our Sunshine Region and 4H friends! Check out the photostream for lots more photos! 

The Horseketeers traveled to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 7 to audit the final day of the George Morris Horsemastership Training Sessions, featuring rising stars in the hunter/jumper world.  We were sorry to hear that George Morris himself was under the weather and unable to be there, but it was a beautiful day and a fantastic learning experience. The session was organized in a Nations Cup format, with four teams of three riders and a chef d'equipe.  Grand prix riders Kent Farrington, Christine McCrea, Beezie Madden and McLain Ward served as the chefs d'equipe, providing commentary and evaluation of the riders before, during and after the two jumping rounds. The Horseketeers were treated to helpful insights about - walking a stadium course - developing a plan for your ride - preparing your horse in the warm-up - using your courtesy circle and "pre-buzzer" time to best advantage - making adjustments during your ride - proper body