Equine Education Day

The Horseketeers conducted their monthly un-mounted meeting for January by attending the University of Florida’s bi-annual Equine Education Day.  This special event is open to all Pony Clubbers, and provides outstanding education and instruction at all levels.  Whether you are a seasoned Pony Clubber looking to enter vet school, or have just joined and are unrated, all who attend walk away having learned many new things.

The day-long event began with presentations by several of the UF Vet School faculty, some of whom were former Pony Clubbers themselves.  Those veterinarians who had been part of Pony Club commented that they found many of the classes they had taken in vet school were much easier because of what they had learned as members of PC!  They also commented that solid progress in Pony Club was highly valued by the admissions department of the Vet School.  This put big smiles on the faces of many attendees who were aspiring veterinarians! 

The morning presentations began with discussions of several topics of interest common to all horse owners such as lameness, colic, and equine ophthalmology.  After lunch, the Horseketeers and other attendees attended demonstrations and practical learning exercises.  Topics included observation of thoroughbreds galloping on a treadmill, practical evaluation of a lame horse with a hind limb affliction, and a demonstration of equine pre-natal care, such as the monitoring of pregnancy through ultra sound (see picture below).

All who went departed with a much greater understanding of equine care, as well as a better appreciation for what they still needed to learn to become better horsemen!  A big thanks goes out to the UF Vet School and faculty who made this learning event such a fun and rewarding experience.  We’re already looking forward to the next one!