The University of Minnesota Horse Team is offering five regional horse owner education programs throughout Minnesota in 2008, with one location being Bemidji. Each program offers research-based information and knowledgeable speakers identified specifically for that region by a committee of local horse experts and enthusiasts.
Speakers for these programs include University of Minnesota faculty and staff, veterinarians and local horse professionals.
Programs are conducted Saturdays beginning at 10 a.m. (registration at 9:15) and end at 3 p.m.
The Bemidji program will be March 8 at Northwest Technical College.
The hot topic of “unwanted horses” will be discussed by a panel of university faculty, industry representatives, humane society representatives, and horse rescue facility owners.
Four topics will be occurring at one time. Horse owners can choose the topics that most interest them (no need to pre-register for specific topics). Handouts for all topics are included in the proceedings book that each participant receives. Time and topics include:
• 10 a.m. (select one topic to attend): Dermatology and allergies; care of brood mare and newborn foal; managing established pastures; and emerging diseases
• 11 a.m. (select one topic to attend): Nutrition; unwanted horse round table; first aid and wound management; and dentistry.
• 1 p.m. (select one topic to attend): Dermatology and allergies; facility management round table; lameness in the performance horse; and elderly horse care.
• 2 p.m. (select one topic to attend): Trailer safety and hauling; unwanted horse round table; hay; selecting your first horse.
Cost is $35 per person (St. Paul advanced program registration fee is $50). Fee includes lunch and a printed proceedings. Lunch and proceedings are sponsored by Nutrena and the Minnesota Horse Council. Other dates and locations are: March 1 in Morris and March 15 in St. Paul for the advanced program.
Online registration is available at: www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/horseowner.
Preregistration is required and space is limited. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse. Contact Kristi at 888-241-0719 with questions or to register by mail. In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719. Programs recommended for ages 13 and up.