The University of Maryland, in collaboration with the University of Delaware, will be holding its 4th Annual Maryland Horse Conference on Saturday, November 8, 2008. The event will be held from 8:00am to 4:00pm at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Sue McDonnell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Boulton Center and founding head of the Equine Behavior Program there. Dr. McDonnell’s work includes clinical, research and teaching activities focused on horse behavior. As one of the leading experts in the field of horse behavior, she will be discussing simple methods of behavior modification that can benefit both horse and rider. Other exciting seminar topics include: equine dentistry, weed management for your pasture, marketing your equine business, trailer safety, managing pastures to decrease feed costs, therapeutic shoeing, farm landscaping, equine careers, parasites and deworming, feeding your pasture, correct saddle fitting, and the realties of starting an equine business.

Veterinarians, trainers, horse breeders, horse owners, and anyone else involved in the Maryland equine industry should not miss this exciting opportunity to come out, meet your colleagues, and increase your knowledge about horses!

Preregistration is required to attend this conference. The registration cost is $30 for adults and $20 for youth if registrations are received by October 25, 2008. Registration past that date will increase to $40 for adults and $25 for youth. All attendees will receive a conference proceedings, morning refreshments, and lunch. A limited number of vendor tables are also available for those companies interested in participating. For more information please visit our website at www.equinestudies.umd.edu/Extension/horseconference2008.html. Or contact Kelly Brannan at kbrannan@umd.edu or 301-405-8746.