2004 Connecticut Horse Symposium: Fun for Horse Lovers of All Ages!

The 2004 Connecticut Horse Symposium provided a fun, educational weekend for those in attendance. The two-day event, March 27 and 28, was attended by almost 400 people of all ages. Activities and talks were held in both the Ratcliffe Hicks Arena and the Horsebarn Hill Arena. The symposium was sponsored by the UConn College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department of Animal Science, and the Connecticut Horse Council. The features of the two days were a vendor fair, two silent auctions, a draft horse shuttle and an art show in addition to speakers and demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Saturday’s overcast weather didn’t keep symposium goers from uniting in their horse knowledge. The vendor fair hosted a variety of companies. They included veterinary practices, pony clubs, and feed companies. Coffee and tea were available to attendees thanks to Stonefield Equine Clinic. Other sponsors included Blue Seal Feeds and Wheeler’s Manure Removal. Talks and demonstrations were ongoing throughout the day. A driving demonstration was given by Anne Albee and her pony, Cookie. Sometimes defying gravity, the UConn Vaulting Team gladly showed off their talents. After that, Karen Hunter-Bobby of Hunter’s Glen Morgans gave a demonstration explaining what Morgan Hunter Pleasure was and providing information about the Hunter Pleasure horse. The afternoon’s demonstrations included a musical freestyle by the Governor’s Horse Guard, a training overview presented by Northeast CT Parelli Natural Horse-man-ship Study Group, and a demonstration on starting young horses under saddle by Meg Brauch. The exciting round of demonstrations was concluded with a UConn Polo Team game.

The talks going on throughout the day complemented the demonstrations by offering symposium attendees an opportunity to learn more about various horse topics. Tom Morris and Mike Keilty discussed horse manure stacking. Dr. Stewart “Chip” Beckett overviewed what to look for in a pre-purchase exam. He pointed out things horse buyers should pay attention to in order to ensure the horse they are buying is in good condition. Dr. Ronald Emond also focused his presentation on horse health, but at a much earlier stage. He reviewed embryo transfer procedures for a successful conception. Yet another veterinarian to speak at the symposium was Dr. Sandra Bushmich. She discussed various hot topics in horse health and disease. Doug Smith gave the final talk of the day. He talked about the New England D-ring harness and the differences between a breastplate harness and a collar type harness. A draft horse shuttle transported people between the two arenas, driven by the Cyr family of Breezy Acres Percherons.

The silent auction gave plenty of opportunity for a little friendly competition. Sponsors for the event were Acorn Studio/T.O.B.ware, Archer Daniel Midland/Moorman Feed, Ruth Beardsley, Esq., Burt Ives Tack and Consignment Shop, Kerry Comisky, Freemantle Farms, LLC, Lakeside Feed, Marlborough Tails and Trails 4-H Club, Dr. Jenifer Nadeau, The Blood Horse, The Smith-Worthington Saddlery Company, Carol Birdsey, Teton New Media and others. The auction was held both Saturday and Sunday.

An art show was also held both days. This was the fifth year for the youth section of the art show and the third year to be open to all ages. It was the second year for the photo contest. Entries were required to be horse related, and entries relating to the theme, “protect your head, wear a helmet”, were encouraged. Karen von Bachelle and the CT Helmet Safety Program sponsored the art show. Alexa Smith, an art student at UConn was the judge, and a People’s Choice Award for Best of Show was given.

Sunday proved just as exciting as Saturday. It was Youth Day at the symposium. 170 4-H’ers from all over the state came to listen to talks, compete in the Model Horse Show, and show off their horse knowledge in the Mop Pony Show. The second annual 4-H Equestrian Wear Fashion Show was held as well in the Horsebarn Hill Arena.

The day’s demonstrations began with a performance by the UConn Drill Team. John Bennett then wowed spectators with his driving demonstration. The Eastern CT Draft Horse Association gave a versatility demonstration and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding gave a riding demonstration. The day’s demonstrations ended with the appropriately entitled “No Guts, No Glory” Pony Club games.

Informational presentations were given throughout the day as well. Steve Kraus reviewed hoof care. He discussed the options available to horse owners. Kerry Comisky showed attendees how to make exciting new kinds of horse treats their animals would love. Dr. Farhed Shah and Dr. Nadeau explained the CT Horse Survey results. Keeping your horse beautiful on the outside through grooming was something Kim Collins was more than happy to talk about. She discussed how to groom to show. Blue Seal Feeds presented a talk on horse nutrition. They stressed how a good balanced diet is the key to a strong, healthy and beautiful animal.

Several UConn students also helped throughout the weekend. Animal science 229 students gave talks as part of the 4-H state workshop held on Sunday. Emily DeStefano and Beth Isler gave a talk on "It's Yummy in my Tummy - Horse Feeds," Stefania Naiman spoke about horse evolution, Kozun gave a talk on "From Teeth to Tail: Your Horse's Digestive System," Meghan Towle gave a talk on "West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease," and Natalie Rochte gave a talk on "Helmet Safety." TaRa Banning and Kelle Doyle volunteered their time to help collect tickets and answer any questions. Two of Dr. Nadeau’s graduate students, Kelly Chameroy and Clayton McCook, also helped out throughout the day.

Those who visited the 2004 Connecticut Horse Symposium had a great time. Education was combined with exciting demonstrations. Attendees left knowing more about the animals they love. If you would like to be on the mailing list for next year’s symposium, are interested in becoming a sponsor, a vendor, a speaker or in giving a demonstration, please call, fax, or email: Dr. Jenifer Nadeau, (860) 486-4471, (860) 486-4375 (fax), or jnadeau@canr.uconn.edu. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s symposium. Horsemen, unite!