Released: March 05, 2008

High Plains Horseman’s Day Set for April 5 in Oakley, Kan.

COLBY, Kan. -- The High Plains Horseman’s Day will be held April 5th in Oakley, Kan. at the Logan County Fairgrounds.

Health issues will be just one of many topics covered at the event, according to Kristy Booker, veterinarian with Oakley Veterinary Services and one of the program’s sponsors.

“We’ve been seeing old familiar diseases such as Strangles pop up again and problems such as pigeon fever have moved into the area,” Booker said. “Because many horses are co-mingled during a range of competitive events, it is very important for horse owners to understand these health issues and the associated risks.”

Information about routine vaccination and de-worming as a part of good horse care is also on the program. Attendees will be one of the first audiences to hear about newly-revised recommendations for vaccination from the American Association of Equine Practitioners from veterinarian Kevin Hankins, who is an equine field veterinary consultant with Fort Dodge Animal Health.

The event, which includes a trade show, lunch and a question-and-answer session with the presenters, is sponsored by K-State Research and Extension, Colby Community College and Oakley Veterinary Service.

Nutrition and feeding guidelines will be covered by Teresa Slough and Justin Waggoner both with K-State Research and Extension.

The day’s presentation topics and speakers will include:

• Current Equine Health Issues – Dr. Kevin Hankins, Fort Dodge Animal Health;

• Billy Allen Horsemanship – Billy Allen;

• Dental Care – Dr. Kristy Booker;

• Hoof Health and Safety – Ted Howard;

• Hay Quality Issues;

• Acceptable Equine Behavior Starts at Home - Kelly Riccitelli, Colby Community College;

• Feeding Your Horse for Good Health and Long Life; and

• New Recommendations for Vaccinations and De-wormers – Dr. Kevin Hankins.

Further information is available by calling the K-State Research and Extension Sheridan County office 785-675-3268 or the Logan County office at 785-672-3245.

-30-

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter-Blecha
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News