The inaugural Kentucky International Equine Summit 2008 has secured more than 80 of the industry’s leading experts for the April 28-29 event in Lexington. One of the three session series is called “Emerging Science of Horse Breeding.” Panelists and individual speakers will discuss breakthrough research in genetics and biosciences that have improved, or which might improve, the athletic endeavors of equine competitors, the issues of breeding technologies and patterns, and the mapping of the equine genome.

Following are some of the confirmed speakers:

* Dr. Jim Heird—Director, Equine Sciences, Colorado State University;
* Dr. Jamie MacLeod—Professor, Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky;
* Dr. Nena Winard—Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University;
* Robert D. Fierro—Managing Director, DataTrack International;
* Dr. Stephanie Valberg—Professor of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota;
* Dr. Ernie Bailey—Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Gluck Equine Research Center;
* Dr. Gus Cothran—Clinical Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University;
* David Foy—Owner, Foy Genetics Consulting;
* Dan Kenney—Owner, Dan Kenney Bloodstock;
* John Sparkman—Bloodstock Editor, Thoroughbred Times;
* Gary Carpenter—Executive Director, American Quarter Horse Foundation;
* Ann Peters—Pedigree Consultant, Three Chimneys Farm;
* Ken Jackson, Esq.—Owner/Breeder, Kentuckiana Farms;
* Dr. John Steiner—Theriogenologist, McGee Fertility Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute;
* Vaughn Cook—Owner, Rio Vista Breeding Center.

The event is being sponsored by the Equine Industry Program in the College of Business at the University of Louisville in cooperation with the Equine Initiative in the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky. Other sessions for the two-day conference include Wellbeing of the Competitive Horse and The Emerging Science of Horse Breeding.
 
“The equine industry is an integral part of Kentucky’s economy,” said Rich Wilcke, director of the Equine Industry Program at the University of Louisville and summit organizer. “We are pleased to be able to announce the strong list of panelists and speakers we have confirmed for the event. I am confident their expertise will be beneficial to those attending the conference.”
 
The Kentucky International Equine Summit 2008 will be hosted at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Lexington April 28-29. For more information or to register, please visit www.kyequinesummit.com