Nearly 125 people turned out on a steamy summer day, June 27, for the University of Kentucky’s first all-equine field day. Participants hailed from 29 Kentucky counties and seven states to attend the daylong event. After registering, attendees chose three of nine available workshops highlighting ongoing equine research at UK and visited nearly 40 sponsors and College of Agriculture-affiliated exhibits.

See photos from the event and/or download informational handouts given by each of the speakers.

Topics Covered at the 2009 Equine Field Day

Managing problem weeds on horse farms
Participants viewed approximately 75 weed species growing at the site. Control options (mowing, tillage, and herbicides) were discussed with emphasis on control in cool season grass pastures. Herbicides are frequently used for weed control in pastures. Safety and/or potential for toxicity were discussed.

Degenerative joint disease
The breakdown of tissues in a synovial joint that contribute to osteoarthritis in horses were described. Clinical signs, diagnostic methods, and treatment/management issues were presented along with a description of research initiatives in these areas that are being conducted at the University of Kentucky