In the first of a new series of nutritional talks sponsored by Buckeye Nutrition, 30 veterinarians from Lexington, Ky., and surrounding areas attended a dinner and a presentation on Feb. 11. Kent Thompson, PhD, Buckeye Nutrition’s Director of Equine Nutrition, discussed properly feeding the athletic horse. Thompson has also been an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, manager of equine nutrition and research for Purina Mills, and an assistant professor of Midway College in Kentucky.

“We held the event to build a better working relationship between veterinarians, Buckeye Nutrition, and the general public,” said district sales manager Lyndsey White, who organized the dinner. “We also wanted to increase client education.”

Thompson kicked off his talk saying, “I’m a real believer in fat for horses. Most horses can benefit from fat. Any age and lifestyle can benefit.”

To meet the needs of an athletic horse, the horse’s nutritional program must increase nutrient storage in the body, enhance muscle and bone strength, strengthen cardiovascular capacity, and enhance overall health