UK Ag Equine Programs

Congratulations to researchers in our Department of Veterinary Science!

University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers have received awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, totaling more than $1.8 million to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing horses and the equine industry.

The projects, led by Department of Veterinary Science faculty working across infectious disease, immunology, reproduction and musculoskeletal health, reflect UK’s broad role in equine research and its connection to Kentucky’s signature industry. Congratulations to Gluck researchers Drs. Feng Li, Yosra Helmy, Allen Page, Bruno Menarim and Hossam Elsayed!

The funded studies include work on non-antibiotic treatments for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals, the genetic diversity of equine rotaviruses, the possible effect of joint corticosteroid injections on vaccine protection, the relationship between anti-inflammatory drug use and chronic musculoskeletal inflammation, and a long-sought biological signal tied to early pregnancy maintenance in mares.

https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/uk-equine-researchers-secure-more-18-million-usda-funding-horse-health-studies

So much awesomeness in this photo! We hate saying goodbye to our departing team members, but love welcoming new ones! Welcoming, from left to right:
🐴New program coordinator and UK equine alum Gwen Schmidt
🐴Summer intern and current UK equine student, Tamya Kennedy
🐴Summer intern and UK ISC student Catherine Noll

Sending off two UK equine alums who are going on to do great things:
🐴Second from right, Bethany Smith, past intern and recent graduate, who will be starting grad school at UK in the fall, pursuing a master's in Community and Leadership Development
🐴Far right, departing program coordinator, Angelina Sonoqui, who will be starting her master's at the University of Tennessee in the fall in ag policy

We really do have the best young talent here!

We are hiring! We are seeking a program coordinator to play a vital role in supporting student success within the Equine Science and Management (ESMA) degree program through career mentorship, internship program administration, industry engagement and instruction. This position serves as the instructor of record for career-focused curriculum that prepares students for professional pathways in the equine industry.

This role provides individualized career guidance, coordinates experiential learning opportunities, and strengthens connections between students, equine and equine – affiliated businesses. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated expertise in careers and professional opportunities within equine agriculture and related industries.

Apply here:

STEPS Program Coordinator II The STEPS Program Coordinator II plays a vital role in supporting student success within the Equine Science and Management (ESMA) degree program through career mentorship, internship program administration, industry engagement, and instruction. This position serves as the instructor of record for ca...

Last call to order your merch!

Our once a year merch shop is now open through May 12! Proceeds benefit our program and our students. Shop here: https://undergroundshirts.com/groups/uk-college-of-agriculture-equine-science

Our alums are crushing it! Cheers to 2024 UK Equine alum Olivia Dapolite, who had the experience of a lifetime this past weekend. She is part of Golden Tempo and Cherie DeVaux's team and had an insider's view into the historic and thrilling win. Also a nod to UK Equine alum Alicia Bruder, who got to be part of Golden Tempo's time as a foal on Claiborne Farm, even calling him Bart Simpson due to his personality as a youngster.

When asked about the whirlwind over the past several days, Olivia says it’s been absolutely insane and a dream come true. She started with Cherie in February.

From Olivia:

Watching Golden Tempo train in the mornings has been one of my favorite parts of this whole experience. He’s such an intelligent, kind horse and this week he carried himself like a true professional every step of the way. Just being around him, you can feel his presence especially during this last week!

Watching the race unfold was one of the most incredible moments of my life. I’ve never felt emotions like that before, and can’t help but tear up every time I see a photo or video. It’s a dream come true!

I can’t even put into words how proud I am of Cherie and our entire team. They work so hard on each and every horse to bring out their best! I feel so blessed to share this experience with them and be a part of the team!