Virtual Summer Equine Speaker Series

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a new free Equine Speaker series to share new research, novel management practices, and solutions to common challenges with our equine companions.

Summer 2025 Sessions
From Foaling to Farewell – Essential Knowledge for the Equine Lifecycle

Our summer 2025 sessions featured a comprehensive online speaker series dedicated to every stage of your horse’s life, from the first breath to the final goodbye. Whether you’re a horse owner, equine professional, or passionate caregiver, this series offers valuable insights to help you provide the best care at every age. Learn from veterinarians, Extension Specialists, and seasoned equine caregivers in a supportive, knowledge-rich environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your understanding and strengthen the bond with your horse, from beginning to end.

Expert Talks Included: 

  • Foal care and early development
  • Equine nutrition through the life stages
  • Senior horse management
  • Grief and emotional support for caregivers
  • Practical mortality management

June 26, 2025
Setting up Foals and Young Horses for Success
Dr. Devan Catalano, Ph.D., Equine Extension Specialist, Colorado State University

July 30, 2025
Understanding Equine Nutrition at Every Stage
Dr. Fran Rowe, DVM, Equine Nutritionist, MADBARN

August 15, 2025
Grief Management for Equine and Livestock Caregivers
Mary Walby, Founder of God’s Window Senior Horse Rehab and Hospice

August 21, 2025
Care of the Senior Horse
Mary Walby, Founder of God’s Window Senior Horse Rehab and Hospice

September 3, 2025
Managing Equine Mortalities on Farm
Nicholas Rowley, Sustainable Agriculture Professional, UMaine Extension

The theme for summer 2024 is “Pasture and System Management for Healthier Horses.”

Friday, September 13, 2024

“What’s bugging your horse? Managing insect pests on equine farms”
Elissa Ballman, UMaine Senior Research Associate and Ph.D. student

Stable flies, house flies, ticks, and midges are just some of the pests horses encounter on our farms. Not all flies are created equally, or are managed equally. Learn how to identify which pests you are dealing with, when they are active, and integrated pest management tactics you can use to keep your horses happy and healthy. Also, get a sneak peak at the current stable fly research happening in Maine.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

“Keeping Easy-Keeper Equines CAN be Easy!”
Cherrie Nolden, Farmer, Won Der Fjords

Cherrie Nolden shares the management approaches that she’s developed and practiced for naturally keeping pastured easy-keeper equines healthy and happy, while also improving the environment and life-work balance.

Thursday, July 11, 2024

“Horsekeeping: Diet and Movement for Healthier Horses”
Alicia Harlov, Specialty Farrier and Humble Hoof Rehabilitation and Podcast

An overview on nutrition and movement for horse health, and where many modern day diets and environments fall short. Included are practical ways horse owners can make adjustments to improve their horses’ living situation and nutrition without breaking the bank.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

“Pasture Management and Horses: The What, the When and the How.”
Dr. Jaime Garzon, UMaine Extension Forage Specialist

Dr. Garzon will cover topics on grass species for horse grazing, weeds and legume control, pasture management (when to start grazing, when to end it), and forage and hay sampling and results interpretation.

For more information or a reasonable accommodation, please contact Rachel White at rachel@maine.edu.

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