| Horse health will be the focus on “Equine Disease Day,” the new Fall Horse Management Seminar hosted by the Rutgers Equine Science Center and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. It’s set for Nov. 22 from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, N.J.
This is a shift from the traditional in-person February seminar to a fall format. The Horse Management Webinar Series will continue as planned in its normal spring time slot.
“We’re excited to offer a full year of programming,” said Dr.Carey Williams, the Equine Extension Specialist and interim director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center.
“This year’s theme was chosen based on the feedback from past attendees, and we’re thrilled to bring together some of the region’s top veterinary experts to focus on some of the biggest disease categories affecting horses.”
The spotlight will be on neurologic, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. The speakers include Dr. Sarah Colmer, a board-certified internal medicine specialist from the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. She will deliver the luncheon keynote presentation on neurologic diseases. She is known for her work in equine neurology and infectious diseases. Her talk will explore conditions such as equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), Lyme Disease, West Nile virus and other neurological disorders that impact horse behavior and performance.
Dr. Rachel Gardner from B.W. Furlong and Associates in Oldwick, N.J., will present on Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Diseases in the afternoon. With extensive experience in equine internal medicine, she will discuss colic, ulcers and other digestive issues that are common, yet potentially life-threatening in horses. Her respiratory talk will cover conditions such as equine asthma, strangles and respiratory infections that affect equine performance and welfare.
Dr. Michael Fugaro, of Mountain Pointe Equine in Hackettstown, N.J., will moderate the Q&A sessions following each presentation.
“Advances in equine medicine have dramatically improved over the past 20 years,” he pointed out.
“In this seminar, you will hear from two board-certified internal medicine veterinarians who are leaders in their field and local communities. The topics will focus on the latest and innovative diagnostics and treatments for these diseases, and I am looking forward to the discussion that attendees will have with each of the speakers.”
“This program is a must-attend for horse owners who want to stay ahead of the curve in equine care and management,” said Williams.
“We are bringing together the top experts in the field to share the latest research, practical strategies, and hands-on insights that can make a real difference in the health and performance of your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned owner or just getting started, you’ll walk away with the tools and knowledge you need to read the telltale signs of these disease states and care for them appropriately.”
Those wishing to attend can choose between the Full Day Pass ($60), which includes lunch and the luncheon keynote presentation on neurologic diseases, or the Afternoon Pass ($30), which covers sessions on gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Registration for the afternoon session opens at 1:30 p.m.
Beyond the presentations, the seminar will offer informational displays, networking opportunities with industry professionals, door prizes and time for interactive discussions with the speakers.
The complete program, registration information, and seminar brochure are posted on the Rutgers Equine Science Center website at esc.rutgers.edu, as well as the registration site at: https://go.rutgers.edu/fall2025hms
For questions, contact Dr. Carey Williams at 848-932-5529 or via email at carey.williams@rutgers.edu. |
