The Rutgers Equine Science Center’s annual Evening of Science & Celebration brings together equine professionals, horse and farm owners, barn managers, educators, 4-H members and other equine enthusiasts to learn about projects and research being conducted by the center.
The 2017 edition, to be held Nov. 9 from 6-9:30 p.m.at the Cook Campus Center, 59 Biel Road in New Brunswick, will feature a keynote address about Equine Assisted Activities Therapy (EAAT) by Karyn Malinowski Ph.D.
In a partnership among the Equine Science Center, Special People United to Ride (SPUR), the Monmouth County Park System’s Sunnyside Equestrian Center, Monmouth University and the Lakewood Veterans Affairs office, the study aimed to provide data on how EAAT affects horses that are interacting with humans during therapy.
A five-day pilot study in in April 2016 at Sunnyside measured the physiological indicators of stress and well-being in humans and horses. The sample collection was completed with a follow-up standing control conducted using the same horses in June 2016, when EAAT interaction was not taking place.
Titled “The Effect of EAAT on the Well-Being of Horses and Veterans Diagnosed with PTSD”, the keynote will focus on preliminary findings that will be published later this year or early next spring.
Karyn is a Professor of Animal Sciences, and the founding director of the Equine Science Center at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES), at Rutgers University. Her research and extension programs focus on improving the well-being and quality of life of the equine athlete while ensuring the vitality and viability of the equine industry, both statewide and nationally.
There will be an optional tour of the equine exercise physiology laboratory at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. It also will include information on equine fitness, and several awards, including the Spirit of the Horse.
The fee is $35 for adults and $15 for students. Send a check to Rutgers Equine Science Center, 57 U.S. Highway 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
To register online, go to this link