Equine Scholars Save Lives

The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KYEHC), a refuge for unwanted, neglected, abused, or otherwise at-risk horses, is partnering with the Equine Scholars Program to offer a unique opportunity to the students.

Each semester an Equine Scholar in good standing with the program and the College can foster adopt a horse of their choosing from the KYEHC’s 40 or more horse herd. The student will be expected to work with the horse 4-5 times per week with the goal of making the horse easier to adopt out. Toward the end of the semester, the student will play a central role in helping the KYEHC market the horse for adoption through a variety of resources, including a “pet of the week” type of spot on a local noon news program, internet and print ads and more. If the student decided to adopt the horse themselves, all adoption fees will be waived. If not adopted by the end of the semester, the horse will be returned to the KYEHC to be adopted out through their facility.

“This opportunity is giving me the chance to have a horse at college this semester and to hone my skills at managing a horse’s training schedule and marketing a horse to the public,” said Katie Henderson, the first student to participate in the experience. “Not only will this be a fun learning experience to put on my resume, but it also makes me feel good about giving a fresh start to a horse that came from a dire situation.”

The opportunity is structured so that there is little to no cost to the student. Grasslands Farm is generously donating the horse’s board to the college and other farms have been quick to offer their services as well. Veterinary care and farrier services will also be provided at little to no charge.

“This partnership gives us yet another unique opportunity to offer our students and it’s also freeing up additional space at the KYEHC, allowing them to accept more horses who might otherwise have ended up at a slaughterhouse,” said Jen Roytz, director of the Equine Scholars Program. “It’s another way the Program is positioning itself as both a premier equine program and a good citizen to the horse industry.”

Students who take on a KYEHC project horse are expected to keep a daily journal to track the horse’s progress and will work with Roytz to develop three training goals based on the horse’s background and abilities to work on throughout the semester. At the conclusion of the project, the student will write a paper detailing the professional skills and insight they gained from the experience.

 

American Holsteiner Horse Association

This past fall a group of Equine Scholars assisted with the coordination and implementation of the American Holsteiner Horse Association’s (AHHA) breed inspection and played a central role in making the event an overwhelming success.

The ESP’s connection with the AHHA started when Chelsey Reid, a sophomore Equine Scholar interned at the AHHA this past summer.  It was there that she learned about the staffing issues the AHHA has had in recent years for the event, in which horses are evaluated for approval as breeding stock.  In an effort to uphold the integrity of the breed, only approved Holsteiners are permitted to reproduce.

Reid rallied a group of Equine Scholars together and coordinated their involvement in the event.  Not only did their efforts make the 2007 Lexington AHHA Breed Inspection one of the best in recent history, the event was considered one of the organizations best inspections in the U.S. last year. What’s more, the management of the breed was so impressed that they’ve discussed making the Lexington event bigger and more prestigious in the future.

The exposure the Equine Scholars Program and its students received from this event was invaluable. We’ve received calls from performance horse farms throughout the region offering coveted “working student” positions to our Equine Scholars and we’ve received several 2008-2009 applications and recommendations for students of several top sport horse trainers. The AHHA is also exploring ways to support the ESP in the future, both monetarily and as it relates to internships, job placement and scholarships.

 

Jen Oliver Becomes Horse Industry Entrepreneur

Jen Oliver started her own equine sports massage therapy business earlier this year and has already accumulated an impressive list of clients.

Horses were an important part of Oliver’s childhood. Many of her friends had horses and Oliver “was always at their barns.”

After applying to Georgetown, Oliver was accepted into the college’s Equine Scholars Program. Despite her love for horses, she originally planned on pursuing a career as a professional masseuse (for humans). The Equine Scholars staff helped Oliver see that she could combine her passion for horses with her interests in massage to create a career.

Oliver, an exercise science major, received her equine massage certification through a home study program called Equissage. Oliver completed her certification this past summer and, throughout the process practiced on Chiquita, one of the program’s school horses.

“Chiquita suffers from substantial arthritic changes in her hips, stifles and hocks due to extensive racing and polo careers and it was amazing to see the improvement Jen’s massage therapy provided,” said Jen Roytz, Executive Director of the Equine Scholars Program. “We saw more improvement in Chiquita’s soundness and muscle development than we or our veterinarian thought was possible.”

Although some may be skeptical about the benefits of equine massage, Oliver said this therapy gives an equine athlete a competitive edge. Oliver said this style of massage therapy releases tension trigger points in the animal and improves its circulation. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are also released. “Overall, the horse’s movements become more fluid and graceful,” said Oliver.

Jamaica “Miep,” one of Oliver’s current clients, is a grand prix champion and a 2008 Olympic hopeful. Miep’s trainer and rider, Reese Koffler-Stanfield, definitely agrees that there are many benefits to massage therapy. “I think it’s a fabulous way to go,” said Koffler-Stanfield.

Oliver acknowledges that the Equine Scholars Program greatly influenced her in starting a business. “They motivate you and show you that you can do whatever you want to in the industry,” she said.

Roytz describes Georgetown’s equine program as unique because “rather than offering an equine-specific degree, we offer our students traditional liberal arts degrees in their area of choosing and pair that with professional experiences, networking opportunities and unique educational lectures and projects aimed at producing a well-rounded horse industry professional.”

“The foundation that the Equine Scholars Program provides, combined with Jen’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and drive, have given her the tools she will need to thrive in this or any professional industry,” said Roytz.

 

ESP Partners with Elite Irish Internship Program

The Irish National Stud has entered into an agreement with Georgetown College to offer one spot per year in its annual class of 20 interns to an Equine Scholar. A government-owned Thoroughbred breeding facility in County Kildare, Ireland, the Irish National Stud’s internationally recognized and highly regarded internship program has produced some of the best and brightest talent in the international equestrian community. Graduates of this program have gone on to secure prominent upper management positions in the horse industry all over the world.

Each year the Irish National Stud accepts approximately 20 students into their internship program out of the hundreds who apply, making it a very prestigious opportunity for a select group of individuals. After learning about our professionally-minded and liberal arts enhanced Equine Scholars Program and seeing several of our Scholars working at the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sales, the Irish National Stud was highly impressed and offered the unprecedented partnership. The Irish National Stud does not have this type of agreement with any other college or university in the world, making this a key opportunity for Georgetown College’s Equine Scholars Program to further distinguish itself from other college level equine programs.

 

Summer Success for Hayley Barbato

Rising sophomore Hayley Barbato has had a busy summer competition-wise, but has been enjoying immense success along the way.

So far this summer, Hayley is three-for-three, having won her division at the Spring Bay Horse Trials, Sayre School Combined Training, and the Spring Run Horse Trials. Her next competition is at the Midsouth Pony Club Horse Trials at the Kentucky Horse Park, where she and her horse, Nevi, will move up to the Novice division.

“The competition [in the novice division] will be a lot tougher, but I’m very happy with everything so far this summer,” said Hayley after her third win.

 

Congrats Class of 2007!

The graduation ceremony at Georgetown College on May 12, 2007 included two of our Equine Scholars.

Noel Davis (Rogersville, TN) majored in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in German Language and Literature. In addition to the Equine Scholars Program, Noel was also a President’s Ambassador and an active member of the campus radio station. She worked as a student professional in the Office of Admissions for two years, served as a Resident Advisor for two years, and was a dedicated student worker in the Equine Scholars Program (ESP) offices. Her extensive list of accomplishments include recipient of the Women Leading Kentucky Scholarship Award, Outstanding Undergraduate in Communications Award, Outstanding Senior in Communications Award, and the Omicron Delta Kappa Student Leader of the Month. Noel’s internship with Country Music Television in Nashville last summer led to her decision to pursue a career in the music industry and she has accepted a position with Category 5 Records as Promotions Coordinator for the Nashville area.

Brittany Pappas (Lexington, VA) earned degrees in Economics and German with minors in Mathematics and History. While at Georgetown College, Brittany served as a leader in many student organizations such as Phi Beta Lambda – Business Club, German Club, Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society, and Viatores Latin Club. She was also involved with the Academic Team, Chorale, College Republicans, Investment Team, and was the Georgetonian Opinion Editor. Brittany’s accomplishments include Dean’s Honor Award, Joseph-Beth Award for Mathematics, Outstanding Senior in a World Language, Department Chair’s Award in Business & Economics, President’s Ambassador, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Kappa Phi. During the Spring 2006 semester, she studied abroad at Regents Park College, Oxford University in England. Brittany earned a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and will be residing in Germany for one year following graduation to help teach English to German students.

Congratulations, Noel and Brittany and thank you for your many contributions to the Equine Scholars Program!

 

Sharing a Shadow

Meredith Skaggs, shown here performing a sliding stop, is involved with the AQHA as a member and competitor.

Meredith Skaggs competing at an AQHA show at the Kentucky Horse Park..

Equine Scholar Meredith Skaggs is an active member of the horse industry both through the program and in her personal life. Recently, she got our students involved with a worthwhile philanthropic endeavor that will have a big impact on the lives of some well deserving kids.

At a monthly meeting of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Youth Association, of which Skaggs serves as the secretary, she learned of a fundraising endeavor for Victory Junction Gang Camp, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses. At that time, the donations for the camp were slow to come in, so Skaggs offered to get the Equine Scholars Program involved.

Skaggs sent a call to action out to her fellow Equine Scholars explaining the cause and providing them a list of the items needed. Within two weeks, students had collected two huge boxes of supplies, which covered everything on the camp’s list of necessities.

“Being a part of the Equine Scholars Program has opened our eyes to so many things,” said Skaggs. “We have been blessed with so many opportunities and we need to return the favor to others when we can.”

 

Out and About

Jeff Pendleton of Hallway Feed Mill explains how nutritional content affects a horse’s performance.

Another eventful semester is coming to a close at Georgetown College and the Equine Scholars have been busy taking advantage of every moment. Students in the Program learned about how the increasing popularity of ethanol will effect the feed industry at Alltech Biotechnology, title sponsor of the 2010 World Equestrian Games; saw firsthand how horse feed is produced at Hallway Feeds; attended several polo scrimmages and matches at the Kentucky Horse Park, including the National Intercollegiate Championships; took behind the scenes tours of Juddmonte, Claiborne and Castleton Lyons farms; toured KESMARC to learn about the latest advances in equine rehabilitation; attended Keeneland’s scholarship giveaway and jockey Q & A days; and volunteered at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in various capacities. We also hosted several on-campus lecturers, including John Long, CEO of the US Equestrian Federation; Kara Hardesty and Chris Gayton from Cornett Integrated Marketing Solutions, and Ed Armstrong, tournament Director for the US Polo Association.

 

School Comes First

Students in the Equine Scholars Program are held to a higher standard of academic performance than the average college student. This semester, several students in our program received academic awards from their respective departments.

Congratulations to Noel Davis, who was named Outstanding Senior in Communication and Media Studies; Katie Dunham, who received the Second Year Award from the Biology Department; Michael McCord, recipient of the Winterpast Theater Scholarship; and Brittany Pappas, who was presented with the Joseph-Beth Award in Mathematics, Outstanding Senior in a World Language, Department Chair’s Award in Business & Economics, and Dean’s Honor Award.

We would also like to congratulate Nick Spalding on his acceptance into Georgetown College’s highly regarded President’s Ambassador Program.

 

Happy Endings

Ann Cothran and her newly adopted horse, Vince. The pair will compete in local shows throughout the summer and fall.

Ann Cothran and the TRF Secretariat Center's newest adoptee, Vince..

Looking for a worthwhile way to use some free time this past semester, rising sophomore Ann Cothran decided to volunteer at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Secretariat Center at the Kentucky Horse Park, a retraining and adoption facility for ex-racehorses. Several times a week Ann schooled horses, worked in the barn, and assisted with office work.

Ann took a liking to one of the horses she was helping to retrain named Vince and the pair was even pictured in Horse Illustrated magazine in an article about the facility and the volunteers who help to make it a reality. After careful thought and planning, Ann adopted Vince and is planning on showing him locally this summer.

 

Professionals in Training

(from left) Angie Fisher, Alyssa England and Maggie Daniels interned at the World Equestrian Games Foundation under CEO Jack Kelley.

Internships are a key element to a student’s professional preparation. Those done through the Equine Scholars Program are designed to encompass aspects of our students’ degree programs, career goals and equine interests.

The following is a list of the organizations who offered internships to our students, along with the Equine Scholars who took full advantage of the opportunities.

• Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse, Diane Alder
• Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Katie Henderson
• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Secretariat Center, Liz Wiggins and Ann Cothran
• Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Maggie Daniels, Angie Fischer, Alyssa England
• Warrendale Sales, Seth Kochera
• Equix Biomechanics, Sara Frame and Meredith Skaggs
• Fasig-Tipton Sales Company, Hilary Lierow
• American Holsteiner Association, Chelsey Reid

Thanks to these organizations for their continued support!

 

Georgetown College Event Team

Hayley Barbato, Stacy Durham, Kate Fitzgerald and Kristin Posner at the Hagyard Midsouth Team Challenge.

Hayley Barbato, Stacy Durham, Kate Fitzgerald and Kristin Posner.

Four Equine Scholars combined their efforts this past weekend to compete as the Georgetown College Event Team at the Hagyard’s Midsouth 3-Day Event and Team Challenge at the Kentucky Horse Park. Hayley Barbato, Stacy Durham, Kate Fitzgerald and Kristen Posner, as well as their horses, were dressed in Georgetown colors and decorated their stalls, tack room and staging area with Georgetown banners, flags and other memorabilia.

The Georgetown Event Team started on Saturday by riding their dressage tests. That afternoon, the team completed the stadium jumping phase and on Sunday all four team members competed in the cross country phase of the event. Overall, the team placed midpack in the standings, which is a very respectable finish for their first time competing together.

On both days Georgetown’s Event Team was supported by a strong fan base. Between 10-15 Equine Scholars, as well as parents, friends and staff, came out to cheer on our students. Several of the non-competing students even got together and made Georgetown College Event Team shirts for all who came out to watch the event.

 

Flying High at Pegasus Camp

Allie Berg navigating the high ropes course

This past August the Equine Scholars Program held their inaugural Pegasus Camp for all students in the program. For four days and three nights the students took part in a variety of activities, field trips, service projects and more aimed at introducing them to each other, the college and Kentucky’s horse industry.

Some of the activities students participated in included acting out skits, volunteering at the Kentucky Horse Park, listening to Kerry Cauthen of Four Star Sales talk about the thoroughbred sales industry and how students can get involved, taking a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo, navigating a high and low rope obstacle course.

By the time Pegasus was finished, the students were absolutely exhausted, but glad to have had the experience. They had about 40 new friends around campus before the first day of school, which made going off to college a little easier to manage!

 

Unique Experience with the U.S. Polo Association

A group of Equine Scholars gained some outstanding professional experience this semester when they helped to coordinate the communications and media relations efforts for the U.S. Polo Association’s National Intercollegiate Championships held at the Kentucky Horse Park in May.

Students met with Ed Armstrong, tournament director for the USPA, to discuss communications strategies and then put their plans into action by writing press releases, contacting news media about covering the event, coordinating entertainment between chukkers, and encouraging the local community to attend.

“As a business marketing major and communications minor, the USPA project was a great opportunity to work alongside Mr. Armstrong and see what really goes into putting on an event,” said Nick Spalding (Junior, Paris, KY).

“I tried my hand at story pitching and event promotion, and made valuable connections with people in the communications and equine industries,” added Stacy Durham (Freshman, Maui, HI).

When they weren’t hard at work, students enjoyed cheering on their favorite college polo teams and in the end, the championship honors went to the University of Connecticut women’s team and the Texas A & M men’s team in two exhilarating matches.