October Events at the MARE Center

Livestock Update, October 2008

Dr. Shea Porr, Interim Superintendent, Mare Center and Extension Agent, Northern District, cporr@vt.edu or 540-687-3521 ext 27

SAVE THE DATE!
17th Annual Thoroughbred Yearling Auction, Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center) raises yearlings as a vital part of its research efforts to better understand the relationships between nutrition and healthy development in the growing horse, improved reproduction in the mare, and optimal performance in the athletic horse.  As we approach our 17th Annual Auction we will once again be offering for sale these exceptional yearlings.  All proceeds go directly back to the MARE Center to continue research programs.

In 2008, these yearlings represent eleven stallions, including BALL’S BLUFF, BLACK TIE AFFAIR, CASTLE COVE, COCKY, DAYLIGHT RUN, FRED ASTAIRE, FUN AND FANCY FREE, GREAT NOTION, NATIVE SLEW, ORATORY, and ROCK POINT.  Many graduates of our yearling auction have gone on to be successful on the race track, earning in excess of $2,000,000.  Others who do not find their way to the oval have gone on to show success in the wide variety of disciplines open to the Thoroughbred breed.  These animals have proven their versatility, whether by selection for speed or for sporting ability.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 12, 2008!  You don’t want to miss the chance to purchase one or more of our exceptional yearlings.  Sale day inspections start at 10:00 a.m. and the auction will start at 2:00 p.m.  Auction catalogues are available upon request.  Contact Donna McDonald at 540-687-3521 ext 22 or e-mail dmcdo05@vt.edu.

AND THERE’S MORE!
4th Annual Equine Educational Seminar, Friday, October 17, 2008
Horse owners and equine enthusiasts are invited to attend an educational seminar on Keeping Horses Happy, Healthy, and Whole: Advances in Equine Health Care Management on Friday, October 17, 2008 at the VT MARE Center.  Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., with the program running from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and including lunch.  The event is coordinated by Virginia Cooperative Extension and the MARE Center with additional support from the Virginia Horse Industry Board.

This program is being offered to anyone with an interest in horse health management or horse growth and includes a selection of topics relevant to the horse owner or breeder.  Invited speakers from the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and veterinary specialists in Virginia will join representatives of Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension in discussing current trends and research in equine health care, including hoof and dental care, diseases and parasites, alternative therapies, and biosecurity.

The cost of this event is $25.00.  To ensure adequate meal and handout arrangements, receipt of pre-registration and payment to the address below by October 10, 2008 is requested.  For more information, please contact Shea Porr at 540-687-3521 ext 27/cporr@vt.edu or Rita Rollison at 540-687-3521 ext 12/rbrady@vt.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Shea Porr at 540-687-3521, ext 27 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations at least five days prior to the event.