News Release 

Date: Feb. 22, 2008

Contact: Rebecca Schuelke, communication specialist
Telephone: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
Cell phone: (315) 427-2714
Email: rschuelke@nyfvi.org


Horse care and business marketing part of Horse Symposium


Hoof care, equine dentistry, web marketing and riding styles are among the educational programs planned for the annual Horse Symposium, March 29-30 at the 4-H Training Center, Middle Lane Road, Ballston Spa.

The symposium, ``Across Disciplines,’’ is geared for owners and caretakers of horses and equine-based businesses, said organizers from CCE Equine, an initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County to bring practical education to equine business owners, including boarding, riding, training and more.

CCE Equine receives grant funding from the New York Farm Viability Institute, a state funded and farmer-led nonprofit group that funds research to help farmers increase profits.

Horse Symposium begins at 8:30 a.m. each day. The Saturday program includes speakers and demonstrations in horse rescue, shoeing, lameness issues, horse-trainer relationship building, and pasture management.

Susan Richards, author of ``Chosen by a Horse’’ (Harcourt, 2006), will discuss how working with an abused horse was therapeutic for the trainer, too. ``Chosen by a Horse,’’ a memoir, is currently in the New York Times Top 30 bestselling list and has been reviewed favorably by the Boston Globe and Hartford Currant.

Saturday’s program includes dressage and western riding techniques, as well as a demonstration by the New York State High School Rodeo Association.

Sunday’s program includes horse behavior, message, dentistry, veterinary basics and marketing an equine business with a website.

Cost is $30 per day or $50 for both days. Register by March 14 to receive free lunch. Call (518) 885-8995 to register. Additional information is available online, www.cceequine.org.




New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.