Horses 2009 is coming to Rutgers on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2009.

February 20, 2009

New Brunswick, N.J. - Horses 2009 is coming to Rutgers on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, 2009, organized by the Equine Science Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It will be held at the Busch Campus Center in Piscataway, NJ.

The program will offer attendees an intense learning experience, with a liberal sprinkling of exhibitor information, fun, prizes, gifts and valuable networking. One attendee each day will win a hand-crafted solid wood tack trunk, courtesy of Rick's Saddle Shop in Cream Ridge.

The special "early bird" registration rate of $50 for one day or $90 for the full weekend ends on Friday, February 27. For more information, or to register, call 732-932-9419 or visit http://www.esc.rutgers.edu/Horses2009/.

One of the highlights of the Horses 2009 program on Saturday, March 28, will be presentations on horse behavior that are designed to answer the question: "Why does my horse do that?"

Dr. Jeannine M. Berger, an associate staff veterinarian in clinical animal behavior at the University of California-Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine, will talk about riding and handling of young and problem horses. Heidi Potter, a full time instructor, trainer and clinician with her own farm in southern Vermont, will discuss and demonstrate ways riders affect the behavior of their horses.

Both teachers are avid riders and students of horses and their behavior. Dr. Berger is experienced in dressage, jumping, eventing and various western disciplines. She has done several clinics with Natural Horsemanship's Dennis Reis and is a hands-on trainer. Her scientific research has focused on such areas as cribbing, head-shaking, narcolepsy and pheromone reactions. Ms. Potter was a standout at Horses 2008 in Vermont this past April. She is a student of Sally Swift, founder of Centered Riding, and is a Level III Centered Riding instructor and clinician. She also is a Master Level Certified Horsemanship Association clinic instructor and a martial arts and yoga practitioner.

Contact: Diana M. Orban Brown
Director of Communication
Rutgers Equine Science Center
732-932-9419
orban@aesop.rutgers.edu