NEW BRUNSWICK — Close to 100 people attended the 2016 Rutgers Equine Science Center summer showcase in the kickoff celebration of the center’s 15-year anniversary.
Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center, Dr. Wendie Cohick, chair of the Department of Animal Sciences, and Dr. Brad Hillman, senior associate director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and director of research.
The event continued with the presentation of a Congressional Certificate from U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1) by Sharon Ortepio, chair of the Equine Advisory Board, a part of the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The center was honored with a ceremonial proclamation from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, sponsored by Lillian Burry.
Guests were treated to a high-speed equine treadmill demonstration, where one of the mares, Randy, wowed the crowd with a big gallop. Visitors from I Excel Child Care in Perth Amboy were thrilled by the performance. Attendees broke off into groups and visited three stations. Guests visited a laboratory, learned about the equine skeleton with Dr. Carey Williams and “Wishbone,” the center’s life-size model, and participated in “Equine Science Jeopardy” with Dr. Nettie Liburt to test their horse knowledge.
The Equine Science Center is a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Its mission is “Better Horse Care Through Research and Education” in order to advance the well-being and performance of horses and the equine industry. Its vision is to be recognized throughout New Jersey as well as nationally and internationally for its achievements in identifying issues in the horse industry, finding solutions through science-based inquiry, providing answers to the horse industry and to horse owners, and influencing public policy to ensure the viability of the horse industry.
For more information about the Equine Science Center, call 848-932-9419 or visit esc.rutgers.edu.
