Register now for the Best Horse Practices Summit at Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine, October 19-20. With electives on October 18 and 21.

Friday, October 18

1 pm. Elective field trip to Compassionate Composting, run by Michelle Melaragno. Trapp Road, Auburn. Melaragno, a long-time rider, vet assistant, and barn manager, is at the forefront of equine composting and has presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Transportation not provided. Attendees must register for this free event in advance. More details to follow.

4 – 7 pm Summit Social and Early Registration at the Maine Beer Company, 525 US Route 1, Freeport.

Join us for a casual, optional Welcome Reception at this lovely establishment in Freeport. Grab a beverage and a wood-fired pizza. Pick up your badge and swag bag. Presenters, board members, and volunteers will be on hand to greet you and join in conversation.

Saturday, October 19

Morning Academic Presentations

7:30  – 8 am, Registration at The Commons, 15 Farm View Drive, Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine. Pick up your badge and swag bag. Grab a complimentary coffee or tea and meet fellow attendees.

8 – 9 am, Keynote Speaker, Stephen Budiansky

As Budiansky likes to point out in The Nature of Horses: “science is now beginning to allow the horse to tell its own story. And indeed I would argue that at this late date in the shared history of man and horse it is only the objective tools of science that can sort out what millenniums of tradition, lore, and wishful thinking have sometimes muddled.”

We’re looking forward to hearing Budiansky’s suggestions for how attendees can weave Summit presentations into their own routine and vernacular.

9:15 – 10:30 am, Dr. Sheryl King Tick-Borne Disease.

We will learn about the life cycle of the tick, how it infects animals, and the science behind testing and treatment options. King will discuss challenges as they are represented in common East Coast diseases like Lyme Disease.

10:45 – 11:45 am, Dr. Steve Peters –Brain Science for Trail and Arena Riding.

Peters’ presentation will focus on relevant brain science to know and use when trail riding and working in an arena, including the importance of neurochemistry especially the dopamine system in reward and learning. Peters’ presentation will dovetail with West Taylor’s arena presentations.

11:45 am – 1:15, Lunch Break. We dine on a marvelous meal from Black Tie Catering, served buffet style in the Commons. Then we move to Pinelands’ Equestrian Center for arena presentations. Carpooling encouraged. Or enjoy the mile walk. Transportation not provided.

Afternoon Arena Presentations

1:30-2:30 pm, West Taylor. Science-based strategies for trail and arena riding. With additional commentary from Dr. Peters, Taylor will demonstrate how to maximize success on trail rides and in the arena by using what we learn about brain science.

3-4:30 pm, Amy Skinner and Katrin Silva will present on the Power of a Good Seat and show how to develop solid seatmanship, regardless of your discipline and how to improve your seat with exercises in and out of the saddle. This presentation will dovetail with Jec Ballou’s presentation on Sunday.

5-9 pm, Dinner followed by our popular Storytelling Sessions. We return to the Commons for a scrumptious meal and an evening of Storytelling. Our theme this year is “Connection.” More details to follow. Check out last year’s Storytelling Sessions here.

Sunday, October 20

Morning Academic Presentations

9-10:30 am, Dr. Bob Bowker. The hoof expert has expanded his expertise to fascia and other research topics. He will present on hoof function and how we can better improve the health and condition of the foot during such disease conditions as laminitis and navicular syndrome.

10:45 – 11:45 am, Alayne Blickle is an expert on property management as it involves manure, mud, hoof and coat health, and climate change. Her presentation will address environmental challenges from flooding to pests.

11:45 am – 1:15, Lunch Break. We dine on marvelous meal from Black Tie Catering. Served buffet style in the Commons. We then move to Equestrian Center for arena presentations. Carpooling encouraged (or enjoy the mile walk!) Transportation not provided.

Afternoon Arena Presentations

1:30 -2:30 pm, West Taylor continues his science-based presentation. With additional commentary from Dr. Steve Peters.

3 – 4:30 pm, Jec Ballou. Ballou’s presentation will dovetail well with Saturday’s presentation by Silva and Skinner on good seatsmanship. The California clinician notes proper biomechanical movement and athleticism can never happen as a result of short-cuts, force, or hurried training methods.

5-7 pm, Final thoughts and farewell reception. Join us for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Visit with fellow attendees, Summit staff and presenters one last time. Check out the trade show, too. We will announce winners of our raffle (Grand Prize: four days at the fabulous Circle Z Ranch in Patagonia, Arizona!)

Monday, October 21

10 am, Elective field trip to Compassionate Composting, run by Michelle Melaragno. Trapp Road, Auburn. Melaragno, a long-time rider, vet assistant, and barn manager, is at the forefront of equine composting and has presented at the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Transportation not provided. Attendees must register for this free event in advance. Details to follow.