UK Ag Equine Programs

Excited to welcome Dr. Stowe back as director!

Jill Stowe has been named director of UK Ag Equine Programs and Dickson Professor of Equine Science and Management beginning Aug. 1.

Stowe returns to the role a decade after leading the program from 2013 to 2016. Since that time, she has continued to help guide the growth and development of the multidisciplinary program through leadership, instruction and research.

“I have been a part of Ag Equine Programs since arriving at UK in 2008, and it has been instrumental in my career trajectory as an agricultural economist,” Stowe said. “I am excited to be in a position where I am able to give back to the program through service.”

The University of Kentucky program is home to one of the college’s largest undergraduate majors and connects the equine work being done across UK’s land-grant pillars of teaching, research and Extension.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3RDlKpk

Join us on Thursday, October 1 for the 2026 Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair, a premier event connecting employers, students, alumni, and community members across three of Kentucky's signature industries: agribusiness, distillation, and equine.

This one-of-a-kind career fair brings together the Commonwealth's leading industries to:

- Showcase rewarding career opportunities
- Connect with a diverse pool of talented students from all majors
- Highlight workforce needs and emerging industry trends
- Build meaningful partnerships that strengthen Kentucky's future workforce
All University of Kentucky students, alumni, all majors, and members of the broader community are welcome!

Registration is now open! Take advantage of the early bird discounted rate through August 26.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent and celebrate the industries that help drive Kentucky's economy. We look forward to seeing you in October as we continue building the future of agriculture, distillation, and equine—together.

https://lnkd.in/gzwWE4Ac

Time to stock up! Experts say dry conditions are making hay yields significantly lower than usual and hard to find.

https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/horse-owners-should-begin-stocking-hay-now-its-too-late

Study analyzes buyers’ assumptions about carpal chips in Thoroughbred yearlings See the vet reports during any yearling sale and you'll hear it — a ripple of concern when a veterinarian flags a bone chip on a radiograph of the horse’s leg. Buyers often step away. Prices drop. The horse, in the minds of many, is already compromised.

Congratulations to researchers in our Department of Veterinary Science!

University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers have received awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, totaling more than $1.8 million to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing horses and the equine industry.

The projects, led by Department of Veterinary Science faculty working across infectious disease, immunology, reproduction and musculoskeletal health, reflect UK’s broad role in equine research and its connection to Kentucky’s signature industry. Congratulations to Gluck researchers Drs. Feng Li, Yosra Helmy, Allen Page, Bruno Menarim and Hossam Elsayed!

The funded studies include work on non-antibiotic treatments for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals, the genetic diversity of equine rotaviruses, the possible effect of joint corticosteroid injections on vaccine protection, the relationship between anti-inflammatory drug use and chronic musculoskeletal inflammation, and a long-sought biological signal tied to early pregnancy maintenance in mares.

https://news.mgcafe.uky.edu/article/uk-equine-researchers-secure-more-18-million-usda-funding-horse-health-studies

So much awesomeness in this photo! We hate saying goodbye to our departing team members, but love welcoming new ones! Welcoming, from left to right:
🐴New program coordinator and UK equine alum Gwen Schmidt
🐴Summer intern and current UK equine student, Tamya Kennedy
🐴Summer intern and UK ISC student Catherine Noll

Sending off two UK equine alums who are going on to do great things:
🐴Second from right, Bethany Smith, past intern and recent graduate, who will be starting grad school at UK in the fall, pursuing a master's in Community and Leadership Development
🐴Far right, departing program coordinator, Angelina Sonoqui, who will be starting her master's at the University of Tennessee in the fall in ag policy

We really do have the best young talent here!

A favorite visit of this Australia education abroad trip so far! One of the best examples of a top notch boutique operation. We are honored to be able to visit and for our students to learn.

We are hiring! We are seeking a program coordinator to play a vital role in supporting student success within the Equine Science and Management (ESMA) degree program through career mentorship, internship program administration, industry engagement and instruction. This position serves as the instructor of record for career-focused curriculum that prepares students for professional pathways in the equine industry.

This role provides individualized career guidance, coordinates experiential learning opportunities, and strengthens connections between students, equine and equine – affiliated businesses. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated expertise in careers and professional opportunities within equine agriculture and related industries.

Apply here:

STEPS Program Coordinator II The STEPS Program Coordinator II plays a vital role in supporting student success within the Equine Science and Management (ESMA) degree program through career mentorship, internship program administration, industry engagement, and instruction. This position serves as the instructor of record for ca...