By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension will offer three educational horse management webinars during December. These online sessions aim to help horse owners, caregivers, and students learn more about important topics related to equine health, environmental care, and the financial responsibilities of owning a horse. Each webinar takes place at noon CST on December 3, 10, and 17.
The first session on December 3 is led by Dr. Ethan Andress, the North Dakota state veterinarian. His webinar, titled Stable Safeguards: Traceability and Biosecurity for Equine Diseases, focuses on the importance of tracking horse movement during disease events.
“Traceability in our equine herd is crucial when it comes to diseases, such as the recent equine herpesvirus (EHV) outbreak,” says Dr. Andress. “While we rely on biosecurity safeguards to prevent diseases, such as limiting the sharing of equipment, it is vital to be able to trace where animals have been so we know which to watch more closely for health-related issues stemming back to an outbreak.”
The second session, held on December 10, is taught by Mary Keena, an NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. Her webinar, Stable Solutions: Managing Manure in Winter, covers winter manure handling and how simple changes in daily care can impact spring conditions. Keena notes that good winter management helps prevent runoff and protects surface water when snow melts in the spring.
The final webinar on December 17 is presented by Paige Brummund, an agriculture and natural resources agent with NDSU Extension in Ward County. Her session, Stable Finances: What It Takes to Afford a Horse, explains the real costs of owning a horse. Brummund discusses budgeting for feed, training, and regular care along with unexpected costs such as emergencies.
Each webinar offers practical guidance that horse owners can use right away. Registration is required to attend, and participants may sign up online at ndsu.ag/horsewebinar25.
These webinars provide valuable learning opportunities for anyone interested in improving horse care, understanding environmental impacts, or preparing financially for responsible horse ownership.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Weather