March/April 2025 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN March/April 2025 Page 43 Visit Carolann Sharpe at the Trail Riding & Camping booth 417. Danielle Smarsh, PhD, PAS Managing Horses in Extreme Temperatures (Thurs., 3 pm, Seminar Hall B) Danielle is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Equine Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at Penn State who spent 4.5 years teaching in the Ani- mal Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She received her BS in Animal Science from the Univer- sity of Delaware and her PhD in Equine Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her equine research studied the effects of age and training on antioxidants and oxidative stress in Standardbreds. Current research projects involve understanding the Pennsylvania horse industry and looking at the effects of diet and exercise on gastrointestinal health in horses. Visit Danielle Smarsh, PhD, PAS Penn State Ext. Equine Program booth 608, 609. Dr. Rebecca Splan Matchmaking; Choose the Right Stallion for Your Mare (Sat., 2 pm, Seminar Hall B) Dr. Splan is a Professor of Equine Science & Management at Delaware Valley University. She has a BS in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Previ- ously she taught equine and animal science at the Univer- sity of Minnesota, Sul Ross State University, and Virginia Tech, where she also directed its nationally recognized sport horse breeding program. She has served on the Board of Directors for the International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry North America, the Virginia Arabian Horse Associ- ation, and the American Live- stock Breeds Conservancy, and is also a USDF Bronze Medalist and “L” Program graduate with honors. She competes region- ally and nationally in AQHA Ranch Riding events. Visit Dr. Rebecca Splan at the Penn State Ext. Equine Pro- gram booth 608, 609. Stallion Avenue (Thurs., 4 pm, Fri., 1 pm, Sat., 4 pm, Sun., 11 am, Equine Arena) Stallion Avenue features the region’s top stallions. A variety of breeds will be represented. Each stallion will be shown in the arena each day. Dr. Burt Staniar Critically Evaluate What You Feed Your Horse (Sat., 1 pm, Seminar Hall B) A faculty member in the Department of Dairy and Animal Sciences at Penn State, Dr. Staniar’s research focuses on how nutrition influences healthy growth and metabolism in horses. He is researching how different feeding management strategies impact metabolic health, skeletal development and growth, and gastrointestinal integrity in order to identify nu- tritional strategies to reduce the risk of health problems that are a serious concern to the equine industry including gastric ulcers, laminitis, and colic. Visit Dr. Burt Staniar at the Penn State University booth 623, 624. Capri Stiles-Mikesell Five “W’s” of Fireworks (Thurs., 2 pm, Seminar Hall B) Proper Equine Liability Signage (Sat., 9:05 am, Seminar Hall B) Capri serves as the Presi- dent of the Pennsylvania Equine Council supporting horsemen across the commonwealth through positive legislation, edu- cation, promotion and protection of the equine and equine relat- ed activities. Capri credits her development as a horseman to building lasting relationships with professional mentors who exhibit a solid combination of common sense and passion for equine endeavors. She is employed as a biosecurity educator with Penn State Extension where she promotes preparedness to keep animals safe, healthy and thriving in an ever-changing environment. She and her husband Bob live on a 94-acre farm in Cambria County, PA where they raise Quarter Horses for speed events and Maine Anjou beef cattle. Visit Capri Stiles-Mikesell at the PA Equine Council booth 212-214, 235-237. Team Horse Power Up the Alley; Barrel Racing Fundamentals (Sun., 10:05 am, Seminar Hall B) Team Horse Power members are dedicated teens, aged 14 and above, who have successfully completed Level I and Level II of the PA 4-H Horsemanship Skills Program. Throughout the year, they collaborate to present programs at various clinics, camps, and workshops. Additionally, they contribute to (Continued from page 42) (Continued on page 44)