The Rutgers Equine Science Center and Rutgers Cooperative Extension will be hosting a seminar on horse management and training techniques this winter, keeping topics centered on the program’s theme: “Why Do They Do That? Behavior and Training of Horses”

The seminar is scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2016, and will feature presentations by several respected industry professionals who are widely regarded as authorities on the topics of equine behavior and training.

“Horse training is an often-requested but tricky theme for this seminar because there are so many methods out there, so we will instead explain how horses learn and how that knowledge can be applied to training,” said Carey Williams, PhD, Extension equine specialist and associate director of Extension for the Rutgers’ Equine Science Center. “Our goal in presenting this workshop is to give our audience an understanding of the concepts behind equine learning which are present regardless of discipline or training method and provide some of the research techniques that can be applied.”

Williams herself will be one of the seminar’s presenters, talking on “How Nutrition Can Affect Behavior.”

Carissa Wickens, PhD, University of Florida Department of Animal Sciences, will give two presentations; one will cover “Normal/Natural Behavior of Horses,” and the other will discuss cribbing, weaving, and other sterotypical behaviors seen in horses.

Angelo Telatin, Delaware Valley University Department of Equine Science and Management, will give two presentations on the use of Learning Theory in horse training, and Betsy Greene, PhD, University of Vermont Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, will present on “Psychological Stress and Welfare of Horses.”

Following the presentations, each speaker will be included in a panel discussion, allowing attendees an additional opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.

The seminar will also feature informational displays, networking opportunities, and door prizes from industry companies and area organizations. Ample time for one-on-one discussions with the day’s presenters will be available as well.

A complete program, registration information, and a seminar brochure are posted on the Equine Science Center website. Early bird discount registration ends on Jan. 29, 2016.