The American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association national convention in Morgantown runs Wednesday, April 12 through Saturday, April 15 and is hosted by West Virginia University.
About 75 equine students from across the country will use the opportunity to learn more about the horse industry while honing their leadership skills.
WVU Professor of Equine Studies Crystal Smith said there will be panel discussions on topics like veterinary acupuncture, chiropractic, and equine sports massage therapy.
“We’ve tried to pull together activities that represent the breadth of the horse industry here in West Virginia,” Smith said. She will host Wednesday’s opening welcome commencement address.
Thursday, April 13 is Wild & Wonderful West Virginia Day with a presentation by Dr. Jamie Schuler, director of WVU Forests and CJ Belknap, assistant director, Adventure WV.
Friday’s lineup includes keynote speaker Julie Broadway, president of the American Horse Council.
On Saturday Miss West Virginia 2022, Elizabeth Lynch, who graduated from the Davis College of Agriculture, will discuss her life in a presentation entitled “Growing Up, Growing Up Ag.”
Smith said there will also be a presentation Saturday on the J.W. Ruby Research Farm, home to WVU’s Equine Studies Program.
The farm lies 22 miles east of Morgantown near Reedsville in Preston County with much of the acreage dedicated to forage crop production to support animals on the farm and the Animal Sciences Farm in Morgantown.
“We’re going to bring the attendees to the farm that day (Saturday) and do industry demos here that showcase our facility and also what the industry looks like in West Virginia,” Smith said.
The American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association national convention runs April 12 to April 15 in Morgantown. For a complete schedule of events, visit https://collegiatehorsemen.org/events/