Hard Labor Creek State Park, Rutledge, GA-- 30 miles east of Atlanta, Ga off I-20

Saturday:
Gene Ovnicek on Equine Podiatry:  Natural Balance Hoofcare for Performance Horses (a 'must be there' for you and your farrier!)

and,

Sunday:
Understanding Muscles in Performance Horses on Sunday:  a panel of veterinarians and experts talking about muscles physiology, conditioning, care and repair

 

	Saturday:  'Natural Balance Hoofcare for Performance Horses' with Gene Ovnicek The principles and guidelines that make up the practice of Natural Balance® Hoof Care offer some tools and solutions to common problems that can benefit most horses, as well as their farrier and veterinarian. The clinic will offer scientific and practical information that can be used by equine novice and professionals of all levels. Gene Ovnicek is nationally and internationally recognized as a farrier, clinician and researcher. A pioneer in the study of wild horse hoof form and function, Gene has combined his 40 years of farrier experience with the information from other scientific research as a foundation for treating and preventing equine lameness. Gene is currently involved with ongoing research with Dr. Robert Bowker of Michigan State University and Dr. Barbara Page of the Equine Wellness Foundation. The ever evolving Natural Balance® information packed presentations have been featured at some of the most prestigious farrier and veterinarian conferences in the world. In addition to the research projects, teaching and his position as President & Chief Technician of Equine Digit Support System, Inc., Gene still operates a complete farrier practice ranging from performance horses to lameness management and consultation. From:  Gene Ovnicek web site.
	Sunday:  'Understanding Muscles in Performance Horses' with: Ann Stuart DVM on basic muscle anatomy and physiology Brett Tennent-Brown DVM on paraphysiology of muscle myopathies Ken Marcella DVM on diagnostics of myopathies / metabolics Todd Holbrook DVM on prevention and treatment of muscle myopathies Dinah Rojek on muscle conditioning
	Ann Stuart-- widely experienced field and endurance veterinarian who has supported all levels of US international endurance teams for ten years as Team Veterinarian or on the Chef  D’Equipe staff, helping riders win gold, silver and bronze medals. Brett Tennent-Brown  -- on the staff of University of Georgia Veterinary School Ken Marcella  -- widely experienced field and endurance veterinarian who has been a leader in bringing better muscle diagnostics into the field. Todd Holbrook -- on the staff of Oklahoma State University, a widely experienced field and endurance veterinarian who has been studying stress factors impacting performance horses. Dinah Rojek -- Dinah has bred, raised and competed her competitive trail and endurance horses for over 25,000 miles.  She is also a paraolympic dressage competitor.  Dinah also contributes to Gayle Eckerd's on line classes at University of Guelph in the area of equine physiology.

Charges and registration (form here):

Weekend:
-  $200 APEX members
-  $225 non-APEX members, included $25 for APEX associate membership for 2009
-  $75 students (must show identification)

One day : 
- $125 APEX members
- $150 non-APEX members, included $25 associate membership for 2009
- $50 students (must show identification)

Food:  Continental breakfast provided Saturday and Sunday; Saturday lunch (salads / subs) and dinner (chicken, sides, strawberry shortcake) available $25 / person

Lodging:   Modern, sharable cabins at the Hard Labor Creek State Park:  2 bedroom each with 2 double beds, 1 bath, up to 8 occupants, heat, kitchen, cableTV, fireplace, linens supplied.  Of 20 cabins at the park, 2 cabins are pet-friendly.  Reservations made through http://www.gastateparks.org/info/hardlabor/ or (800) 864-7275 ($119/cabin/night) .  For sharing options, contact Anne Ayala.
Or multiple motels available in Madison, GA (e.g., Comfort Inn).
Parking fee of $3 / vehicle payable at Trading Post on entry.   Trading Post has fireplace wood for purchase.
If you bring your horse:  stables on site.  RV campsites available.   22 miles of trails.

For more information contact
Anne Ayala at kenayala@charter.net (828 274 5121)
or
Cheryl Newman at cherylnewman@charter.net (828 665 1531)