Pony Clubbers To Learn Horse Medicine Saturday

COLLEGE STATION, January 9, 2006 - More than 200 United States Pony Club members from across the Rio Grande Region will be introduced to the basics of horse medicine at Texas A&M University's 'Aggie Day' on Saturday, January 14, at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, with the event co-sponsored by the Department of Animal Science.

Youngsters of all ages will be exposed to horse care and anatomy presented by the college's veterinary medicine students. Topics will consist of horse breeds and bridles to shoeing and nutrition and everything in between, notes Dr. Larry Johnson, a professor in the department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at the college.

"'Aggie Day' is designed to refine the veterinary medical knowledge of young people who already have an interest in horses by exposing them to the world of large animal veterinary medicine," says Dr. Johnson. "It is also a great opportunity for our veterinary students to hone their communication skills with potential future clients and give something back to the community and Texas."

The day-long program features tours of the large animal teaching hospital, lectures on equine eye problems and nutrition, and interactive sessions in anatomy and with live horses. The program will conclude with a veterinary student panel discussion at 3:30 p.m. focused on entry requirements for veterinary school and achieving success in the veterinary medicine field.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718