2009 Roundtable Discussion Clinic

Hope Birsh explains the use of a bit	Equine dentist Bruno Favre	Sam Allan watches as Courtney Molino applies a leg wrap
Walter Reynolds discusses horse conditioning		Farriers Brooke and Adam Daneker handle  hoof and glue-on shoe questions
Look at that pile of bits!		Sam Allan watches as attendees apply a wrap to a model leg

Misty green fields and bobbing daffodils set the stage on Saturday, March 28 as MCTA hosted an Equine Roundtable in Glyndon, Maryland.
 
An informative midday event, the roundtable format invited anyone interested to drop by at any time and talk one-on-one with any of our experts. There was no lengthy commitment, no membership required, no long program. It provided an informal, entertaining and information-filled opportunity to meet experts in a variety of fields and all equestrian disciplines and to ask questions related to their specific issues and interests.
 
Attendees had hands-on opportunities to wrap [plastic] horse legs with a variety of wraps; discuss and handle all kinds of bits and hackamores, and what's 'legal' for dressage; learn about equine dentistry with the tools of the trade and a real equine skull; see the newest in glue-on shoe technology; understand how equine massage benefits both horse and rider; get great tips on conditioning horses and ponies at all levels of competition or for any intended use.
 
The picturesque property of St John's Episcopal Church in Glyndon provided a warm haven on an otherwise gray and drizzly day. Hot beverages and snacks helped warm the atmosphere with energetic horsey comeraderie.
 
MCTA offers our deepest gratitude to our experts:
Sam Allan of Allan Sporthorses -- Leg Wrapping
Hope Birsh of Maryland Saddlery -- Bits & Bitting
Bruno J. Favre EqDT -- Equine Dentistry
Brooke & Adam Daneker -- Farriers & Glue-on Shoeing
Courtney Molino, ESMT -- Hands On Horses Equine Sports Massage Therapy
Walter Reynolds -- Horse Conditioning
 
Horsemen came from Virginia, Southern Maryland and Pennsylvania in addition to central Maryland. Big kudos to organizer Joyce Young who managed the entire program from soup to nuts. Our warmest thanks to Patti Fenwick and St John's Episcopal Church for offering such a lovely facility for all of us to meet. (see more photos >)