_{Hometown: Clinton, AR}

A few words from Abby:

“I dreamed of being an Equine Scholar since I first discovered the program at Rolex Kentucky. I had wanted to visit Kentucky and attend Rolex for several years, and I was finally able to do so in 2007. I stumbled upon the Equine Scholars booth on the concourse of the trade fair, and fell in love with the program. It was just what I needed – an outlet to learn about and network within the equine industry. Our trip to Rolex Kentucky became an annual family vacation. Every year I returned to the Equine Scholars booth, reigniting my aspiration to be accepted into Georgetown College and the Equine Scholars Program.

I am from Clinton, Arkansas – a small town in the Ozark Mountains in the north central part of the state. I have been around horses my entire life. I was involved in 4-H for many years, and in the EAST Initiative program at Clinton High School where I founded the VBC HERO Ride for Life (a large and successful fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that is geared for equestrians). I grew up riding western, but began riding English about six years ago. I have two horses: Rocky (13 year old Paint) and Jack (3 year old Quarter Horse Appendix). My family owns six other horses (Tennessee Walkers and a Missouri Fox Trotter). I ride for pleasure; I enjoy trail riding, and simply taking care of my horses. I am a big fan of eventing – maybe someday I’ll try competing a little.

I am currently an intern at Equestrian Events, Inc., producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (where I first found the Equine Scholars Program!). I am majoring in Environmental Science, and will pursue veterinary school after I graduate.”

Scholars visited Jackson Chiropractic Wellness Center in Versailles, KY.  We met with Drs. Bruce and Anita Jackson, D.C., owners of the practice, who spoke to us about the complicated role proper bone structure and alignment play in the overall health of the horse.  The Jackson’s facility is unique in that they treat humans, horses, and dogs.  They explained how they both obtained their degree in human chiropractic medicine, and then went to additional schooling to become certified in animal chiropractics.  Their experience allows them to travel throughout the country to treat some of the leading horses in the hunter/jumper, Saddlebred, and Arabian show circuits.

Dr. Bruce also spoke about the value of using chiropractics in conjunction to traditional medicine to prevent and treat common injuries seen in horses.  Live detonations with both a dog and horse showed us how kinesiology and muscle testing is used to help determine the state of the animal and where adjustments need to be made.  We also learned about additional alternative medicine and therapy treatments such as acupuncture and laser therapy.

Thank you Dr. Bruce and Dr. Anita, for allowing us this awesome experience to learn about equine chiropractics!

Scholars volunteered and were given a V.I.P. tour of the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. 2012 was the second year that the show has been held in Lexington, KY and the first year that the Equine Scholars Program has been part of the experience.  The National Horse Show is the United States’ oldest indoor horse show, and historically has been held in New York City at Madison Square Gardens.  While normally the show is limited to hunters and jumpers, this year was a special one, as it brought back the American Saddlebred championships.

Carrie Wirth of Phelps Media Group, gave us a wonderful behind-the-scenes  tour which consisted of learning the history of the show, meeting with a top rider and competitor, seeing the exclusive exhibitor’s lounge, Gracie’s Place interior design and art gallery, the press box, and understanding just how much work is involved to produce a show such as the National.

Student volunteers were present throughout all five days of the show and helped with everything from ticket sales to information services.  Each scholar was given an official National Horse Show t-shirt and a pass for the entire length of the show.  The Georgetown Equine Scholars Program would like to thank Phelps Media Group and Alltech for their hospitality and for allowing us to be part of the event!  We look forward to being there in 2013!

_{Hometown: Bellevue, ID}

A few words from Lexy:

“I chose to pursue my higher education at Georgetown College for many reasons. The biggest reason I chose Georgetown College was for the Equine Scholars Program, that focused my love for horses in an academic light. It taught me about all the equine industry has to offer, and opened up many doors for me. I have been introduced to some of the most respected people in the horse world, and have networked with organizations in ways I didn’t know possible. Aside from the Equine Scholars Program, I have gained more than I have ever dreamed from Georgetown College. On top of an excellent education, I have gained a second family through this school. From Greek life to my professors, everyone at Georgetown College sincerely cares about my well being, education, and my future.”

Lexy is also activly advancing her riding career in eventing.  Go Lexy!