March 2026 Issue

March 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 30 Continued on page 32 HORSE WORLD EXPO 2026 Additional Clinics & Seminars Horse Barns White Horse Construction , Inc Parkesburg, Pa 19365 ph: 610-593-5559 www.WHChorsebarns.com For over 28 years, we’ve been building barns that simplify daily care, and give you peace of mind. We design barns so you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying your horses. Give us a call to discuss your next building project! Designed & Built to be That Work For You Specializing In Animal Housing Structures, Indoor Arenas, Garages, & Farm Buildings riders’ skills and confidence. A recordedUSEF judge and cer- tified Paso Fino Horse Association judge, Rick also conducts customized clinics and professional training nationwide. • Fri 6 PM – What Makes Gait a Gait (Round Pen) • Sat 3 PM – Trail Horse Testing Program (Round Pen) Carolann Sharpe | Mid-Atlantic Trail Organizations booth 417 Carolann Sharpe is President of Trail Riders of Today and a dedicated advocate for trail access, conservation, and responsible recreation. Taking up riding at age 35, she quickly developed a passion for sustainable trail practices and pro- tecting natural spaces.Withmore than 20 years of experience in equine management and advocacy, Carolann has spent the past decade working to improve trail safety, access, and community engagement. She fosters partnerships with local governments and conservation groups while organizing in- clusive events that celebrate trail riding and horse camping, ensuring trails remain open and welcoming for future gener- ations through Trail Riders of Today. • Sun 1 PM – ConservationThrough Recreation (Seminar Hall B) Dr. Danielle Smarsh | Penn State Ext. Equine Program booth 608, 609 Dr. Danielle Smarsh is an Assistant Professor of Equine Science and Equine Extension Specialist in Penn State’s De- partment of Animal Science. A New Jersey native, she earned her B.S. from the University of Delaware and her Ph.D. in Equine Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University, where she studied the effects of age and training on oxidative stress in Standardbreds. After teaching at the University of Wisconsin– River Falls, she returned to the Northeast to continue research on the Pennsylvania horse industry and equine gastrointestinal health. Dr. Smarsh also leads statewide extension programs on biosecurity, parasite control, nutrition, and basic horse care. • Sat 6 PM – Biosecurity Tips for Horse Owners (Seminar Hall B) Dr. Rebecca Splan | PennStateExt.EquineProgrambooth608,609 Dr. Rebecca Splan (EquineGenetics) is Professor of Equine Science & Management at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.S. in Animal Sci- ence fromMichigan State University and herM.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Nebras- ka–Lincoln. Prior to joining DelVal, she taught at the Universi- ty of Minnesota, Sul Ross State University, and Virginia Tech, where she directed its nationally recognized sport horse breed- ing program. Dr. Splan is active in breed and registry leadership and is a USDF BronzeMedalist and “L” Programgraduate who also competes inAQHARanch Riding. • Thur 2 PM – Equine Coat Color Genetics Decoded (Seminar Hall B) Dr. Burt Staniar | Penn State Equine Science booth 623, 624 Burt Staniar, PhD (Equine Nutrition) is an Associate Pro- fessor inPenn State’sDepartment of Animal Science, where he has taught since 2007. He instructs courses from Introductory Equine Science to Advanced Equine Nutrition and advises the Equine Research Team, providing students hands-on re- search experience. Dr. Staniar earned his PhD and completed postdoctoral work at Virginia Tech, studying nutrition’s effects on cartilage and skeletal development inThoroughbreds. His current research focuses on gastrointestinal health, including systemic inflammation and gut permeability. Through in- tegrated research and teaching, he works to improve equine health, performance, andmanagement practices. • Sat 2 PM – Refeeding the Starved or Malnourished Horse (Seminar Hall B) Capri StilesMikesell | PAEquineCouncilbooth212-214,235-237 CapriStiles-MikesellcurrentlyservesasthePresidentofthe Pennsylvania Equine Council supporting horsemen across the commonwealththroughpositivelegislation,education,promo- tion and protection of the equine and equine related activities. Capri credits her development as a horseman to building last- ing relationships with professional mentors who exhibit a solid combination of common sense and passion for equine endeav- ors. She is employed as a biosecurity educator with Penn State Extensionwhere she promotes preparedness as a huge factor in keeping animals safe, healthy and thriving in an ever-changing environment. She and her husband Bob live on a 94-acre farm in Cambria County, Pennsylvania where they raise Quarter Horses for speed events andMaine Anjou beef cattle. • Fri 10:05 AM– Functional Biosecurity (Seminar Hall B) Cassy Streeter | Penn State Ext. Equine Programbooth 608, 609 Cassy Streeter serves on the Penn State Extension Equine Team where she educates owners about hay testing and forage analysis. By helping farmers understand nutritional values and sampling techniques, she ensures horses receive balanced diets tailored to their needs. Her work combines scientific accuracy Continued from page 28