Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center to host open house

28 May 2009

Demonstrations scheduled for the June 13 open house at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center include showing how horses are diagnosed for possible respiratory or cardiac problems by having them run on the center's high-speed treadmill.

As part of the ongoing celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center is holding an Open House on Saturday, June 13 from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see premier horse health care in action because several demonstrations — using live horses — are scheduled. For instance, the center’s faculty will perform ultrasound exams, endoscopy tests, and will put a horse through its paces on the high-speed treadmill. Also, demonstrations will take place that show how acupuncture is performed on a horse, how horses get their teeth cleaned, and visitors can witness an equine “surgical procedure” (but, in this case, the patient will be a stuffed toy horse).

In addition, presentations on how to prepare a competitive application for veterinary college will be made and lectures on equine colic will be featured.

Those attending the open house can visit with a Clydesdale named Forrest, along with several horses from the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon and its Therapeutic Riding Program. “Bo,” a miniature horse that has learned behaviors and tricks through clicker training, will also be on hand to demonstrate his skills.

The open house will also include activities for children, and refreshments will be available.

For more information, visit the equine medical center online.