Kentucky Equine Research Presents Findings at European Conference

Joe Pagan, Ph.D., and Ashley Fowler, Ph.D., presented the results of two studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research during the 12th European Equine Health and Nutrition Congress, held March 12-15, 2025, at Utrecht University, the Netherlands. Over 274 delegates from 20 countries attended the conference.

“This conference attracted top equine scientists from around the world to share research findings and new ideas. Connecting with other individuals who also have a passion and love for the horse was so inspiring,” said Fowler, director of research at Kentucky Equine Research. “We want to learn the best ways to feed and care for horses, and conferences like these allow us to share the results of our work. Sharing the results of research is as important as the research itself.”

Fowler presented a poster titled “The Efficacy of Sponge Baths and Hosing on Exercise Recovery in Thoroughbred Horses.”

Pagan, founder and president of Kentucky Equine Research, presented a poster and a presentation titled “Effects of Two Cooling Modalities on Temperature Recovery on Rectal, Middle Gluteal, and Pectoral Muscle Temperature Recovery Following Treadmill Exercise.” He was chosen as the recipient of the Free Communication Award for this presentation.

In addition to that presentation, Pagan teamed up with longtime Kentucky Equine Research collaborator Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., Ph.D., to give a talk about the management of muscle diseases that highlighted the importance of nutrition and exercise. Kentucky Equine Research hosts the Valberg Neuromuscular Diagnostic Laboratory on its website.

David Nash, director of nutrition technology for Kentucky Equine Research, also attended the conference.