2024 Research Project Fair Recap

By Elizabeth Moyer, USPC Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator

Each year, the USPC Research Project Fair continues to grow in popularity, and 2024 was no exception. The 2024 USPC Research Project Fair, presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and supported by Kentucky Equine Research, boasted an all-time high of 43 participants presenting 35 total projects, both in-person and virtually.

The Fair was held in conjunction with the 2024 USPC Convention, Presented by Via Nova Training, and Sponsored by Lincoln Memorial University.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see interest in the Research Project Fair grow year after year,” said organizer Yvette R. Seger, PhD, who has managed the Fair for the last 10 years. Seger noted that the recent addition of virtual entries for the Research Project Fair has allowed the opportunity to reach many more members.

Over the years, Seger has observed the growth of the Fair along with the personal growth and development of its repeat participants.

“Many of our participants have competed in multiple Research Project Fairs, and it is very rewarding to see the progression in both their research topics and confidence in presenting their work to the panel of judges,” said Seger. “It is particularly rewarding when participants tell me they are already thinking of their projects for next year shortly after presenting their work.”

About the USPC Research Project Fair

The USPC Research Project Fair is an opportunity for members of all ages and certification levels to explore their curiosity about horses and equine-related topics. Participants conduct hypothesis-driven projects or in-depth reviews of the literature, and then present their findings with a visual display of the project and a short presentation to a panel of judges. Throughout the process, they develop valuable skills in research, public speaking, and presentation, along with scientific methodology.

“Each year Grayson takes great pride in encouraging the next generation of scientists through the United States Pony Clubs Research Project Fair. Supporting our youth is imperative to the future of equine research and veterinary practice,”said Holly White, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Director of Development.

Shawna White, Director of Digital Technology at Kentucky Equine Research, also serves on the judging panel for the Research Project Fair in addition to her regular role as Chief Horse Management Judge for USPC. From that vantage point, she is continually impressed by all the participants in the USPC Research Project Fair.

“The thought that each participant puts into planning his or her project and attention to detail throughout the research, collection, and analysis phases consistently shows a maturity far beyond their peers,” she reports. “As a longtime judge, I have enjoyed watching participants come back year after year, exploring different topics, tackling more complex projects, and now going on to college to pursue scientific careers.”

Supporting the Future

The Research Project Fair would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors like the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Kentucky Equine Research, as well as the numerous experts with backgrounds in research, science, education, and Pony Club curriculum, who volunteer as judges.

“The judges are just as impressive as our participants—veterinarians, scientists, medical professionals, educators, and equine professionals, just to name a few,” shares Seger. With the depth of expertise on the judging panel, the Fair represents a unique opportunity for Pony Club members to interact with individuals actively working in a range of careers, something that Seger points out is particularly important for sparking interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Congratulations to all Pony Club members who participated in the 2024 USPC Research Project Fair, presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and supported by Kentucky Equine Research.

Thinking about entering? Read “Tips for the USPC Research Project Fair.”

2024 USPC Research Project Fair Winners (In-Person)

Individual Experimental Project (9-10 years of age)
First place: “How Do Different Genres of Music Affect a Horse’s Mood?” presented by Emma S., Carolina Region
Second place: “Vinegar and Water vs. Fancy White Brightener Pony Shampoo” presented by Paige R., Northern Lakes Region

Individual Experimental Project (11-13 years of age)
First place: “Which Picks Up More Debris – Shod or Barefoot? Does Footing Type Play a Role?” presented by Lilliana S., Midsouth Region
Second place: “How Does Conditioning Make a Difference?” presented by Aubree Rose S., Lake Shore Region

Individual Experimental Project (14-17 years of age)
First place: “Complete Performance Horse Feed Analysis” presented by Juliana D., Sierra Pacific Region
Second place: “Warm-blood vs. Cold Blood” presented by Katherine M., Delmarva Region
Third place: “Thrush” presented by Jenavieve F., Delmarva Region
High Score Individual Experimental Project: Juliana D., Sierra Pacific Region

Individual Literature Review (9-10 years of age)
First place: “Hay Bale Slow Feeding Nets: The Advantages and Disadvantages” presented by Lily B., Northwest Region
Second place: “Masterson Method” presented by Juliet O., Sierra Pacific Region

Individual Literature Review (11-13 years of age)
First place: “Breaking the Horse Brain Code” presented by Aubree Rose S., Lake Shore Region
Second place: “Equine Memory” presented by Imani H., Southern California Region
Third place: “Red Head or Lyme Horse: Is It My Horse’s Personality or Could He hAve Lyme Disease?” presented by Ryleigh A., Maryland Region
Fourth place: “Mane Matters: Crisis Care for Horses” presented by Lily A., Northern Lakes Region
Fifth place: “All About Appaloosas” presented by Annabelle K., Inland Empire Region

Individual Literature Review (14-17 years of age)
First place: “Horse Bedding” presented by Pyper A., Sierra Pacific Region
Second place: “The Shortage of Equine Veterinarians” presented by Marie-Charlotte G., Sierra Pacific Region
Third place: “Lana Wright” presented by Jenavieve F., Delmarva Region

Individual Literature Review (18-25 years of age)
First place: “Season of the Ticks” presented by Michaela F., Midwest Region

High-Score Individual Literature Review: Aubree Rose S., Lake Shore Region

2024 USPC Research Project Fair Winners (Virtual)

Individual Experimental Project (8 years of age and under)
First place: “To Bit or Not To Bit?” presented by Landon B., Southern California Region

Individual Experimental Project (11-13 years of age)
First place: “Who Learns Faster — Mares or Geldings?” presented by Andoline H., Capital Region
Second place: “Effects of Feeding Flaxseed Meal to Horses” presented by Cadence O., Lake Shore Region
Third place: “Two Minds, One Heart” presented by Aiden B., Southern California Region

Individual Experimental Project (14-17 years of age)
First place: “Interaction Correlation of Equus Caballus to Human Coherent Heart Rhythm through Heart Rate Variability Analysis” presented by Adeline T., Metropolitan Region
Second place: “The Backbone of Equine-Assisted Services: A Qualitative Study on Volunteer Motivation” presented by Isabella M., Southern California Region

High-Score Individual Experimental Project: Adeline T., Metropolitan Region

Group Experimental Project
First place: “SCEC Masters Horse Personality Profile” presented by Erica S., Anne T., Amy W., Susan N., Andrew W., Jennifer S., Megan S., Sierra Pacific Region

High-Score Group Experimental Project: Erica S., Anne T., Amy W., Susan N., Andrew W., Jennifer S., Megan S., Sierra Pacific Region

Individual Literature Review (11-13 years of age)

First place: “Equine Coat Color Genetics” presented by Esmé T., Southern California Region

Individual Literature Review (14-17 years of age)

First place: “Classical to Contemporary: The Historical Evolution of English-Style Riding” presented by Sara R., Sierra Pacific Region

Second place: “The Effects of Bodywork on Horses” presented by Harper H., Northwest Region

Individual Literature Review (18-25 years of age)

First place: “EOTRH: A Dental Problem Gaining Recognition” presented by Lydia E., South Region

Second place: “Right Under Our Noses — The Noseband Controversy” presented by Charlotte T., Northwest Region

Third Place: “Compostability of Different Types of Bedding” presented by Jocelyn H., Delmarva Region

Individual Literature Review (26 years of age and above)

First place: “Colic in Equines” presented by David H., Southern California Region

First place: “Fungus Among Us” presented by Kathleen C., Southwest Region

High-Score Individual Literature Review: Esmé T., Southern California Region

Group Literature Review

First place: “Mustangs in America” presented by Aubree Rose S. and Benji S., Lake Shore Region

Second place: “The Amazing Digestive System of the Horse” presented by Brielle F. and Erinn D., Delmarva Region

High-Score Group Literature Review: Aubree Rose S. and Benji S., Lake Shore Region

Thank you to our 2024 Research Project Fair Judges

Virtual Fair:

• Katy Barglow, PhD
• Alicia Flores, PhD
• Beth Sweet, MPT
• Shawna White

Virtual & In-Person Fair:

• Julie De Rosa
• Eben Haber, PhD
• Betsy Karle

In-Person Fair:

• Lynne Arnold
• Alicia Garlick
• Krissy Lewis
• Barbie Roth

Organizers: Yvette R. Seger, PhD; Melissa Dabadie