Scientific Success at the 2026 USPC Research Project Fair

By Liz Moyer, USPC Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator

Inquiry, analysis, and a passion for horses came together at the 2026 USPC Research Project Fair, where members of the United States Pony Clubs (USPC or Pony Club) presented research on a variety of equine-related topics.

Curiosity about horses is at the heart of the USPC Research Project Fair. Open to members of all ages and certification levels, the program encourages participants to explore equine topics that interest them through experimental research, literature reviews, or collaborative group projects. Competitors present their projects with a visual display and a brief talk to a panel of judges, followed by a question-and-answer session.

The 2026 competition, presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and supported by Horses and Humans Research Foundation, Kentucky Equine Research, and Michigan State University, Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine, once again set a new record for participation, with 71 participants representing 19 Pony Club regions. This marks the third consecutive year of impressive growth, and the USPC Research Project Fair shows no signs of slowing down. Thanks to Horses & Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), the high score individual experimental project winner was awarded a $500 travel grant to attend the HHRF Conference and present their project.

“The continued growth of the USPC Research Project Fair reflects the value of the opportunity to our members, whether supporting their progression through Pony Club’s standards of proficiency or exploring scientific questions rooted in their passion for horses,” said organizer Yvette Seger, PhD.

About the 2026 USPC Research Project Fair

The 2026 USPC Research Project Fair was held in conjunction with the 2026 USPC Convention, sponsored by Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen, 1961 A alum, Wayne-Du Page Hunt Pony Club, and Via Nova Training, which took place January 28–February 1 in Lincolnshire, Ill. Members also logged in from across the country to present their projects through the Virtual Fair, held the weekend prior to the convention via Zoom.

As fluffy snowflakes swirled lazily outside the windows of the Lakeside Pavilion at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Research Project Fair participants worked hard to fine-tune their presentations and put the final touches on their visual displays throughout the day on Friday during convention. Meanwhile, judges sharpened their pencils and charged up laptops for a packed schedule reviewing projects and tabulating scores.

With a total of 50 projects, Pony Club members impressed the judges with the depth of their research, clear scientific methodology, thoughtful analysis, and engaging presentations. Topics ranged from skin conditions and stride length to helmets and trailering safety, equine well-being, diseases that impact our horses, and more.

After the in-person judging concluded, projects were displayed for convention attendees to view, sharing the results and findings with all. Participants celebrated their success and were recognized for their achievements during an awards luncheon held on Saturday.

Continued Success

Participation in the Research Project Fair continues to grow each year, with many members returning to expand on what they learned in previous competitions. Seger, who has coordinated the event since 2015, says the growing number of repeat participants highlights how valuable the experience is for aspiring researchers.

“Approximately 65 percent of this year’s Research Project Fair entrants were prior participants—it is rarely a ‘one and done’ activity!” shared Seger. “As the organizer, it is rewarding to see the evolution of projects presented by these multi-year participants, particularly the application of lessons learned from judges’ feedback to improve approach and data analysis for experimental projects.”

Support for the Next Generation

The Research Project Fair wouldn’t happen each year without the support of sponsors and judges. While Seger coordinates the logistics down to the last detail, she credits the volunteers who make it a positive learning experience for participants.

“The real heroes are the volunteer judges who selflessly share their time and expertise to ensure each participant receives thoughtful and constructive feedback on their project,” she says.

The judging panel reflects expertise in a variety of relevant fields, including STEM research and education, veterinary medicine, and equine management.

Longtime presenting sponsor Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is proud to support the next generation of scientists, equine researchers and future veterinarians.

“We are always inspired by the creativity, curiosity, and dedication showcased at the Research Project Fair,” said Holly E. White,Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation’s director of development. “Supporting opportunities like this is central to our mission at the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation—encouraging the next generation of veterinary researchers whose ideas will ultimately improve the health and welfare of horses. We are proud to be a longtime supporter and congratulate all of the participants on their impressive work.”

Congratulations to all Pony Club members who participated in the 2026 USPC Research Project Fair, presented by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and supported Kentucky Equine Research, and Michigan State University, Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine.

2026 USPC Research Project Fair Winners (In Person)

Individual Experimental Project (11–13 years of age)
First Place: The Effects of Specifically Selected Recorded Music on In-Stall Behavior of Performance Horses, presented by Anna B.
Second Place: Does Grooming Reduce a Horse’s Heart Rate? presented by Hayden I., North Central Prairie Region
Third Place: Does Performing a Rein Back Improve the Quality of the Horse’s Half Halt Before a Fence?”presented by Emma S.K., Midsouth Region

Individual Experimental Project (14–17 years of age)
First Place: How Different Levels of Acid Raid Affect Skin Conditions in School Horses, presented by Ryleigh A., Maryland Region
Second Place: The Effect of Manuka Honey on Equine Wound Recovery and Cosmetic Outcome, presented by Jenavieve F., Eastern Pennsylvania Region

Group Experimental Project—Pairs
First Place: Beyond the Weight Tape: Which Method Accurately Measures a Horse’s Weight, presented by Desert Hooves Pony Club (Karsyn T. and Addison J.), Southwest Region
Second Place: Effect of Breathing Techniques on Horse and Rider Vital Signs, presented by Stillwater Pony Club (Julia A. and Skylar R.), Midsouth Region
Third Place: Do You Catch More Flies with Honey? presented by Brier Bank Farm Pony Club Riding Center #1 (James M. and Reagan C.), North Central Prairie Region
Fourth Place: Will it Whiten? presented by Brandywine Hounds Pony Club (Katherine M. and Aurora J.), Eastern Pennsylvania Region

Group Experimental Project—Groups of Three or More
First Place: What is the Most Absorbent Bedding for Horses? presented by Painted Palominos (Hailey I., Hayden I., Cale H., and Jordan H.), North Central Prairie Region
Second Place: Can a Horse’s Flexion Improve Over Four Weeks with Three Stretches? presented by Brier Bank Farm Pony Club Riding Center #2 (Kaylee R., Kora G., and Ariella, I.), North Central Prairie Region
Third Place: A Comparative Study of Topical Treatments for Equine Rain Rot, presented by Rain Rot Rescue Team (Jenavieve F., Chloe T., and Lillian J.), Eastern Pennsylvania Region
Fourth Place: Thrush in Horses: Which Treatment is Most Effective, presented by Three Musketeers (Brielle F., Erin D. and Claire D.), Eastern Pennsylvania Region
Fifth Place: More Horses, More Dust? presented by Rose Lake Pony Club (Karen U., Kora T., Autumn E., Abbey L., Aubrey M., and Charlotte S.), Great Lakes Region

High Score Group Experimental Project: Painted Palominos (Hailey I., Hayden I., Cale H., Jordan H.), Wayne DuPage Hunt Pony Club, North Central Prairie Region

Individual Literature Review (11-12 years of age)
First Place: Do Equine Joint Injections Lower a Horse’s Immune System? presented by Lily B., Northwest Region
Second Place: Lyme Disease in Horses, presented by Katherine C., Capital Region
Third Place: Equine Herpesvirus, presented by Sophia B., Sunshine Region

Individual Literature Review (13 years of age)
First Place: Tracing the Track, presented by Aubree S., Lake Shore Region
Second Place: A Study on Equine Anemia, presented by Imani H., Southern California Region
Third Place: Safety First: Preparing for Trailering Emergencies Before They Occur, presented by Elaine F., Great Lakes Region

Individual Literature Review (14–15 years of age)
First Place: The Tendon Sheath: A Hidden Superhero, presented by Madeline M., Northern Lakes Region
Second Place: Mythbusters Season 2: Are Ice and Snow Enough? presented by Lily A., Northern Lakes Region
Third Place: Effects of Saddle Breaking Horses Under 5 Years Old, presented byCadence O., Lake Shore Region
Fourth Place: Galloping Through the Seasons—How Weather Affects Horses, presented by Katie M., North Central Prairie Region
Fifth Place: Equine Uveitis: A Look Inside the Eye, presented by Maggie-Dawn J., Lake Shore Region

Individual Literature Review (16–17 years of age)
First Place: Strangulation Lipoma and the Possibility of Developing an Early Detection Test, presented by Alexandra (Sasha) N., Eastern Pennsylvania Region
Second Place: Musculoskeletal Health in Off-Track Thoroughbreds: Injury Patterns and Management in Second Careers, presented by Bridget O., Sierra Pacific Region
Third Place: The Feral Horses of North America: Reintroduced or Invasive? presented by Katherine H., Great Lakes Region
Fourth Place: Born to Run? The Science of Genetics and Racehorse Success, presented by Jenavieve F., Eastern Pennsylvania Region

Individual Literature Review (26 years and up)
First Place: Heads Up: How the FEI is Changing the Future of Helmet Safety, presented by Kimberly C., Delmarva Region
Second Place: You Matter to Your Horse’s Well-being: The Power of Relationships, presented by Candace T., Great Lakes Region

High Score Individual Literature Review: Kimberly C., St. Augustine Pony Club, Delmarva Region

Group Literature Review—Pairs:
First Place: Overview on Conditioning Our Pony Club Mount for Activities, presented by Lake Geneva Area Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center Team 2 (Rachel S. and Kenedee S.)
Second Place: Breeds and Characteristics of Ponies and Horses Used in Pony Club, presented by Lake Geneva Area Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center Team 1 (Ireland H. and Lily W.)
Third Place: Frosty Horse Management, presented by Lake Shore Ladies (Aubree S. and Evelyn B.)
Group Literature Review – Groups of Three or More:
First Place: How Specific Equine Conformation Traits Influence Training Decisions for Long Term Soundness, presented by Texas Heat Pony Club (Ruby L., Zoe L., Anna P., and Alex N.)
Second Place: From Brain to Hoof: How the Central Nervous System Guides a Horse’s Movement, presented by Three Musketeers (Brielle F., Erin D., and Claire D.)
High Score Group Literature Review: Lake Geneva Area Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center Team 2 (Rachel S. and Kenedee S.), Lake Geneva Area Equestrian Center Pony Club Riding Center, Lake Shore Region

2026 USPC Research Project Fair Winners (Virtual)

Individual Experimental Project (9–10 years of age)
First place: Make My Saddle Pad SPARKLE! presented by Alanna B., Big Sky Region

Individual Experimental Project (11–13 years of age)
First Place: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Equine Recovery Through Grooming, presented by Rebekah D., Southern California Region
Second Place: A Stride Further, presented by Aubree Rose S., Lake Shore Region
Third Place: Evaluating the Efficacy of ShowSheen Finishing Spray for Horses, presented by Talia M., Rio Grande Region
Fourth Place: Hmm, Now Which Tape Should I Buy? presented by Kylie B., Big Sky Region

Individual Experimental Project (14–17 years of age)
First Place: How Consistent are Various Thermometers in Reading Temperatures in Horses? presented by Andoline H., Capital Region

Individual Experimental Project (26 years of age and up)
First Place: Hay Analysis, presented by Lydia E., South Region

High Score Individual Experimental Project: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Equine Recovery Through Grooming, presented by Rebekah D., Blossom Hill Ranch Pony Club, Southern California Region

Individual Literature Review (11–13 years of age)
First Place: Just Winging It, presented by Benji S., Lake Shore Region
Second Place: Searching For Cutting Edge Biosecurity Protocols to Prevent EHV1 and EHV4 Mutations, presented by Paige R., Northern Lakes and Red River Regions

Individual Literature Review (18–25 years of age)
First Place: The Hidden Curriculum: How Riding Culture Shapes Fear, Confidence, and Identity in Young Riders, presented by Charlotte T., Northwest Region

High Score Individual Literature Review: The Hidden Curriculum: How Riding Culture Shapes Fear, Confidence, and Identity in Young Riders, presented by Charlotte T., Remington Farm Equestrian Academy and Riding Center Pony Club Riding Center, Northwest Region

Group Experimental Project
First Place: Brush it Out: Which Detangler Works Best on Horse Mane and Tail? presented by Brandywine Hounds Pony Club (Rosalind J., Nora M., Kyleigh S., and Mackenzie E.), Eastern Pennsylvania Region

High Score Group Experimental Project: Brush it Out: Which Detangler Works Best on Horse Mane and Tail? presented by Brandywine Hounds Pony Club (Rosalind J., Nora M., Kyleigh S., and Mackenzie E.), Brandywine Hounds Pony Club, Eastern Pennsylvania Region

Special Thanks to Our 2026 Judges

• Jess Barker
• Melissa Dabadie
• Ben Duke
• Eben Haber, PhD
• Shawna Herrala
• Sedate Kohler, MS
• Anne Koontz, PhD
• Krissy Lewis
• Jane Manfredi, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR (Equine)
• Becky Williams, MA
• Cole Wolf, PhD

Organizer: Yvette R. Seger, PhD

Be Part of the USPC Research Fair

If this all sounds like fun, it’s never too early to start coming up with ideas for the next USPC Research Project Fair. You don’t have to wait until January when applications are due!
Find tips to start planning your project here, and look for details about the next Research Project Fair: https://www.ponyclub.org/activities/comp-opportunities