The 49th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour, presented by Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, included the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center). The center, situated in the heart of hunt country, was honored to be included in the tour.

One of the presentations this year was by Becky Carter, PhD candidate on her research project on metabolic aspects of obesity, including insulin resistance, and its relationship to laminitis. Carter explained to our visitors that as with humans, obesity is a growing problem in horses and its presence may lead to disease. Specifically, Carter and her colleagues have hypothesized that obesity causes insulin resistance, a condition prevalent in horses and ponies with laminitis which is a disease of the hoof. Everyone was intrigued by Carter's presentation.

The MARE Center "Name the Baby" contest was a winner with young and old alike. Several pair of mares and foals was brought to the barn for viewing and for an opportunity to name the new baby. All of the children had a grand time selecting names. Some of which included for the filly, out of Orbiting and by Hansel, "Fairytale Orbit", and "Milky Way"; a baby colt out of Medly and by Ball's Bluff, "Cadillac Jack", and "Jeeves" to name just a few.

A hayride tour of the MARE Center was provided by faculty, students and staff at the center. These rides included a brief history and a ride down the lane to see more mares, foals and stallions. Everyone had a good time sharing questions and comments along the way.

Virginia Tech's Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center's mission is to advance the health and well-being of the horse through graduate education for equine professionals, nutritional and pasture management research, and community educational programs. Located in Middleburg, Va., the center is one of 13 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers located across the state that help serve the commonwealth's agricultural needs.