Second Annual Merial Champions Summit a Success
PleasureHorse.com
The old adage “the way to every man’s heart is his stomach” pretty much holds true for horses as well. Wouldn’t you want to know that your trainers are learning all they can about digestive tracts, supplements and much more? Merial is making that happen by hosting the second annual Merial Champions Summit.
Held this year in scenic Nashville, Tennessee, the Champions Summit is designed to provide business-related information to trainers and establish relationships to learn more about how to keep your horses as healthy as possible. Health was not the only topic up for presentation, as the Summit also included Financial Planning For Your Future by Mitzi Michaelson and Ann Hollis from Merrill Lynch, an insurance presentation by Dr. Lance Allen from Markel, an Equine Law Update from Denise Farris, Esq., and presentations from Equine Professional Consultant Jim Gibby.
Jessica Normand and Susan Turner from SmartPak spoke about SmartGut® Ultra & ColiCare™, and Dr. Megan Green and Dr. Andy Bennett, both from Merial, talked about Equine Stomach Ulcers and Equine Joint Health respectively. There was even a little friendly competition and fun “art project” thrown in! The attendees were split into teams to compete in building an equine stomach from craft tools such as pom-poms and markers.
“Merial is committed to the equine industry and excited to bring this type of education to AQHA professional horsemen,” shares BeckiePeskin, Senior Equine Brand Manager for Merial. “We hope to expand the program in years to come as the feedback we’ve gotten so far has been very positive.”
AQHA Professional Horsemen who attended the summit included Chris Arentsen, Jon Barry, Keith Miller, Adam Wainscott, Steve Meadows, Brad Kearns, Blake Weis, Whitney and Michael Lagace, Jim and Deanna Searles, and Rob and Mary Meneely.
“The gold trophy goes to the Merial team for their innovation in educating professional horsemen and horsewomen on a variety of equine issues,” says Brad Kearns of his experience. “Every speaker gave us tools for successful equine business, from horse health to healthy business practices. I would like to thank Merial, SmartPak, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Jim Gibby, Dr. Andy Bennett, Denise Farris, Markel Insurance, and Dr. Meg Green for taking the time to provide us with this valuable information for our use, and for us to share with our colleagues in the industry. Also, to coordinator Becky Peskin and her associates Kelley Mundrick, Colleen Scott and Deb Johnson for taking their time and skills to put such an amazing event together.”
“I was so excited to be a part of this experience!” commented Merial Equine Brand Associate Kelley Mundrick. “It is so neat to see how trainers loved the education provided on all topics and really care about their horses in training and clients. The interaction was great.”
See more pictures from the event below:
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We commend the Merial team for assembling this group in the spirit of learning and collaboration, and we congratulate everyone involved in participating in such a worthwhile program.