Middleburg, Va., May 14, 2008 — At its bi-annual meeting May 1, the advisory council of Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE Center) has elected Dr. Matthew Mackay-Smith of White Post, Va., and James Treptow of Middleburg, Va., as members of the council.

“Dr. Mackay-Smith and Mr. Treptow bring us many years of experience in the horse business and demonstrated enthusiasm for the nutritional research work of the center,” said Bruce Smart, the council’s chairman.

Dr. Mackay-Smith, a Hall of Fame veterinarian, is an accomplished endurance rider, and for many years the medical editor of EQUUS magazine. Treptow now owns the horse training facilities of Hickory Tree Farm, located across the road from the MARE Center. His horse, Rebellion, recently won the grade II Commonwealth Stakes at Keeneland.

At the meeting, Sharron Quisenberry, dean College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said, “We are enthusiastic about the research potential of this unique 420 acre center. Northern Virginia is home to the state’s largest concentration of horses engaged in almost every equine performance discipline, and thus is an ideal location for equine research programs.”

In other actions, the council heard a report from Dr. Ray Geor, Paul Mellon Distinguished Professor of Agriculture, on the state of the MARE Center and its research opportunities, and re-elected members Mary Mills Abel-Smith (Vice Chair), Frances Dulaney, Eve Thompson and Catherine Woteki to three-year terms.

Virginia Tech’s MARE 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.