MARS Equestrian™ will present an Equine Veterinary Continuing Education Series in the Fall

Sat, Nov 1, '25

Lecture & Live Q&A*

Sat, Nov 1, '25

International Panel of Nutritionists and Veterinarians DiscussCase Studies Followed by a Q&A Session

Pat Harris, MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS & RCVS specialist Veterinary Clinical Nutrition (equine)

Director of Science, Mars Horsecare and Head of WALTHAM^TM Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute

After qualifying from Cambridge University, Pat completed her Ph.D. at the Animal Health Trust into the Equine Rhabdomyolysis Syndrome. She joined the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition (now Waltham Petcare Science Institute) in 1995. As Director of Science for MARS Horsecare and Head of Equine Studies Group at Waltham, she is responsible for their equine research conducted in collaboration with experts at institutes and universities globally. This provides the science behind the SPILLERS™, BUCKEYE™ Nutrition, and WINERGY™ brands. She is also a scientific advisor to MARS Equestrian™. Pat is a European Specialist in Veterinary Clinical and Comparative Nutrition, an RCVS recognized specialist in veterinary clinical nutrition (equine), and a British Equine Veterinary Association Past-President. She is also a member of several international society and charity boards and holds, or has held, a number of academic posts within various institutions around the world. Pat lectures internationally on nutrition as it affects the health, welfare, behavior, and performance of the horse. She is the author or co-author of over 500 scientific papers, abstracts, and book chapters with recent emphasis on obesity, laminitis, and senior horse nutrition.

Amy Polkes DVM, DACVIM

Equine Internal Medicine Specialist, Antech Equine Diagnostic Division; Owner, Equine Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Services

Dr. Amy Polkes received her veterinary degree from Purdue University and then completed a residency and board certification in Large Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Florida. Dr. Polkes currently resides in Maryland with her husband (a small animal internal medicine specialist), 2 children and 3 dogs. She has a mobile Equine Internal Medicine practice servicing many surrounding states in the Northeast. Dr. Polkes has been with Antech since 2002 starting as an Equine consultant. Her current role with Antech Diagnostics is to support Equine veterinarians with pertinent diagnostic testing capabilities, Equine education and consultation support.

Bryan Cassill, MS, MBA

Commercial and Formulation Manager, MARS Horsecare US Inc

Bryan Cassill grew up in Southern Ohio where he and his family bred, raised, and exhibited Quarter Horses. He attended college at The Ohio State University (B.S. in Agriculture). During college, he was a member of The Ohio State University Horse Judging Team and continued to judge 4-H and Open Horse Shows in KY and OH. After marrying his wife, Heather, the two moved to Kentucky to attend the University of Kentucky. Bryan earned his M.S. in Equine Nutrition under the guidance of Dr. Laurie Lawrence. After finishing his M.S. Degree, he was hired as the University of Kentucky’s Animal Resource Manager for the Animal Science Horse Farm. He managed all aspects of the Thoroughbred Farm, Class Instructor and Mentor to UK Students developing into industry professionals. After the birth of his son, Bryson, he decided to pursue and earn a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Bryan was President of the KY Thoroughbred Farm Managers’ Club (KTFMC) before his move back to Ohio. In 2018, Bryan accepted a position for MARS Horsecare US Inc (Buckeye Nutrition) and is currently the Commercial and Formulation Manager.

Alexandra Scharf, DVM, PHD, DACVR, DACVR-EDI

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Large Animal Diagnostic Imaging; University of Pennsylvania School Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Alex Scharf received her veterinary degree and PhD from the University of Georgia. Following internship, she completed her residency in Diagnostic Imaging at the Ohio State University, obtaining board certification in both general and equine diagnostic imaging. She currently resides outside of Philadelphia, where she splits her time working as a radiologist for Antech and University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. Dr. Scharf is passionate about equine musculoskeletal research and her past and present research endeavors focus on osseous and soft tissue injury in the sport horse. When she isn’t at work, Dr, Scharf can be found spending time with her own sport horse, Mr Grey.