Equine Continuing Education Series
Preventive Diagnostics and Management
Thursday, November 19, 2026
3:00pm-6:00pm EST Lecture & Live Q&A
The Mars, Incorporated portfolio of equine brands and services is focused on whole horse wellness and is backed by research, diagnostics and nutrition expertise.
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Meet Your Speakers:
Below are the key leaders from the Mars, Incorporated portfolio of equine brands that have come together for this webinar series.
Edd Knowles MA, VetMB, MVetMed, PhD, DipECEIM, MRCVS
Equine Nutrition and Science Advisor to Mars Horsecare & WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute
A Cambridge University graduate and RCVS-recognized specialist in equine internal medicine, Edd has a wealth of clinical and research experience. His Ph.D. at the Royal Veterinary College focused on predicting laminitis in ponies, and his post-doctoral research explores potential treatments for atypical myopathy (sycamore toxicity) in horses. Edd leads the Mars Equine research strategy, continuing to advance scientific understanding to improve equine health, welfare, and nutrition across the SPILLERS™ brand and the wider Mars Horsecare portfolio.
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), two children, and three 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 services.
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 Kentucky and Ohio. 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 and served as a class instructor and mentor to UK students preparing for careers in the industry. 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 with MARS Horsecare US Inc (Buckeye Nutrition), where he currently serves as the Commercial and Formulation Manager.
Sarah F. Colmer completed her residency in large animal internal medicine at New Bolton Center, as well as a rotating internship in medicine and surgery. She has research interests in neurologic conditions of the horse, particularly degenerative diseases, as well as endocrinology.