Once again, Lexington, Ky. will be the focus of the horse world when the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture hosts the 2001 biannual meeting of the International Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society.

The May 30 to June 2 meeting is open to horse owners, teachers, veterinarians, researchers and other interested professionals.

"We're privileged to have Olympic gold medalist, David O'Connor speaking at this meeting," said Craig Wood, UK College of Agriculture distance learning coordinator. "He will detail his Olympic conditioning program."

O'Connor earned a gold medal in the 2000 Sydney, Australia games in the individual dressage event. He and his 15-year-old Irish Thoroughbred gelding, Custom Made, rode into the history books with the best score in Olympic history for an eventing dressage test. O'Connor's gold was the first for the U.S. Equestrian team since the 1984 games.

O'Connor made Olympic history again in 2000 by earning a second Olympic medal, this time bronze, in a team event with his wife for the second time.

Participants in the 2001 ENPS meeting will hear speakers give presentations about nutrition, reproduction, exercise physiology, horse management, teaching and Extension. Specific topics include hypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, joint problems, and the classification of horses as livestock versus pets.

Wood said O'Connor will speak on Thursday, May 31 and those wanting to only attend that day will be able to sign up and pay a one-day fee for the event.

On Friday June 1, the group will tour Lexington area horse farms and then have dinner and watch Standardbred racing at the Red Mile Racetrack.

Those wanting to attend the entire meeting must register by May 1. For registration details or information on sponsorship or ENPS membership, contact Mary Swenson, 1111 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy, IL 61874, (217) 356-3182. Or Craig Wood, (859) 257-6872.