Horses can take you places – in life, for business, as a career.

The horse industry and related businesses generate more than $25 billion – a year in the United States. (The American Horse Council estimate is $102 billion.)

So for anyone with a student in the family thinking of a career with horses, here's an event that combines hearing from a professional who has made a career of horses, feed and nutrition – with a visit to Post University, which features equine management studies and is host to the session.

Larry Belluscio, Kalmbach Feeds and Tribute Equine Nutrition business development leader Eastern U.S. division, is the featured guest speaker on Tuesday, March 13, 5:30 p.m. at the university. With more than 35 years experience in the equine nutrition business, he's worked closely with Ph.D. equine nutritionists and researchers for decades and will share that wealth of expertise in working with dealers, customers, and horse owners.

Belluscio grew up riding and training horses on his family’s horse farm, earned his bachelor's degree in business law at Stockton State in New Jersey, and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. Belluscio's ride of choice? Ferrari, his paint gelding.

The event, part of a series throughout the year sponsored by Central Connecticut Co-op, is free and open to the public. For information call (860) 816-4073.

Post University's equine business management bachelor's degree offers four tracks – equine law; hoof trimming with advanced anatomy/movement studies, hoof function, and rehabilitation; equine massage studies and hands-on to maintain soundness in working horses; and equine veterinary assistant, with veterinary care and biology courses. Sports include an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Western team along with dressage and hunt seat teams.
If you're a horse person, you'll meet like-minded people of all ages and abilities nearly everywhere – even during a festival devoted to maple sugaring.

So while warm temperatures accelerate buds on trees, this weekend the sweet products of maple trees remain the focal point for two family-friendly happenings.
First, for those with a hankering for a stack of flapjacks and pure maple syrup, it's time for the Maple Harvest Day at Storrowton Village, on Sunday, March 11, 10 a.m. to noon. For $5, dig in to pancakes drenched with pure maple syrup, and sides of sausages, hot coffee or juice – proceeds benefit Storrowton's educational programs.

Then walk off the delectable meal and spend a free afternoon learning the folklore and history of maple sugaring in New England, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. throughout the village located on the grounds of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. History and folklore of maple sugaring, demonstrations of tree tapping, sumac spile making, and sap boiling in the front yard of the Gilbert Homestead. Hearth cooking and Early American craft demonstrations throughout the day. Note: Don't fret if arriving later; a maple-theme luncheon is $21 at the tavern.

The annual Hebron Maple Festival is on tap for Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 throughout the town. Enjoy good food (the chili at the booth on Main Street near the library is exceptional, but get there early, as supplies sell out), plus pancake breakfasts and sugar houses visits.

Vendors offer syrup, candy, maple kettle corn, fried dough, sugar on snow, maple-flavored milk and more. Enjoy the craft fair at the Gilead Church or sample the Country Family Soaps made in Hebron.
Track down a map (available online as a PDF) that helps visitors find more activities that include letterboxing, fire truck displays, or the blacksmith and Revolutionary War encampment demonstrations.

Update: Dr. Michael Stewart and Kristen Kuzmickas-Guadagnino of Full Circle Farm will discuss aspects of performance horse biomechanics and more Sunday morning, part of the offerings at the two-day University of Connecticut Horse Symposium, Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18. Coming up, an interview with this equine vet and more.