Reins, Research, and Robert Causey: A Look into UMaine’s Horse Program

In this episode of the Maine Farmcast, host Dr. Colt Knight welcomes his colleague and close friend, Dr. Robert Causey—known affectionately as “the horse professor”—for an in-depth conversation about the University of Maine’s equine program. A veterinarian, researcher, and Associate Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Dr. Causey has dedicated over two decades to building and sustaining UMaine’s horse program, with a focus on student experience, community partnerships, and impactful research.Dr. Causey shares his path into the horse industry, from growing up in the UK to earning his DVM from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in Theriogenology (reproductive veterinary medicine) from LSU. Listeners will hear how a mix of opportunity, personal circumstances, and student advocacy brought him to UMaine during the infamous ice storm of 1998—and how his work with Standardbred horses laid the foundation for a teaching and research program that has endured despite changing budgets and leadership.The conversation explores everything from training philosophies and early program development to Dr. Causey’s collaborative research on equine reproduction, fetal development, mucosal immunity, and the surprising effectiveness of nasal vaccines. With a mix of humor, history, and heartfelt reflection, this episode offers an inside look at how one professor’s passion has shaped Maine’s equine education and prepared generations of students for careers in veterinary medicine and beyond.The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.