Dr. Kenneth Harrington McKeever (left) poses with Dr. Joe Pagan, CEO of Kentucky Equine Research, Inc. (right), after receiving a plaque commemorating his elevation to the status of Fellow of the Equine Science Society, honoring his years of service to the society, as well as to the broader equine community. Photo: Kyle Hartmann.
Kenneth McKeever, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences and associate director of Research at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, was elevated to the rank of Fellow of the Equine Science Society during its Symposium Awards Banquet in Grapevine, Texas, on June 9.
The rank of Fellow of the Equine Science Society is an elite member status reserved to recognize distinguished service to the horse industry and to the Equine Science Society over the member’s many years of service.
“Dr. McKeever epitomizes what a Fellow of the Equine Science Society should represent in his long-standing contributions to the equine science field, which are vast; having truly changed the world of equestrian sports and its integrity, including horse racing,” said Karyn Malinowski, founding director of the Rutgers Equine Science Center. “I know of no other equine scientist who is more deserving of being named a Fellow by the Equine Science Society than Dr. Ken McKeever; he is truly extraordinary and will continue to give back to our profession for years to come.”
On a basic level, McKeever’s research has focused on comparative exercise and cardiovascular physiology with a particular interest in the effects of aging on the integration of the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems in the control of blood pressure, blood volume and fluid and electrolyte balance. On an applied level, his research has focused on the effects of performance enhancing practices on the physiological responses of the equine athlete.
These studies are just part of the more than 200 book chapters, journal articles and proceedings papers, and more than 60 abstracts that have advanced the understanding of the athletic horse.
“I am humbly honored to receive this award from the Equine Science Society and thank those who nominated me and all the colleagues, students, and horses who have contributed to our efforts to improve the welfare of the equine athlete,” said McKeever.
McKeever’s other accomplishments include tenures as president of the Equine Science Society, fulfilling his two-year role as the leader of the organization this past Thursday, Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Comparative Exercise Physiology, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Physiological Society.
