Equine Science Center Director Honored as 2009 'Horseperson of the Year'

New Brunswick, N.J. –  Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center at the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, has been named the Horseperson of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Equine Advisory Board. Malinowski was presented with the 2009 Governor's Trophy on Sunday, Jan. 31 at the 53rd Annual New Jersey Breeder's Luncheon in Mount Holly, an event which celebrates the state's best in the equine field.

 “From an early age I knew that I wanted to work within the equine industry,” said Malinowski. “I never could have imagined that my passion for science, horses, and education would lead me to a life-long career in this industry. I am truly humbled and feel honored to receive this award.”

 An alumna of Rutgers, Malinowski earned her bachelor's and master’s degrees in animal science, and a doctorate in zoology. As a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Malinowski served in various roles including animal sciences professor, interim chair of the Extension Specialist department and director of Cooperative Extension. She became the first female equine extension specialist in the United States in 1978. 

“Karyn richly deserves this recognition by the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board. She has devoted her professional life to equine leadership and is recognized nationally as one of the most effective educators and advocates in the area of equine health,” said Robert M. Goodman, executive dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Malinowski’s research and extension programs focus on improving the well-being and the quality of life of the equine athlete while ensuring the vitality and viability of the equine industry, both statewide and nationally. She is passionate about horses and the New Jersey horse industry and has been a strong voice for its horse racing and breeding industry. She assumed the lead role in conceptualizing and building the equine science program at Rutgers University and has long been active in cultivating funding for research and extension programs from a variety of sources to sustain the Equine Science Center.

Malinowski led the industry effort which resulted in the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station receiving $1.2 million for strategic initiatives in 1992 from the New Jersey State Legislature. 

In addition to winning this coveted Horseperson of the Year award, Malinowski has received several prestigious awards including the Outstanding Woman of Somerset County in 2009, the Rutgers Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and the Outstanding Equine Educator Award from the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society in 2001. In 1995, she became only the second woman in 50 years to receive the New York Farmers Club Award, which was given by the prestigious and venerable Northeastern Agricultural Society for her contributions to agriculture.

Malinowski has authored over 50 refereed journal articles, abstracts, and numerous book chapters. She is a member of the American Harness Drivers Club, and competes in amateur harness races. Malinowski continually participates in national volunteer organizations such as the Horses and Humans Foundation and has served as president of the American Youth Horse Council and chair of the American Horse Council’s State Horse Council Advisory Committee.

For more information about Malinowski and the Equine Science Center, go to www.esc.rutgers.edu or call 732-932-9419.

About Rutgers Equine Science Center

The Equine Science Center is a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Its mission is better horse care through research and education in order to advance the well-being and performance of horses and the equine industry. Its vision is to be recognized throughout New Jersey as well as nationally and internationally for its achievements in identifying issues in the horse industry, finding solutions through science-based inquiry, providing answers to the horse industry and to horse owners and influencing public policy to ensure the viability of the horse industry.

For more information about the Equine Science Center, please visit www.esc.rutgers.edu.