The virtual tour features a photographic storyboard detailing each individual Best Management Practice (BMP) currently demonstrated at the Ryders Lane farm. The BMPs have been divided into four categories: Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP), Manure, Water, and Pasture. As visitors peruse the four categories, they will find pictures of the farm with accompanying descriptive text explaining the purpose of each BMP.

     “Our goal is to constantly develop innovative and creative opportunities to share our expertise and research with the equine industry,” said Dr. Carey Williams, Center associate director for extension. “By offering a realistic glimpse of the Ryders Lane farm online, individuals interested in learning applied Best Management Practices may now do so from the comfort of their own home. Although we still highly recommend taking a self-guided tour of the farm,” added Williams.

     Ryders Lane serves as a fully-functional and operating equine farm developed to address numerous environmental issues such as preserving water quality, proper nutrient and waste management, fencing, farm and pasture management, and soil enrichment, to name a few. The virtual tour of Ryders Lane is both a research and education tool to assist the public’s understanding of how to successfully manage environmental challenges a farm may face.

     “At the Equine Science Center, we firmly believe in broadening our horizon as we bring better horse care through research and education,” said Dr. Karyn Malinowski, director of the  Equine Science Center. “The virtual tour of Ryders Lane provides another modality to enable us to reach the equine community.”

     The Center encourages visitors to provide feedback after viewing the virtual tour.  All visitors are invited to complete the brief, four question survey included on the webpage.  To access the survey, simply click the link labeled Virtual Tour Survey.

     For more information about the Ryders Lane virtual tour and the Equine Science Center, please visit www.esc.rutgers.edu or call 732-932-9419.