Staff Transitions at the UVM Morgan Horse Farm

Jamie Maguire, Margot Smithson, Silvia Doyle, and Katie Ballard are standing together on a porch wearing green shirts.
Left to right: Jamie Maguire, Margot Smithson, Silvia Doyle, and Katie Ballard

The UVM Morgan Horse Farm (MHF) has some exciting news to share!

In the fall of 2021 the MHF experienced a staffing transition. After careful program assessment and feedback from key stakeholders, the full-time positions at the MHF were restructured to best meet the needs of the program moving forward.

Margot Smithson moves into the role of director. Smithson provides leadership and strategic direction for the Morgan Horse Farm and its programs, overseeing daily operations and management of the historic facility.

After several months in an interim capacity, Katie Ballard accepted a part-time faculty appointment at UVM and will serve as faculty advisor to the Morgan Horse Farm. Ballard is the director of research at the W. H. Miner Institute in Chazy, NY. She will be the liaison with the UVM Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, and will advise the MHF equine programs and internship curriculum.

Jamie Maguire has stepped into the role of equine manager. Maguire oversees training and management of the historic herd of UVM Morgans. Additionally, she provides student instruction and leadership to the renowned apprenticeship program.

Silvia Doyle is new to the Morgan Horse Farm community and has enthusiastically stepped into the position of program coordinator. Doyle is responsible for daily business and tourism operations, and supports the needs of the farm’s equine, educational, and outreach programs.

Please join us in welcoming the new MHF team!

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