Overview:
On the evening of September 8th, 2025, equestrian enthusiasts gathered at the historic Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, for the international premiere of Inside the In-Gate Season 2, presented by KB Media. The screening was immediately followed by a live Plaidcast in Person podcast featuring Piper Klemm, owner of The Plaid Horse, and veterinarian Dr. Holly Helbig. Their candid conversation tackled essential equine topics—pre-purchase veterinary inspections and their attention to detail, the critical nature of rabies vaccination, and the growing shortage of large-animal veterinary technicians. Attendees traveled from near and far, while the speaker flew in the same day, underscoring the event’s importance.
On the evening of September 8th, 2025, at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, welcomed a packed audience for a standout equestrian event—an international video premiere and a live podcast that sparked engaging conversation across the horse community.
Inside the In-Gate—a documentary-style equestrian series produced by KB Media—made its Season 2 debut in a special premiere before a live crowd. The episode screened at 6:30 PM, immediately followed by Plaidcast in Person, a live recording of The Plaid Horse’s popular podcast, hosted by Piper Klemm, the magazine’s owner and publisher. Piper welcomed the audience, and introduced guest speaker Dr. Holly Helbig, a veterinarian, who provided insights grounded in both practical care and current equine health challenges.
The Power of Pre-Purchase Veterinary Inspections
One of the evening’s key talking points was the importance of paying attention to detail during pre-purchase inspections. Dr. Helbig emphasized that these thorough evaluations are often the most critical safeguard for prospective horse owners. Detecting subtle issues—not immediately obvious lameness or behavioral quirks—can prevent future injury, illness, or financial disappointment. Guests appreciated how Dr. Helbig underscored that failing to pick up on a minor gait irregularity or a nascent dental issue can become a full-blown problem later on.
Rabies in Horses: A 100% Fatality Rate
Shifting to infectious disease, Dr. Helbig underscored the gravity of rabies in equines. She reminded the audience that horses infected with rabies face a nearly 100% mortality rate, typically presenting with symptoms that mimic colic or exhibit neurologic signs. Vaccination, she insisted, isn’t optional—it’s a matter of life or death. The emotional weight of that point resonated in the room. Thorough, up-to-date vaccinations not only protect the horse but reduce risk to caretakers, barn staff, and veterinarians.
A Shortage of Large-Animal Vet Techs
Another urgent issue tackled was the shortage of vet technicians specializing in large animals, particularly horses. Dr. Helbig shared that clinics and hospitals often struggle to fill those positions—roles vital for routine care, diagnostics, anesthesia, and emergency response. Equine practitioners, she noted, depend heavily on skilled support staff. The shortage increases costs, impairs service quality, and in severe cases, can limit access to care altogether. The audience, representing owners, trainers, and barn managers, received this with concern and a shared determination to support vet tech training initiatives.
Equestrian Community Comes Together
This wasn’t just an educational evening—it was a convergence of a dedicated equestrian community. Magazine readers, local horse owners, trainers, and enthusiasts drove from hours away to attend. Dr. Helbig flew in that morning, a testament to the event’s significance. For many, the combination of a high-quality documentary premiere and an expert-led discussion offered both entertainment and meaningful takeaway information.
Venue and Atmosphere
The setting, located at 600 Main Street, provided a cultured and elegant backdrop. The Wadsworth Atheneum is known for its art collections and stunning architecture, bringing a refined aesthetic to the equestrian-themed evening. As guests sipped refreshments and mingled before the screening, there was palpable excitement in the air—a blend of social warmth and professional interest.
Why This Matters to the Broader Horse World
The event’s topics are far more than conversation starters; they touch the core of equine welfare and the sport’s future. Highlighting pre-purchase inspection standards promotes long-term horse health. Rabies vaccination speaks to biosecurity and human safety. And addressing the vet tech shortage shines a light on essential support infrastructure. By drawing attention to these issues in a public, accessible forum, The Plaid Horse and Dr. Helbig raised awareness in both the niche and mainstream horse communities.
Sources
- The Plaid Horse Official Website
- The Plaid Horse Facebook
- The Plaid Horse Instagram
- Plaidcast in Person Hartford Event Preview
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