Session 1 Speakers – January 28, 2026: New Breeding Options and Advance Reproductive Techniques (ART) for the Problem and the Show Mare
2026 Equine lecture series speaker
Maria E. Cadario, DVM, MS, DACT
Dr. Maria E. Cadario earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Córdoba, Argentina, in 1989. Following graduation, she practiced equine medicine in Argentina before completing a Residency in Theriogenology (Equine Reproduction) at the University of Florida (UF) in 1994. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists (DACT) in 1995 and earned her Master of Science (MS) degree at UF in 1996 under the mentorship of Dr. Michelle LeBlanc.
In 2000, Dr. Cadario obtained certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) of the American Veterinary Medical Association, recognizing her veterinary credentials in the United States. From 1998 to 2002, she served as Lecturer and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
In 2002, Dr. Cadario established a private ambulatory practice, Equine Reproduction Specialty Practice, providing advanced equine reproductive services in the Ocala area for 21 years. She currently serves as Clinical Professor in Theriogenology and as a Service Chief of the ambulatory service Equine Reproduction Specialty Service (ERSS) within the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida.
2026 Equine lecture series speaker
Sofie Kovacsy Ispizua, DVM, MSc
Dr. Sofia Kovacsy Ispizua is a reproduction specialist with over a decade of international experience across Argentina, the UAE, Australia, and the United States. She has a proven background in equine embryo vitrification, clinical teaching, and scientific publication.
Currently, she serves as a Clinical Lecturer in Theriogenology at the University of Florida, providing teaching, clinical training, and reproductive services in equine through the Equine Reproduction Specialty Service (ERSS) ambulatory unit.
Education:
– MSc in Equine Production – Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Argentina (2022)
– DVM – Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Argentina (2012)
Publications & Awards:
– Author/co-author of multiple peer-reviewed papers on equine embryo vitrification (Equine Vet J, JEVS, Anim Reprod Sci)
– Recipient of the Dave Hanlon Early Career Researcher Award (ISER XIII, 2023)
Research Interests:
Equine embryo technology, reproductive physiology, and assisted reproductive methods in mares.
