Speaker Bios

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.
 

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.

Dr. Erin Roddy received her Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from the University of California at Davis in 2010. Following graduation, she moved to Sydney, Australia where she operated her own boutique rehabilitation practice, Spring Oak Veterinary Rehabilitation. Over the course of a decade of rehabilitation work, Dr. Roddy became increasingly interested in the role of diet and nutrition on the behavior, health and performance of the equine athlete. 

In 2018, Dr. Roddy began consulting for Poseidon Animal Health, the leading digestive health supplement company in Australasia with a commitment to producing high-quality, evidence-based products that support long-term wellbeing and resilience to stress, from horses’ first feed to their golden years. 

In 2022, Dr. Roddy relocated to Ocala, Florida and as the Chief Veterinary Officer and Head of Technical Development spear-headed the launch of Poseidon Animal Health products in the United States. 

Dr. Roddy is passionate about researching the science behind Equine Nutrition and Digestive Health and travels all over the United States educating owners, trainers and other equine industry professionals on the outcomes of different feeding and management practices on equine behavior, development, performance and disease.

Dr. Roddy is an avid showjumper and has previously competed up to Grand Prix level as well as being a passionate breeder of Australian Warmbloods. She currently lives in Ocala, FL with her husband, Dr. Robin Bell (an equine veterinary specialist double boarded in Equine Surgery and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine), their four Australian Warmbloods, and their three Chihuahuas. 

Dr. Kelly Vineyard is an equine nutritionist and founder of EquiVine PhD Nutrition, an independent consulting practice focused on advancing evidence-based nutrition strategies to support equine health and performance. She brings more than 17 years of experience in the equine feed industry, with a proven track record of translating nutrition research into practical, field-ready solutions for horses, veterinarians, and industry partners.

Dr. Vineyard earned her B.S. in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Auburn University and both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida, specializing in equine nutrition. Her doctoral research investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on immune function in horses.

A lifelong equestrian, Dr. Vineyard was a charter member of the Auburn Equestrian Team, worked as a wrangler on a Colorado guest ranch, and is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist. Her combined background in research, industry leadership, and hands-on horse experience allows her to effectively bridge the gap between nutrition science and real-world application.