Purpose:
Tarleton State University’s Equine Science program is a
four-year curriculum that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Animal
Science with an equine emphasis.
This program is designed to provide students with both the
academic and practical knowledge necessary for a successful career in
the horse industry.
History:
The Equine Science program at TSU is unique in that this
program originated at the request of the horse industry.
Several progressive individuals saw a need for a full four-year
course of study specifically directed at producing graduates to serve
in the areas of horse production and management.
Through the efforts of these supporters, the Equine Science
program began in 1972, and graduated its first students in 1976.
Since then, many qualified and capable students have used this
program as a springboard to management positions in the horse
industry.
Curriculum:
The curriculum for the Equine Science program was developed in
consultation with many individuals representing various phases of the
horse industry. Industry
input is continually sought to insure that students receive the most
up to date education to prepare them for careers in the horse
industry. A brief
description of each class includes:
·
Introduction to Horse Production: An overview of the basic fundamental aspects of horse
production. Topics
include conformation/form to function, behavior/training, health,
nutrition, reproduction and exercise physiology.
ANSC 109
·
Rodeo Production and Skills: A study of rodeo activities including organization, promotion
and management of rodeos. ANSC
120.
·
Rodeo Techniques: Skill
development in all standard events, with special attention to student
needs. Students must be
members of the TSU varsity rodeo team.
ANSC 150.
·
Horse Psychology and Training: Hands-on study of the application of behavior to training
young horses. Students
will be assigned horses based upon their experience levels.
Horses will include yearlings, unbroken two-year-olds, and
green two- and three-year olds. ANSC
213.
·
Equine Behavior Modification: Continuation of ANSC 213.
Students will be given a green two- or three-year old to train in the
fundamental maneuvers. These horses will then be marketed in an annual
performance horse sale conducted by the students. ANSC 223.
·
Principles of Farrier Science: Application of the scientific fundamentals of hoof care.
Topics include locomotion analysis, biomechanics, hoof
trimming, and horseshoeing. ANSC
215.
·
Equine Evaluation:
Study of the principles of evaluating and marketing horses.
Topics include conformation, evaluation of performance,
conditioning for shows and sales, and marketing.
Students will condition University horses for sales and
participate in the marketing of these horses.
ANSC 305.
·
Equine Exercise Physiology and Conditioning:
A scientific study of the physiological effects of exercise and
conditioning. Topics
include bioenergetics, muscle physiology, cardiovascular physiology,
and skeletal responses. Students
will place horses in a structured exercise regime and monitor
conditioning changes using heart rate monitors, and other lab tests.
Recognition and rehabilitation of injuries will also be
examined. ANSC 325.
·
Principles of Equine Reproduction:
Application of the fundamental concepts of equine reproduction.
Topics include reproductive physiology and anatomy of the mare
and stallion, sexual behavior, semen collection, semen evaluation,
artificial insemination, pregnancy detection, and foaling.
Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in
all phases of horse breeding. ANSC 310.
·
Horse Nutrition: Detailed examination of the digestive
system and nutritional requirements of the horse. Topics include
digestive physiology and anatomy, digestive processes, nutrient
requirements, feedstuffs, and management. Health care is also
presented. ANSC 324.
·
Equine Assisted Therapy: Study and application of the utilization of the horse in
therapy programs. Guidelines
from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. ANSC 330.
·
Advanced Topics in Horse Science:
Study of the interpretation of research.
Students will research current knowledge of specific topics in
the horse industry and lead class discussions.
ANSC 400.
·
Horse Enterprise Management: Study of the application of business principles to the horse
industry. Topics include
marketing, finances, taxes, record keeping, and management
philosophies. Students
will prepare a complete business plan.
ANSC 430.
·
Internship:
Formally arranged and approved on-the-job training with a
cooperative sponsor in the horse industry for twelve to sixteen weeks.
Student will prepare both a written and oral report on the
internship. Employer will also report on the student.
ANSC 484.
Equine
Center: The $1
million plus equine complex at the TSU Agriculture Center is equipped
with stalls, runs, breeding facilities, an indoor arena, clinical
laboratory, classrooms, and offices.
The program stands several stallions to the public and
maintains a band of University owned brood mares.
University horses are used for instructional purposes and
marketed at sales. The indoor arena is utilized as a practical lab by students
and also hosts numerous equine events including cutting horse
contests, ropings, practical and educational horse clinics, horse
shows, sales, and the annual Texas 4-H Roping School.
Other events held at the arena include numerous cattle shows
and sales, and the annual FFA and 4-H Judging Contests.
These facilities benefit not only TSU, but also the entire
Cross Timbers Area. The Equine Center hosts over 10,000 visitors per
year.
Support:
Only a portion of the financial support needed for the Equine
Science Program comes from the State of Texas.
The rest of the funds are generated from the sale of horses,
breeding fees, the rental of the arena, and donations from the horse
industry. Gifts have included cash, trucks, trailers, hay, and feed.
Brood mares and stallions have been donated for the breeding
program, and geldings have been given for the training and therapy
courses. Many people have
provided their time and expertise.
This support is greatly appreciated.
All donations to Tarleton State University benefit the future
of the horse industry and are tax deductible.
Faculty:
Don Henneke, Ph.D., is currently the Director of Equine Science
and the Equine Center Manager. He
holds the B.S. degree from Oklahoma State University, the M.S. degree
from Louisiana State University, and the Ph.D. degree from Texas
A&M University. He has a wealth of practical experience having served as a
successful manager of commercial breeding operations in Oklahoma, a
winning racehorse owner, a Certified AQHA Steward, a successful
non-pro cutting horse rider, the president and director of a NCHA
affiliate, and a successful horse producer.
This experience allows him to help students grasp both the
academic and practical aspects of horse production.
Katherine Thomson,
DVM joined the Equine Science Faculty in 2004. Dr. Thomson is a
Tarleton State University graduate (B.S. 1985, M.S. 1996) and received
her DVM and currently working on her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.
She has extensive practical knowledge in the horse industry having
worked at major commercial breeding farms as well as raising, training
and showing her own horses. Dr. Thomson brings expertise in
horse production, herd health and exercise physiology to the program.
Additional
Information: For
additional information in enrolling in the Equine Science option in
Animal Sciences, or for information on sponsoring an intern, or for
information on making a tax-deductible donation to the Equine Science
program contact:
Don
Henneke, Ph.D., Director,
Equine Science
Department
of Animal Sciences, Box
T-0070
Tarleton
State University, Stephenville,
Texas 76402
Office
(254) 968-9935
Fax
(254) 968-9300
e-mail
henneke@tarleton.edu
