December 11, 2003

 

Equine Course to be Offered Evenings During Spring Semester

An introduction to equine science course will be offered at night during the spring semester, according to Clare Purdy, North Dakota State University Animal and Range Science equine science lecturer. "There has been a lot of interest expressed in taking an equine class but a lot of people that are interested work during the day.

The course will be offered on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:50 and can be taken for college credit or non-credit through continuing education.

"The course is an over view of the equine industry," Purdy says. "Students will learn about the different breeds, management practices, health management, anatomy and the horse business. I anticipate that we will continue to add these kinds of courses as community interest in our program grows."

The NDSU Equine program is now in its third year and offers a major and minor in equine studies along with a certificate program. The certificate program is designed for the nontraditional student or others pursuing an active interest in horsemanship.

The program is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of horses as recreational and commercial livestock, provide practical experience that allows them to develop proficiency in horsemanship and animal care and give students a broad understanding of the horse industry as business, recreational and production entities.

Construction of a 600-foot by134-foot horse barn that can house up to 400 horses was completed last summer. The barn is located adjacent to the new North Dakota Horse Park. Students began taking classes at the horse barn in mid-September. There is a small arena located at the site however long-term plans call for a large indoor arena to allow for expanded educational opportunities.

The equine program at NDSU is also linked to the NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center. "Our program is part of our continuing effort to provide assistance to people in the many different phases of agriculture," says Kris Ringwall, director of the NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center. "There is a growing number of horse enthusiasts in the region, and we want to address their needs."

For more information on the introduction to equine science course, contact Purdy at (701) 231-6565 or e-mail at clare.purdy@ndsu.nodak.edu . More information on the NDSU Equine Program is available at http://www.ndsu.edu/ndsu/academic/factsheets/ag/equine.shtm .

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Source: Clare Purdy, (701)231-6565, clare.purdy@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu