OA - Summer 2024

By BJ Riley ‘16, ‘23G, ‘24G Associate Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Community Relations

college with its stables on campus. Students also learn how to restrain and handle horses and therapeutic techniques like wrapping legs because the horses are on campus. This fall, the newly added Master of Science in Equine Science program with concentrations in equine coaching and instruction, thesis in equine science and non-thesis in equine science will be introduced. The concentration in coaching and instruction is about the critiquing of equine riding and how to coach a rider to be more competitive. The thesis concentration will require the students to do a research project and write a thesis and will be designed for people who want to teach at colleges, go on to get their Ph.D. or are waiting to get into veterinarian school. The non thesis option is designed for people such as agriculture extension agents who need continuing education.

They can take graduate-level equine classes to help serve their county that has kids in 4-H who are interested in horses. Additionally, the College will offer an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Racetrack Management through Woods Online in August. The program is designed to provide students with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The Equine Racetrack Management A.S. degree program equips graduates with the expertise needed to excel in various roles within the racing industry, including racetrack management, event coordination, facility maintenance and more. The course is designed by and will be taught by racetrack professionals with backgrounds in the racehorse industry. Ferguson expects around 50 students to be enrolled in the Equine Department when classes start in

August, more than doubling the 17 equine students he had when he began at The Woods in August 2021. His enthusiasm for horses and learning is contagious, and it is obvious that students are the beneficiaries. His vision for the Equine Department is taking shape, and the results are tangible and inspiring, as is watching the young foal Hottie run alongside her mother, Rue.

Top Left: Ed Ferguson, Ph.D., chair of the equine studies department with Rue and new foal, Hottie. Right: Students participate in performing an ultrasound on one of the horses in the equine facility lab.

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