The emphasis of this program is the management of a commercial equine facility and improved horse handlingand training skills. Students will learn ground training techniques including lungeing, longlining, ground driving and halter breaking. Students become proficientat stallion handling, semen collection, and processing as well as broodmare management. There are opportunities to participate in other Miner farm operations including milking, pasture management, and other field work activities. All students will be asked to work long hours on occasion, but no more so than would normally be expectedon a busy farm.
Students work approximately every other weekend.
Weekly meetings update the students about farm activities including equine, dairy and crops. Extended sessions on relevant topics such as nutrition, reproduction, training, health and field crops will be held throughout the summer. Instructors include Miner Institute faculty members Katie Ballard, Wanda Emerich, Karen Lassell, Phillip Mandebvu, Charles Sniffen, Everett Thomas, graduate students and faculty members from several universities. The small class size makes it possible to tailor the program to better meet the needs of each student. Students interested in careers in veterinary medicine, stable or breeding management and agricultural extension have found this program to be particularly useful.