Farm Progress Show Offers Education Program for Horse Enthusiasts

AMES, Iowa -- Horse enthusiasts will want to make a stop at the Iowa State University exhibit at the Farm Progress Show to learn about a comprehensive education program that teaches the science of horse management.

The Master Equine Manager Program offered by Iowa State University Extension is designed to inform and educate people on quality horse care and responsible horse ownership. The program also teaches riding and training concepts. Horse owners, enthusiasts, boarders, trainers and individuals at all levels of involvement in the horse industry will benefit from the program.

"This is a nice way to get further education to understand the equine industry and be better able to relate with others in business," said one program participant.

The program course includes six sessions of hands on training and two optional interest-specific sessions. Participants who complete the program will become certified as Master Equine Managers. Program instructors are considered experts in their field and include professionals from academic, research and business.

A Master Equine Manager graduate said the program "made me go back to some of the basics to break info down better for my lesson kids.”

Dale Miller and Glen Easter, county extension education directors in Marion and Clarke counties respectively, developed the program to enhance Iowa’s growing horse industry. Each session is three hours long and cover core topics including nutrition and feeding, health care, selection and evaluation, facilities and equipment, exercise and conditioning, and hoof care.

“Past Master Equine Manager participants have found the program to be well organized, with quality information presented, and well worth attending,” said Miller.

Visitors to the FPS will be able to test their horse knowledge and find out details of upcoming Master Equine Manager courses. For more information visit the Master Equine Manager website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/masterequine.

The 2008 Farm Progress Show is Aug. 26 through Aug. 28 in Boone, Iowa. 

Source: www.extension.org