Tarleton State Equine Breeding Program
Tarleton State University’s (TSU) Breeding Program provides students with the opportunity to develop real-world, hands-on experience in equine production and enterprise management. As part of the program’s curriculum, students can hone knowledge and skills in equine production from conception to the sale ring.
The goal is not to just reproduce horses. The overarching emphasis is teaching students to be thoughtful, educated professionals who know the importance of genetic selection, reproduction, and foal development as well as developing and marketing high-quality prospects.
In addition to other coursework, students in the program have the opportunity to complete the following classes important to the above-mentioned objectives:
- Equine Evaluation – by evaluating the Tarleton mare band and their current, relevant bloodlines, then using semen generously donated by stallion owners across the nation, students can actively participate in the matching of mares and stallions.
- Equine Breeding Barn Management – an introductory class in the process of preparing then breeding mares using current artificial insemination techniques.
- Foaling Management – an introductory class in foaling the mares out. Students are actively engaged in ensuring mares have a successful birth.
- Horse Handling Techniques – this class provides the basics of groundwork and halter breaking of the foals.
- Sales Preparation and Marketing – a class devoted to preparing and marketing the horses. Coursework includes proper feeding, grooming, and conditioning of the colts as well as creating public awareness of the colts being offered for sale.
Along the way, students in these classes network with industry leaders and professionals in a wide variety of areas in the equine industry. The hands-on experience and industry interaction are an invaluable component in these students’ journey to becoming future industry leaders.
For 2024, four outstanding Tarleton State horses are consigned to Triangle Horse Sales Fall Sale and represent three years of coursework and dedication by Tarleton State students, guided and supported by their university professors. The sale will be held on October 24-26, 2024, at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Ok. Sale information can be found at: www.trianglehorsesales.net
