A HORSE U 2014 participant gets hands-on training at the Auburn University Horse Center.
A one-day educational program targeted toward children and teens who own or have a passion for horses is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Stanley P. Wilson Beef Teaching Unit on the Auburn University campus.
Co-sponsored by Auburn’s Department of Animal Sciences and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the fourth annual HORSE U—or Horse Ownership Resources, Skills and Education for Youths—will equip youths 9 and older with important information regarding horse health, care and handling.
“It’s designed for all young horse enthusiasts, whether they’re involved in showing, speed events or recreational riding,” Auburn equine science associate professor and HORSE U director Betsy Wagner said. “The program will have educational sessions on horse feeds and internal parasites, a trivia session about basic horse knowledge and hands-on sessions dealing with emergency care, digestive tract function and handling young horses.”
The hands-on activities will take place at the nearby Auburn University Horse Center, and transportation between the beef unit and the center will be provided for all participants. All participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes to work with the horses and must be at least 9 years old by Dec. 31, 2015.
The registration fee is $20 and covers lunch, a T-shirt and materials. Registration is required for all who attend, including parents and chaperones who want to accompany their children during the program. The HORSE U registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 9, but space is limited to 150 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Register online here. Each registrant should also print out, sign and date the HORSE U liability agreement and mail or fax to the Department of Animal Sciences by Oct. 9. The address and fax number are included on the form.
The Stanley P. Wilson Beef Teaching Unit is located at 500 Shug Jordan Parkway.
For more information, contact Wagner at elw0001@auburn.edu or 334-844-7503.
