Horse Program
A chance to work with horses attracts students from all majors to the horse program in the College of Agriculture and Home Economics' Animal and Range Sciences Department. Experience in nearly all facets of the horse industry is gained by students, from breeding to birthing, to breaking and preparing horses for riding and to sales. NMSU has a resident herd of 85-100 horses. Individuals may also participate in judging teams, riding competition, rodeo, and polo events.
Curriculum
Students can earn a minor in **horse production/management **by taking the following core courses:
Horse Production/Management Requirements
- ANSC 103 - Introductory Horse Science (3 credits)
- ANSC 265 - Horse Evaluation (2 credits)
- ANSC 288 - Horse Fitting and Selling (3 credits)
- ANSC 289 - Management of Equine Operations (3 credits)
- Or - 390 Internship (3 credits)
- ANSC 304 - Feeds and Feeding (3 credits)
One of the following:
- ANSC 320 - Applied Horsemanship (3 credits)
- ANSC 321 - Applied Horsemanship II (3 credits)
Total Credits - 20
Other courses available include English Equitation, Western Equitation, and Animal Breeding.
Facilities
Facilities include a 46-acre Horse Center, located one mile southwest of the Main Campus, and a riding arena for the equitation courses on the Main Campus. In 2003, a 5,200-square foot Equestrian Center with tack room, locker rooms, classroom, and office was built at the riding arena.
Equine Competition
NMSU's equestrian team, which competes in the 300-member Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, won national titles in Western equitation in 1995 and 1998 and a reserve national championship in 1997
Horse Judging
Students on the Horse Judging team also have a winning record, placing in the top five in regional competition in recent years. The newest activity is the men's and women's polo teams which have placed in the top four in regional competition. Rodeoing, for both men and women, is also a very popular sport at NMSU and our teams consistently place near the top of the Grand Canyon region standings, and individuals have placed high in several events at the national level.
Contact
Contact Dr. Jason Turner, Assistant Professor (Animal/Horse Science) and Horse Extension Specialist for more in-depth information on NMSU's Horse Program.