February 16, 2006
Equine Option Opens New Doors of Opportunity for UNL Horse Enthusiasts
LINCOLN, Neb. — Students interested in the horse industry soon will be able to graduate with an option that pays tribute to their specialization in equine science.
Starting fall semester 2006, students pursuing a degree in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources animal science program will be able to select a new option that will focus their education on the horse industry, said Kathy Anderson, UNL horse specialist and associate professor of animal science.
The students will be trained in a specific field so they will be more appealing to employers when they go out to look for jobs, Anderson said.
Libby Lugar, equine science and management specialist, also works with the program. Employers now will be able to tell these students have a focus in the horse industry, she said. Instead of having an implied concentration, it will be official.
"They will also have the peace of mind that these students are well-rounded in the horse industry and didn't just pick up a few classes here and there," Lugar said.
Lindsey Salestrom, a junior animal science major from Tekamah, Neb., plans to switch over to the equine option next fall.
"I would like to be a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company whose main distribution is equine products," Salestrom said. "Most pharmaceutical companies only require a bachelor of science degree in animal science. I think having the equine science option would give me the upper hand when applying for an equine pharmaceutical company."
Nine courses directly related to equine science are currently available to students. These courses cover topics from equine nutrition and reproduction to hands-on experience with evaluation, judging and equitation. Next fall, the number of courses will reach 10.
"A positive aspect of the program is that lectures and hands-on experience are provided to students in a close proximity," Anderson said. "The faculty are able to bring higher education together with a practical background to show how skills are applied and used in the industry."
"I really enjoy the basic and advanced equitation classes," said Mollie Grim, a senior animal science major from Bonesteel, S.D. "The basic equitation class teaches the very basics of catching, grooming, saddling and riding horses. The advanced class helps students teach all of the things they've learned in basic equitation to younger horses that haven't had the training."
Don Beermann, head of UNL's animal science department, understands the importance of a wide variety of courses offered toward the recruitment of future students.
"Recruitment of undergraduate students remains a high priority for the department, CASNR and UNL. Significant opportunities exist for markedly increasing recruitment of students to the animal science major. This is of particular merit with regard to students with equine interests," he said.
The courses appeal to a broad range of interests and levels of experience that will show increased potential in the college, Anderson said.
"We've created more opportunities for students. They won't have to go out of state because we can take care of the students' needs right here with all we have to offer," Anderson said.
Salestrom couldn't agree more.
"Riding and training classes are offered that introduce students who have never ridden a horse or polish the most advanced riders. All of the courses offered will develop a student into a well-informed, well-rounded horseman," she said.
While the option is directed toward equine science majors, horse-related classes are open to other students, Anderson said. Students interested in cow-calf management, for example, may benefit from related courses as well.
Even so, the program will remain strong for individuals such as Grim who have put their whole heart into the equine industry.
"I knew that no matter what career path I chose I wanted to continue to work with horses," she said. "I grew up on a ranch in South Dakota where horses were a big part of my life. So when I decided to go to college, I chose an option that would be something I enjoyed learning about and make me anxious to go to class."
2/16/06-KO Donald Beermann - Ph.D.
Animal Science Professor (402) 472-3571
 
Kathy Anderson - Ph.D.
Animal Science Assistant Professor (402) 472-6414
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department:
Animal Science
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