Blog

We all know that having horses requires more than just jumping on and riding!  One way to help youth get motivated to learn more about the science behind horses is to encourage them to get involved in Equine Extravaganza.

Each semester one colt per ANS 216 lab or 3 colts are used in a castration demonstration. The colts are brought to the Iowa State University Veterinary Medical Center and Dr. Stephanie Caston discusses and demonstrates colt castration. The lab is one of the favorite ANS 216 Equine Science students lab.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Equine Program conducted an online Equine Needs Assessment Survey to identify the educational needs of the local equine community. Participants were asked to check topics they would like to learn more about. Additional questions focused on program formats and resources. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. A total of 250 individuals answered the Iowa Equine Needs Assessment Survey. Results of the survey are listed below. The majority of individuals completing the survey have horse related questions five or more times per year.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Equine Program is conducting a statewide Equine Needs Assessment Survey to identify the educational needs of the local equine community. You will be asked to check topics you would like to learn more about. Additional questions will focus on program formats and resources you are most interested in.

4-H Horse and Pony ID

• 4-H animals are to be identified by May 15th and State Fair eligible horses need photos uploaded into 4hOnline by May 15th.
• Read the 4-H 202 publication, “Iowa 4-H Livestock Show Requirements - Animal Identification, Weighing, and Exhibiting Requirements for County, State and Interstate Shows”.
• Ownership is required of the 4-H animal. However, Horses have an official lease (4H 106 CL) option as a 4-H project. The 4-H’er must complete a lease form. Only showmanship, riding or driving horses are eligible for lease; horses in halter/conformation classes, cannot be leased and must be owned by the 4-H’er.

AHCF Announces Results of 2017 Economic Impact Study

The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) is pleased to announce the results of its anticipated 2017 Economic Impact Study of the U.S. Horse Industry. The AHCF would like to thank The Innovation Group for their work on this important study.

The Northwestern University Hunt Seat show in Evanston, Illinois was a great opening to the spring season. ISU was one of the t eams within the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association that competed.  Kaitlyn Chantrey(Junior) placed 1st in her flat class, and placed 5th in her over fences glass despite losing her stirrups every jump! Caitlin Fjeld (Freshman) placed 2nd in her jumping class, and 4th in her flat class. Ashley Janssen (Freshman) placed 4th in her jumping class, and 2nd on the flat. Mara Resop (Freshman) placed 2nd in her flat class. Sejla Pujagic (Freshman) placed 4th in her flat class. Abby Wylder (Junior) finished 4th in her flat class despite having change horses twice due to lameness issues. Anna Randleman(Junior) placed 2nd in the flat class.

ISU Equine farm stands excellent Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stallions that both ISU owned mares and public owned mares are bred to.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Equine Program is conducting a statewide Equine Needs Assessment Survey to identify the educational needs of the horse project leaders. We are asking for your thoughts and input on a variety of topics, events and training's related to your role as equine project leaders.

The Iowa State Fair 4H Horse Show is a long tradition at the Iowa State Fair. The show runs from August 8th through noon on August 11th. On Monday horses arrive and fill the horse barn on the fairgrounds. Youth and their families bring with them tack boxes, saddles, bridles, feed and much more. The youth have worked all year and especially the last few months to prepare horses for the show. The Iowa State Fair 4H Horse Show Schedule is listed below. Everyone is invited to come watch and cheer for the youth.

This morning, we went to a beef packing plant called JBS. I have very little beef background and had never been to a meat packing plant before. When we got there, we had a fantastic breakfast while we learned a little bit about the plant. After that, we put on some marshmallow suits that were white and clean. We got some boots and a helmet and a very thick sweatshirt that I (and several others) wished we could bring home with us because they would be perfect for Iowa winters. After we all got dressed and took a group picture, we started the tour of the plant itself.