Chapter 3

Equine Science and Business:

Goal:  Enhance focus and depth in undergraduate education, graduate education, and outreach in equine science and be recognized as the leading university program in equine science in the nation.  Undergraduate education will include experiential learning designed to add practical experience in the science, production, sales, and show management aspects of the equine industry and prepare students for leadership positions in the equine industry.  Graduate education will consist of a master's degree program in Equine Industry Leadership to further scientific and business knowledge in the field.  Outreach will focus on youth and adult horse competition organization and teaching, nutrition and waste management for horse owners, and equine management on small acreage holdings.  NOTE:  This goal refers only to the planned activity of the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and Cooperative Extension.  It does not include strategic goals of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Strategic Initiatives: 

• Develop a non-thesis masters degree of Equine Industry Leadership.

• Enhance faculty size.

• Develop a covered horse training facility.

• Develop a competitive horse show team.

• Develop a therapeutic riding class and a horse sales class.

• Develop detailed plans for an undergraduate advising program, and outreach programs in 4-H (move the show to Denver from Pueblo), and outreach programs in small acreage management, waste management, and the Colorado Horse Expo.

Critical Resource Growth:

• Add permanent funding to the half-time non-tenure track faculty position.

• Acquire one additional tenure track faculty position.

• Develop a significant fund-raising program to support the Equine Sciences undergraduate program, especially for scholarships and facility and animal maintenance.