OklahomaHorses Magazine November 2022

November / December 2022 • OklahomaHorses 19 The Classes A variety of equine-related courses is of- fered year-round at the OSU Cline Center. Most of the students in those courses are majoring in animal science, but a few have other majors. In fact, Cooper noted that any student can take equine courses as electives. He also relayed that the goal is to provide as much participatory experience as possible for students in equine classes. “We try to mimic what’s going on in the horse industry and expose students to how things work in the real world,” said Cooper. During the spring semester, the school offers a breeding and foaling class in which students discuss and apply current man- agement practices in horse reproduction. Students also learn breeding methods and foaling procedures, safety, biosecurity, health and nutrition, reproductive anatomy and hormones, and behavior and handling of horses. Peyton Ferrell, a recent OSU graduate with a degree in equine and animal science, took the breeding and foaling class as one of her electives. “I thoroughly enjoyed it and even thought about retaking the class just for the experience again since we didn’t fully get to be there all semester (because of COVID),” said Ferrell. “It was very hands-on, and they assigned you to the horse and group based on your skill level.” Ferrell also appreciated how nice the facility was, especially because students sometimes stayed overnight to monitor the mares that were close to foaling. “I would have spent every day there if I could,” said Ferrell. “I also loved that you could take further detailed classes and follow the foal you helped birth and even purchase it if interested enough.” Not only do students seem to enjoy the breeding and foaling class in particular, but Chapa does as well. “I get to see everything come full circle, and I really like being able to share that with the students,” said Chapa. The equine sales preparation class teaches students how to prepare young horses for sale. Students learn to apply equine behav- ior modification and training techniques and how to implement sales preparation strategies and marketing techniques. Students are also responsible for complet- ing safe and successful groundwork and riding a two-year-old from the OSU horse herd. Because of that, riding experience is required for the course. In the fall, the Cline Center offers two equine training classes. In the class on equine training methods, students are as- signed a young horse to start under saddle, focusing on performance of various maneu- vers, including halterbreaking, saddling, longeing, driving, and riding. The other training class offered is on behavior and handling. The class focuses on the basics of horse behavior and anatomy and is geared more toward students with little or no horse experience. Concepts taught include basic horse handling, man- agement principles, hoof and dental care, first aid, and wound care. “I enjoy getting to see the progress that the kids make when developing their horse-handling skills and seeing how it helps build their confidence when working around large animals,” said Cooper. Along with taking individual classes, students can participate in the equine enterprise management program as a way to further their equine education. “We started this program three years ago,” said Cooper. “There are required courses and electives, and it’s a way for students to earn an additional diploma to add to their degree.” Students can also take advantage of op- portunities for internships and employment at the Cline Center. If you’re interested in seeing the Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center, you can visit it at 2601 West McElroy Road in Stillwater. For more information, go to https://agriculture.okstate.edu. Interns at the OSU Cline Equine Teaching Center work with horses such as this two-year-old stallion. The Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center at OSU offers a variety of horse-related courses.