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University of California–Davis





Department of Animal Science: Students in the B.S. degree program can specialize in equine sciences in both the AS and ASM. Equine courses that satisfy the specialization are Horse Husbandry, Advance Horse Production and Management, Equine Exercise Physiology, Equine Genetics, Equine Nutrition, Farrier Science, Equine Enterprise Management, and Advanced Equine Reproduction. Advanced Horse Production and Management and Farrier Science include lecture and laboratories. There are also a number of internship programs that students can take. Two of these internships courses take six months to complete and prepare students for a career as a stud or broodmare manager. These two internships are made up of the Foal and Stallion Managers. Foal Managers are responsible for the care of the broodmares during parturition, as well as training of the yearlings. Foal Managers are in charge of pre- and post-parturition care of the mare and foal, basic ground training of the weanlings, and advanced training of the yearlings (such as standing for the farrier, clipping, and trailer loading). In addition, the Foal Managers organize the Annual Production Sale held every year on the 3rd Saturday in June. Stud Managers are responsible for caring for the stallions' health and reproductive needs. Some aspects of the internship include: Daily Handling of Stallions, Collection, Artificial Insemination, Evaluating and Processing Semen, Estrous Cycle Manipulation, Teasing Mares, Processing Cooled and Frozen Semen, Ultrasound Techniques, and Assisting Veterinarians with Breeding of Client Mares. The Stud Managers also give breeding (i.e., collection and insemination) demonstrations to the public at various events such as UC Davis' Picnic Day, Western States Horse Expo, and at the Annual Production Sale. Candidates accepted in the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Animal Biology and Molecular, Cellular, Integrative Physiology, and Comparative Pathology are eligible to specialize in equine reproductive endocrinology research conducted by Dr. Roser, whose research focus is endocrine regulation of fertility in the mare and stallion. The UC Davis Equestrian Center offers recreational and competitive horseback riding lessons in English and Western disciplines. Horse shows, trail rides, summer youth camps, lease horses, clinics, work exchange program, Guardian Angel program, and special activities are offered. Employment for student staff includes instructors, barn supervisors, feeders, maintenance and stall cleaners.



