University of Arkansas Equine Science Program Overview

Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences of the University of Arkansas, in cooperation with the U of A Cooperative Extension Service, is establishing an Equine Science Program in the Animal Science Department to emphasize teaching, outreach, and extension. This program will further enrich the university and Division of Agriculture by attracting students throughout the university, community,and state offering horse related educational opportunities for the young and adult citizens of Arkansas.

There are an estimated 200,000 horses in Arkansas; hence, horses are a significant economic force and play a major role in social and youth developmental activities. The program will focus on the horse interest(s) of families, youth, and adults and recruit quality students to hte university. Students will apply knowledge learned in the classroom and laboratories through "hands on" experience by participation in the operation of the center and related facilities.

The proposed equine center adjacent to the animal science multi-purpose Fayetteville campus facility will be the cornerstone for teaching outreach and extension. Located west of Agri-Park at the northern boundary of the Fayetteville campus, the facility will include housing for university horses in a twenty stall barn with designated areas for teaching laboratory practicums. Adjacent to the main barn will be support facilities, to include: a partially covered outdoor arena, paddocks, and covered round pens. These facilities will be dedicated to training students in areas of production, management, and riding. These facilities will also be used for student and youth performances. Special emphasis will be focused on statewide 4-H and other youth organizations. Easily accessible pastures and paddocks will extend from these core facilities.

Students will be heavily involved in the operation of the facility. The facility will be demand driven and largely self-sustaining within the first three to five years of operation. The size and scope of the program will be determined by the citizenry of Arkansas, their expressed interest and fiscal support.

Ground breaking for the Equine facility is proposed for 1998. The property has been allocated by the University. We are now initiating an equine development campaign for the construction of the physical facility.

Phone: 501-575-PONY(7669)
Fax : 501-575-7294

4/2/97