College of Agricultural Sciences

Goal:  Colorado State University will enhance its focus and depth in undergraduate education, graduate education, and outreach in equine sciences, 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.  This will complement existing graduate programs in Reproductive Physiology and Equine Nutrition.  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 and the Agricultural Experiment Station.  It does not include strategic goals of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Purpose:  Estimates place the U. S. population of horses at 9.2 million with an industry economic impact of $102 billion.  In Colorado, the horse population is 194,000 and the economic value of the equine industry in Colorado is $754 million.  At Colorado State, the undergraduate program is a major within the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences.  In fall 2008, the program had 384 undergraduate majors.  The program is the largest undergraduate major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and enjoys a national reputation; approximately 50% of the students are non-residents.  The largest service and outreach audience are participants in the 4-H equine project, one of the largest 4-H projects with activities ranging from competitions to educational activities.  Adult outreach is offered with an adult horsemanship program, farrier science and management short courses, and extension programs in nutrition, small acreage management, and waste management.  Colorado State University is in a strong position to assist with the economic development of Colorado’s equine industry and enhance the well-being of citizens with interests in horses by educating equine industry professionals and hobbyists, researching technical and economic issues related to equine production, training, and utilization, and being involved with the equine industry, governmental agencies, youth and other consumers to assure that the latest knowledge is incorporated in management and regulatory decisions.

Strategic Actions: 

• Continue enhancement of faculty size to meet critical needs and align student/faculty ratios.
• Develop $500,000 annually in scholarship support.
• Pursue additional support for the CSU Polo Program.
• Classroom addition to the existing facilities that would become an outreach center for the entire equine program.
• Renovation of existing office complex.
• Research endowment for faculty located within the Equine Teaching and Outreach program.
• Addition of a cover for the outdoor arena to increase the potential space for classes.
• Continue to grow International involvement and impact.

Critical Resource Growth Needs:

• Acquire one additional tenure track faculty position.
• Continue to develop a significant fund-raising program to support the Equine Sciences undergraduate program, especially for scholarships and facility and animal maintenance.

Personnel:
Administrative Advisor:  Bill Wailes
Steering Committee Chair:  Jim Heird
Steering Committee Members:  Jason Bruemmer, Karen Hansen, Jeff Goodwin, Pat McCue, Dave Denniston, Robbie Skelton, Tiare Wells, Equine Advisory Committee