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Equine science program approved
Published Thursday, May 8, 2008
Local college students will saddle up and take the reigns of a new equine science program starting next fall.
The 32-credit program will be offered through Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Fergus Falls.
The program, which is unique to the northern Minnesota scene, will offer students hands-on learning opportunities at the Red Horse Ranch.
“We’re really excited about this. We think it will be a hit for Red Horse, the students and the town. It’s going to put us on the map,” said Dr. Gary Henrickson, MSCTC Dean of Academic Affairs.
The program will incorporate science-based classes, such as equine anatomy and equinary reproduction and nutrition — taught by veterinarian Dr. Thomas Prieve — with skill-based courses, such as stable operation and western horsemanship.
Skill courses will be taught at the Red Horse Ranch Arena by boarding supervisor Andrew Hinrichs. Hinrichs taught equine classes at a community college in Iowa before accepting his current position at the ranch. He’ll use his boarding and teaching experience to put together an in-depth curriculum.
“I know what type of things I want to incorporate into the courses to get students ready for the equine world,” he said.
The program will suit students with an interest in veterinary studies. The majority of classes will transfer to four-year equine and veterinary science programs. Graduates of the one-year program will be qualified to work in entry level stable management.
The Minnesota State Colleges and University System approved the program on May 1. The application process began last fall, and has since gone through an internal review, two Minnesota college-wide reviews, and was granted approval after an in-depth review by the Minnesota State Colleges and University systems board of trustees.
The Minnesota State Colleges and University system is made up of 32 Minnesota colleges and universities, 25 of which are two-year community colleges. All program approvals go through the board of trustees, which consists of 15 members appointed by the governor.
Final approval was granted based on various reports put together by the college. Reports detailed on and off campus interest, a coherent academic program and a plan for funding.
According to Henrickson, Minnesota State Colleges and University Systems are careful when it comes to approving new programs.
Dr. James McCormick, the Systems chancellor, is responsible for presenting all program approvals to the legislature.
Courses for the equine science program will be available for registration on the MSCTC website, www.minnesota.edu, within the next two weeks.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by fergusforever (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Fergus Falls. With all the equine in our area and the new Red Horse Ranch, combining the resources sounds like success. Andrew is a fine gentleman and instructor. Dr. Preib, thank you for seeking this out for MSCTC and the surrounding areas.
:)
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