Equine Studies Stud Farm Program

The concentration in Stud Farm Management prepares individuals for positions of responsibility in the equine breeding business. General science and physiology, along with the business courses in management, provide a sound educational background for the more specialized course work in equine health, nutrition, genetics, and reproduction. Internships, Academic Programs Abroad, independent study, and laboratory work provide knowledge and expertise in farm management, breeding, foaling, and marketing. Exposure to a wide variety of farm management techniques provides a foundation of information for future stud farm managers. The Stud Farm Management concentration provides a specialized foundation in equine science for students preparing for veterinary or graduate level programs at other institutions.

In the fall we offer EQ 181 Breeding Practicum. Students enroll with a wide variety of skill sets. Some students have handled breeding horses prior to this class and some have general horse handling skills. This class provides a great opportunity for students to teach and learn from each other. In the spring we offer EQ 242 Stud Farm Management Practicum for students that have completed EQ 181. In the laboratory students learn how to handle the stallions, mares and foals, collect and process semen and artificially inseminate mares. Each spring the EQ 242 Stud Farm Management class has foal watch as part of its curriculum. Students monitor the pregnant mare using a video monitoring system.

EQ 405 Equine Reproduction is the capstone reproduction class for Stud Farm Management students. This class offers students the opportunity to work on a group research project in the area of equine reproduction. Students have evaluated semen extenders, the effects of lighting on the estrous cycle and the use of pharmaceuticals in breeding programs.

Absolut (1990-2008):  In loving memory of "Our feisty teacher"

Absolut was born in May of 1990, and bred by Alf Carlsson at Stuteri Degerhaga in Sweden. Absolut's sire Martini was short listed for the 1996 Swedish Olympic Dressage Team. Martini was a member of the bronze winning 1997 Swedish Dressage Team at the European Championships. Martini has competed in many Grand Prix and Grand Prix Specials. Absolut is out of a Diploma mare Karima.

Absolut sired many foals during his seasons at Lake Erie College.