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We are often asked "What will happen to my horse if I donate it to the Southern
Illinois University at Carbondale Equine Science Program? There may be
a number of potential possibilities. Let us start to answer this
question by acquainting you with our program.
The Equine Science program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is the only comprehensive four-year Equine
Science curriculum in Illinois.
It is considered to be one of the most progressive horse programs in the
nation, offering over 14 classes in horse management, horseback riding,
equine business management and more. In addition to educating young
horsemen and women, the SIUC Equine Science Program is heavily involved with
research, delivery of state-of-the-art breeding services to the public, and
breeding Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race horses as well as riding horses
(Arabian and part Arab, Quarter Horse, Paint, etc). We maintain a herd
of approximately 45 horses of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds who service
the program in a number of capacities.
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First, all of our animals perform teaching duties. Our curriculum in Equine Science
is distinctive in that it is extremely hands-on. Every horse class has
a regularly scheduled laboratory section at the Horse Center
wherein the students have the opportunity to practice what is being taught in
the classroom. Therefore, all of the animals donated to our program
must be tractable enough to be handled by students with varying degrees of
horse experience. To avoid any surprises, if the horse you are donating
has any peculiar habits, or requires special handling, please make this clear
to us before we accept it as a donation. When the donation has been
formally accepted, the donor must transport the horse to SIU.
Second, we maintain a very active research program which investigates a
number of reproductive questions relevant to today's horse breeding
industry. The types of research projects we undertake do not involve
invasive procedures such as the removal of organs, and we do not euthanize
our animals as a part of our research protocols. We adhere to the very
strictest guidelines for the humane care and treatment of our animals.
After all, first and foremost we are horse lovers ourselves! Mares used
for research are maintained primarily at pasture. About 20 mares are
turned out on a 60 acre pasture with free access to shelter. Once or
twice daily they are separated into sheltered pens and fed according to their
individual needs. Those horses requiring grain supplementation are fed
a sweet feed ration which is mixed to our specifications by our own Feed
Mill. During the winter, all horses have access to grass/legume hay free-choice.
Third, we conduct riding classes at all levels of accomplishment, and in most
major riding disciplines. Advanced students are involved with the
training of horses to eventually be used by the less experienced
students. Soundness and a willing disposition are the major
requirements for horse donations destined for the riding program.
Experienced and docile horses to be used by beginning riders are of
particular interest. Horses of all breeds and a wide age span are
welcome. Horses used in the riding curriculum are turned out to pasture
with other riding horses when not in use for class and are maintained in box
stalls during classroom hours. Most horses can expect to be ridden
about 8-10 hours per week and have the weekends off.
Thoroughbred mares, as well as a selection of mares of other breeds and
stallions with notable pedigrees are used in our breeding herd. Donated
seasons to some of the best stallions in the area are used for the broodmares
donated to the Equine Science Program. Stallions accepted for donation are
bred to SIU mares and offered at stud to the public. Foals resulting
from these activities are raised by the students and offered for sale at
auction. The proceeds of these sales help to support our teaching
activities. If a mare is no longer serviceable as a broodmare, she is
usually transferred to the research/teaching herd.
I hope you can see that the animals we receive as donations lead a happy and
productive life. All of us in the SIU Equine Science Program take our
charge to care for and promote the betterment of horses very seriously.
In addition to our faculty, have a highly trained support staff consisting of
a barn manager, assistant manager, and SIU Equine Science students.
Therefore, illnesses and injuries are cared for promptly and
responsibly. All of our horses are on a regular schedule of
vaccinations, deworming, and hoof care. If a
horse becomes seriously ill or is suffering, we will euthanize it on site.
There are a few restrictions involved with donating to our program.
Once an animal has been donated, it becomes the property of the State of Illinois. Should
an animal no longer fit our needs, we must abide by the rules governing the
disposition of state property in moving it out of the program. This
generally means that it must be offered for sale at a public auction.
We try very hard to do everything within our power to improve the
marketability of our animals. For example, as part of the teaching
program our students are involved with training and/or retraining sound
horses from our herd. This makes our horses attractive to buyers
wanting a pleasure horse. We can make no guarantees,
however, about the ownership of horses once they leave our hands.
We hope this has answered any questions you may have had about the animals
involved with our Equine Science Program. We welcome visitors to our
facilities; you can drop by our Horse
Center any day from 7
am to 5 pm, or call to arrange a tour. If you have further questions or
concerns, please call or e-mail:
Sheryl S. King, Ph.D.
Director of Equine Studies
Phone: (618) 453-1771 Monday thru Friday
Fax: (618)453-5231
sking@siu.edu
Once again, thank you
for your support!
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