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.

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