The 2^nd Annual TAMU Ranch Horse Program was held on Sunday August 4^th in conjunction with the TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course.  The event was hosted at the Thomas G. Hildebrand Equine Complex through the joint efforts of TAMU AgriLife Extension, TAMU Equine Initiative and TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine.

The program was started in 2018 to meet a growing demand.  “Horses are still very much a part of the livestock industry in Texas and the growth and popularity of Stock Horse competitions is bringing in even more horse enthusiasts.  We started the Ranch Horse Program to serve as an educational resource for this growing faction of the equine industry” says Jennifer Zoller, Extension Horse Specialist and program co-coordinator.

Participants were exposed to a wealth of knowledge in the speaker lineup.

• Nutrition tips for the working ranch horse presented by Dr. Matt McMillan, Nutritionist with Hi Pro Feeds
• Disaster preparedness presented by Dr. Leslie Easterwood, Assistant Clinical Professor Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine
• History of the 6666 horses and Ranch horse selection presented by Dr. Glenn Blodgett, resident veterinarian and manager of the 6666 Ranch horse division
• Ranch horse dental care presented by Dr. Cleet Griffin, Clinical associate professor Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine

Following a lunch that was sponsored by Ag Workers Insurance, the audience got to experience a clinic by Mr. Jeff Williams.  Jeff has started colts for more than 20 years for clients including the Haythorn Ranch, King Ranch, Beggs Ranch, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch and Muleshoe Ranch.  He shared his considerable experience with the audience by discussing and demonstrating how he starts and finishes a horse on cattle. His practical, straight forward approach and explanation was very beneficial and well received by the audience. The arena portion of the program was generously sponsored by South Texas Tack.

Throughout the conference, participants were able to attend the trade show to visit with vendors and sponsors.  Vendors included South Texas Tack, Producers Cooperative Association, Ag Workers Insurance, Stock Horse of Texas, 6666 Ranch, Champion Ranchers Construction Farm & Ranch Supply, TAMU Equine Initiative, TAMU AgriLife Extension and TAMU Department of Animal Science.

The 3^rd Annual TAMU Ranch Horse Program will be held on Sunday August 2^nd, 2020.

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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Kaitlyn Arnold at kaitlyn.arnold@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.