At Modesto Junior College, lessons in horse sense

College aiming to supply equine experts

By MICHELLE HATFIELD
mhatfield@modbee.com

last updated: April 18, 2008 08:00:27 AM

Whether it's a career in horse racing, breeding, nutrition or veterinary medicine, jobs for equine experts are in hot demand in California.

To meet that need, Modesto Junior College is corralling support for an equine program. The community college is hosting a free open house Saturday to let the community meet MJC's horses and learn about its agriculture programs.

Though they are known as barnyard animals, horses are treated more like pets than livestock such as cows and sheep, said Julie Haynes, MJC equine instructor.

"Horses are not considered livestock. They are companion animals," she said. And people will do a lot for their pets, including buying specialty food, grooming products and riding equipment. Owners also are more likely to spend money on surgeries and selective breeding.

Ag students at MJC can earn associate degrees in animal science, but Haynes hopes to start a more concentrated program within the next five years that allows students to pursue a degree in equine studies. Animal science includes sheep, swine, beef and horses.

Two to three equine classes are offered each semester, ranging from equine fitting and showing to introduction to colt starting to beginning horsemanship.

Through a partnership with California State University, Fresno, MJC has 12 young horses for 20 to 30 students. The students transfer to Fresno State, the University of California at Davis and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, all known for their ag colleges, Haynes said.

"(MJC's) ag program is very overachieving. Equine was the only course left that we didn't have classes in," she said. "We wanted to better prepare students for those schools while they're here."

Most horse-minded students will become veterinarian technicians or pursue a career in nutrition -- developing food for horses based on age, pregnancy, coat color or physical activity, much like cat and dog food. The nutritional supplement industry is surging, especially in states such as Kentucky, Haynes said.

Oakdale's A.L. Gilbert is one local feed company serving a growing horse population.

"There are over 1 million horses in California. That's part of the reason we want to support education programs. The majority of these horses are in back yards, not businesses," said Marit Arana, nutritionist with A.L. Gilbert, a vendor that will be at Saturday's open house.

In anticipation of the swelling horse market, MJC earned a $25,000 grant to put up a barn on the west campus. As more people move to the Central Valley, demand for vets, boarding facilities and feed stores will increase, Haynes said.

"This area is waiting for horse people to come in. Land is cheap," she said.

Saturday's open house runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Equine Unit next to the Mary Stuart Rogers Center on MJC's West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. For more information, call 575-6872 or 575-6200.

Bee staff writer Michelle Hatfield can be reached at mhatfield@modbee.com or 578-2339.

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