Today we visited the University of Florida Horse Teaching Unit at UF. Dr. TenBroeck talked to us about the facility, what it provides the students, and its history. Some of its history is that it was previously a Saddlebred horse facility. There was a large range of horse breeds from Quarter Horse to Thoroughbred to Arabians. Now they only use pure breed Quarter Horses and Appendix. The disciplines are mainly western, focusing on ranch riding.
At the HTU they breed all their own horses which helps teach students about reproduction, AI and how to deliver and care for foals. Once the foals are born, a student gets assigned one horse and will be with it until the sale when the horses are 2 years old. They learn basic foal and mother care, how to start foals to be ready in the yearling classes, and more. Once they're yearlings the students work on desensitization, ground work, manners, and obstacles. Once the horses hit 2 years old they will start establishing principles through the saddle. In the fall they will be saddled for the first time, being worked 3 times a week. During this period all work is still being done in the round pen for safety and efficiency. When spring comes the horses will have had at least 4 months under saddle and will have their first few rides. During spring the students put the horse through courses under saddle preparing them for the soon to be sale!
As we toured the facility we also learned that students can live on the grounds in exchange for working there. This is an excellent opportunity to build your resume and gain skills needed to work in the industry.
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