THE MASTER HORSEMAN PROGRAM: BUILDING EQUITY IN LOUISIANA HORSEMEN
Extension Education
Neely Walker
Associate Professor & Extension Equine Specialist
LSU Agricultural Center
Baton Rouge
Abstract
The Master Horseman Program is an ongoing equine educational program hosted by LSU AgCenter state and regional specialists. The goal of this program is to have a group of extremely well trained volunteer leaders and to increase the quality of horsemen and horses throughout the state. These well trained individuals then have the responsibility to teach others throughout the equine community. Instructors host eight clinics, each three hours in length, to educate horse owners on the science of equine management and the concepts of riding and training. Demonstrations are used to disseminate information on the latest techniques. The use of hands on training, written materials, internet web sites, social media and television programs have been shown to increase the knowledge of stakeholders. In 2013 a survey of this program’s effectiveness was conducted. On average, 75.5% of the respondents have adopted the research-based practices that were emphasized in the extension program. Fifty-six percent of respondents indicated that they use information from trainers and other horse owners when making decisions regarding their equine needs. Forty-five percent of stakeholders site internet sites as a valuable resource. These results indicate that it is vital that agents and specialists continue to prioritize person-to-person contact and programs in the Louisiana equine industry. It is also apparent that as technology becomes increasingly available that electronic information delivery will continue to increase in importance. The Master Horseman Program continues to build equity in stakeholders, build strong partnerships, and increase the overall knowledge within the equine community.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: N. Walker
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Walker, N. Assitant Profosser & Extension Equine Specialist, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana, 70803