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PERFORMANCE HORSE SHORT COURSE & TRADE SHOW

Extension Education

Lindsey Wiggins
Extension Agent II, MS
HENDRY COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
LABELLE

Abstract

\r\n Revenue generated from the performance of a horse, is dependent on overall health and fitness of the animal.  Sustainability of performance horses and profitability of equine operations can be improved by implementing these management practices: proper tack selection, adequate nutrition, parasite control, proper forage selection, maintain body condition, and pasture management.  SFBFP offered Performance Horse Short Course & Trade-Show in 2009 and 2010 to educate participants about proper management of performance horses and provide them the opportunity to network with trade-show exhibitors.  Concepts taught in classrooms are supported by demonstrations and hands-on activities; such as: gastroscopic examination of a live horse to determine gut health by UF Mobile Equine Diagnostics Service director and tack fit and selection demonstrations by nationally recognized saddle maker Dale Martin. These activities provide participants rare opportunities; including, looking inside a horse stomach, projected on screen.  Programming efforts are made by livestock agents from multiple counties, state specialists from the Range Cattle REC and the Department of Animal Sciences, and professionals in the allied industry.  1,000 brochures were distributed to the public via newsletters and through news stands.  60 horse owners; including 4-H, FFA, and Junior/High School Rodeo members, participated in the Short Course. Pre/post test evaluations indicated 100% of participants experienced a 41.2% increase in equine management knowledge and 100% of participants plan to change current or implement new production practices.  As a result of knowledge gain and subsequent adoption of management practices, improvements in competitiveness and overall health and well being are certain.

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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.

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Authors: L. Wiggins, Sonja Crawford, Les Baucum, Randall Gornto, Courtney Davis, Patrick Hogue, Bridget Carlisle, Christa Kirby, Joao Vendramini, Reyna Speckmann, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira
  1. Wiggins, L. Livestock Extension Agent I, Hendry County Extension Service, Florida, 33975
  2. Crawford, S. Extension Agent II, Hendry County Extension Service, Florida, 33975
  3. Baucum, L. Extension Agent II, Hendry County Extension Service, Florida, 33975
  4. Gornto, R. Extension Agent I, Highlands County Extension Service, Florida, 33875
  5. Davis, C. Extension Agent I, Okeechobee County Extension Service, Florida, 34972
  6. Hogue, P. Extension Agent III, Okeechobee County Extension Service, Florida, 34972
  7. Carlisle, B. Extension Agent II, Polk County Extension, Florida, 33831
  8. Kirby, C. Extension Agent II, Manatee County Extension Service, Florida, 34221
  9. Vendramini, J. Assistant Professor, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865
  10. Speckmann, R. Extension Scientist, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865
  11. Sellers, B. Assistant Professor, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865
  12. Silveira, M. Assistant Professor, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865