Equine Facilities

The Equine Facility at The Ohio State University is operated by faculty and staff of the Department of Animal Sciences.  Currently the facility houses 30-40 Quarter Horses and is the central location for all equine-related teaching, research, and Extension activities. Read more about the Equine facilities.

Meet Our Horses

Donations. There are two avenues of use for horses donated to the The Ohio State University Equine Program.  They can become part of the breeding herd or they can go into the Behavior & Training class where they will be trained and prepared for auction in the Buckeye Bonanza Benefit Horse Sale.

Breeding stock must obviously be stallions or mares and they must be of high enough quality to replace an animal that is already in our breeding herd.  If they meet these criteria, they may be kept for several years or replaced in just a few years. We currently have several mares with world class bloodlines, conformation, color, and disposition.  To replace one of these mares would take a very nice mare indeed.

All other horses accepted into the program are handled and trained by students in the Behavior & Training class before being sold at our Buckeye Bonanza Horse Sale.  We take all breeds, ages, and types.  When we receive well-trained horses, we simply start them on something new so that students learn to train.  However, we try not to take a horse that will be difficult to place in a new home because of a major physical problem.  For liability reasons, we also avoid horses with major behavioral problems.

Donated horses may be used as a tax deduction at their fair market value.  We strongly encourage donors to confer with their CPA on details about using horses as tax deductions.  There are many rules that vary based on the individual donor’s personal situation.

OSU Equine Experiences

The purpose of the equine experiences offered by The Ohio State University Equine Program is to provide students the opportunity to enhance their formal education with valuable hands-on experience.  These opportunities are excellent for students that have little to no equine experience.  Students will provide routine care of the animals and facilities, as well as assist with any special events that might occur such as a state 4-H contest or clinic.

Currently, there are four opportunities available that provide valuable hands-on experiences in:

1. Stable Management (Fall or Summer Term):  In addition to basic horse care, students are involved in administering proper immunizations, de-worming, and assisting veterinarians and the farrier when needed. For more information on the Stable Management experience, click here (pdf).

2. Equine Behavior & Training (Spring Semester):  The Behavior & Training experience focuses on the preparation of horses to be sold at the annual Buckeye Bonanza Horse & Tack Sale. Interns work with the faculty and staff to creating individual training programs for the sale horses and are responsible for handling, grooming, and conditioning their assigned horses. In addition, they assist students currently enrolled in Anim Sci 2401 as needed.  For more information on the Behavior and Training Internship, click here (pdf).

3. Breeding Management (Spring Semester): Students work extensively with broodmares and foals throughout the breeding season, learning basic principles of reproductive management of the mare and stallion and gaining hands-on experience with foaling, imprint training, and assisted reproductive techniques. For more information on the Breeding Management experience, click here (pdf).

4. 4-H Equine / Extension (Fall, Spring and Summer Terms): For more information on the 4-H/Extension experience, click here (pdf).

Equine Experience Application Form (pdf)

Student participation in these equine experiences may be eligible for ANIM SCI 3488 or 3191 credit. Students wishing to receive academic internship credit (ANIM SCI 3191) for one of the above equine experiences need to contact the Animal Sciences Internship Coordinator, Dr. Pasha Peffer at lyvers-peffer.1@osu.edu or 614-292-3896.

Internships and Research

Major industry employers want employees who have the ability to think critically, communicate well, and work effectively in teams. Conducting a research project as an undergraduate or completing an internship will help you learn those skills while gaining real-world experience.  Many research and internship opportunities exist locally in Columbus, Ohio; however, our students have completed internship and research opportunities across the country and around the globe.  The benefit of gaining this hands-on experience allows you to further shape your career goals while making you more competitive for employment after graduation. It’s not uncommon for students to find full-time employment at places where they completed internships. Participating in undergraduate research also allows you opportunities to present research at industry meetings and through College and University research forums. Read more on Internships or Read more on Research.

Student Organizations & Co-curricular Activities

Getting involved in at least one student organization on campus is arguably the most important thing you can do once you step foot on campus. Joining a club is like joining the perfect family.  Everyone involved has the same interests, and in some cases, the same career goals.  Most students find their closest circle of friends through student organizations. Read more about departmental organizations you might want to check out.

Meet Our Students

LIZ SEARLES. Senior, Major: Animal Sciences

Why do you love the Animal Science program at OSU?
Even though Ohio State is a very large school, Ag campus has a very small town atmosphere that is very welcoming.  I love that the classes are so hands on, which makes class enjoyable and exciting! I have also met some of my best friends and roommates through the program’s classes, clubs and events.

How does Animal Science play a role in your life outside the classroom?
The hands on approach has helped me bring knowledge home and make better educated choices when it comes to choosing horse feed and helping others manage their horses’ health.

How have the Faculty and staff affected/ impacted your undergraduate career?
The Animal Science faculty have been extremely helpful in helping me decide on a career path that fit my interests. They have always pushed me to do my best, helped me find potential internships and jobs and have become people I now consider to be good friends of mine!

What’s the coolest thing about being a student at Ohio State?
OSU has provided me with experiences and opportunities that other schools could not provide. When you are a Buckeye no matter where you are in the world, if you yell O-H someone always answers with an I-O!

DANIELLE NICHTER, Senior. Major: Animal Sciences, Minor: Farm Management

Why do you love the Animal Sciences program at Ohio State? I enjoy being around people that share the same interest as me and also working with a close knit staff team.  It makes things nice that campus is located on the West side of campus, it is a nice change of pace.

How does animal sciences play a role in your life outside the classroom? It’s great how much hands on experience you get in the Animal Science program.  I have noticed such a upper hand when working with other students my age who have not had the hands on experience that I have received.

How have the faculty and staff affected/impacted your undergraduate career? There has been one person who has really been my go to Professor while in school, Dr. Kimberly Cole.  She has always been willing to sit down with me whether it is to discuss my class schedule or if I have questions about classes. Also Dr. Steve Moeller was a great Professor to work with while in his Swine Reproduction class.  He always spoke to us with respect and was always willing to help in any way possible.

What is the coolest thing about being a student at Ohio State? Being able to meet all walks of life and have something in common, being a BUCKEYE!!!