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Agricultural Science

Equine Specialization



Charlie Apter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
158 Barnett Hall
Kirksville, MO 63501
(660) 785-4584
capter@truman.edu


DEGREE OFFERED

  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science with specialized study in Equine Science

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    COURSES OF SPECIAL INTEREST

  • AGSC 152: Horsemanship Level I (may only be taken as a free elective)
  • AGSC 153: Horsemanship Level II (may only be taken as a free elective)
  • AGSC 154: Horsemanship Level III (may only be taken as a free elective)
  • AGSC 193: Introduction to Equine Science
  • AGSC 252: Horse Training Techniques
  • AGSC 391/392: Internship in Agriculture
  • AGSC 301: Special Problems in Equine Science
  • AGSC 310: Forage Crops
  • AGSC 320: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
  • AGSC 321: Animal Nutrition
  • AGSC 322: Animal Health
  • AGSC 327: Genetics of Plant and Animal Improvement
  • AGSC 352: Animal Reproduction
  • AGSC 353: Equine Reproduction Practicum
  • AGSC 342: Agricultural Entrepreneurship
  • AGSC 375: Equine Science
  • AGSC 422: Grazing Animal Ecology
  • AGSC 423: Physiology of Lactation
  • AGSC 441: Agricultural Research
  • AGSC 442: Agricultural Research
  • AGSC 443: Agricultural Research
  • AGSC 429: Domestic Animal Behavior
  • JINS 343: The Horse in Art, Science and History

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    EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Horseman's Association
  • Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Equestrian Team
  • Alpha Gamma Rho (social and professional fraternity of agriculture)
  • Sigma Alpha (professional sorority of agriculture)
  • Delta Tau Alpha honorary agriculture fraternity
  • Work and undergraduate research opportunities at the University Farm

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    RESEARCH

    Equine-oriented students have the opportunity to conduct research in the areas of equine reproduction, growth-related equine nutritional studies, and research related to equestrian activities.

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    FACILITIES

    The University Farm consists of 400 acres located about one mile from campus at the edge of Kirksville. Facilities include an indoor, lighted arena, three outdoor arenas, round pens, and 35 stalls located in three separate facilities, two of which are directly connected to the indoor arena. Boarding of student horses is permissible for a monthly board fee. Limited on-farm housing for students is also available rent-free in return for 10 hours of work per week. Classrooms, teaching laboratories and research laboratories are located in Barnett Hall on Truman's main campus. Within the next 6 months (by March 1 2004) approximately $700,000 of new facilities will be built at the Farm.

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    HORSES

    The herd consists mainly of American Quarter Horses used for breeding and riding (with emphasis on both Western and English horsemanship). Most of our Quarter Horses carry cutting horse pedigrees, including in their lineage such names as Lenas Bonita and Sugar Bars. Lenas Bonita was housed at the University Farm until he was put to sleep in July of 1996. He was the NCHA Derby Champion in 1976, had 17 AQHA cutting points and lifetime winnings of nearly $37,000. We now have a son of Freckles Playboy who is out of an own daughter of Doc O'Lena for breeding our cutting mares. We have a second younger stallion who is the offspring of two money-earning cutting horses. The riding herd also includes several Arabians and Thoroughbreds. To read more about our horses, go to the horse herd page.

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    INTERNSHIPS

    Internships at off-campus sites, within the equine industry in the U.S. or abroad, is strongly recommended as a mechanism for learning more about the equine industry and for gaining increased hands-on experience with horses.

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    SCHOLARSHIPS

    Truman State University offers various scholarships based on demonstrated academic ability. To apply for Truman State University's scholarships, students need only fill out and send in an application for admission. To be considered for competitive scholarships, applications must be received by November 15. Non-competitive or automatic scholarships are also available to applicants with outstanding academic records regardless of time of application. Other information on student aid can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

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    APPLICATIONS

    Application for admissions at Truman State University is free. Admissions is highly selective and competitive. Students interested in Truman State University are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Visit the Admissions Office webpage for more information.

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