Razorback Roundup horse sale set for Nov. 17
Student involvement promotes success for equine program
Nov. 6, 2007Contact Information:
Dr. Nancy Jack, Department of Animal Science
479-575-4380 / njack@uark.edu
By Fred Miller, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
479-575-5647 / fmiller@uark.edu
Summer equine interns in the Dorothy E. King Equine Program at the University of Arkansas organize and prepare the horses for the annual Razorback Roundup horse and tack sale, set for Nov. 17. This year's interns are, from left: Nathan Criss, Lauren Henson, Allison Cantrell, Tim Gaskell, Kimberly Santos, Kaylee Daughtery, Brett Ausley, Diane Bradmiller and Trey Graber.All profits are used to support the care of horses and for student activities and teaching programs in animal science. Students enrolled in the Dorothy E. King Equine Program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the U of A operate the sale, said Nancy Jack, program director.
Some 50 students enrolled in Behavior and Training and Horse & Livestock Merchandising train and handle 18 horses to be sold at the Razorback Roundup, Jack said. Most preparations for the event begin when classes start in the fall, but a small band of summer interns begin sale production three months earlier.
In addition to horse care, the internship program focuses on preparation and photography of horses that will be sold at the annual auction, Jack said. The interns are also responsible for record keeping, feeding, daily care of horses and upkeep of the D.E. King Pavilion and grounds. They handle, groom, bathe and condition horses for the sale. They help create nutrition plans for the horses, and are involved in administering proper immunizations, de-worming, and assisting veterinarians and the farrier when needed.
Marci Jennings, a 2004 graduate and former Fayetteville resident, said, “I feel the hands-on experience I gained while a student at the University of Arkansas, particularly the internships provided by the D.E. King Equine Program, helped me to be a more desirable candidate when seeking a position in the horse industry."
Jennings recently accepted an offer at the University of Missouri, Columbia, as an equine instructor and extension specialist.
Additional support in producing the Razorback Roundup comes from student staff members and teaching assistants, Jack said. Some student staff members work all summer while others work through the fall semester. Staff members aid in feeding and care of the horses and barn maintenance. Teaching assistants support class instructors during horse training labs throughout the fall semester.
"The success of the program and fund raising events relies heavily upon the dedication and hard work that the students and interns provide," Jack said.
Visit the online catalog for more information about the sale: www.razorbackroundup.org.