What does a horse eat? What anatomical features might one look for in a good quarter horse? Do horses actually need a dentist? SCC has an equine management class that might have all the answers you’re seeking.

According to Allen Rumbaugh, SCC Instructor, the Equine Management class (AGRI 1143), held at SCC Beatrice campus, is a good class for Livestock Management majors, or those students just wanting to learn more about horses in general.

The class is offered as an elective for students majoring in Livestock Management or as a stand-alone class for other students. Rumbaugh says that about 50 percent of the students enrolled in this class either own a horse or have access to one on a regular basis.

SCC maintains seven quarter horses at the Beatrice campus. The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed in the United States today and is well known both as a race horse and for its performance in rodeos, horse shows and as a working ranch horse.

Students in this class have an opportunity to learn about the proper diet, care and maintenance of quarter horses, as well as animal husbandry and anatomy of equines.

The animals are primarily cared for by students, super- vised by instructors, along with outside professionals who visit the campus. Equine dental services are provided by a veterinary dentist, and hoof care and horseshoeing techniques are demonstrated by a local farrier.

Rumbaugh emphasized that even though half the students in this program own horses for leisure purposes, this course does not teach students how to actually ride them. “Students will learn that work animals, like the horses here at SCC, are managed differently than animals that are primarily for athletic or leisure purposes” he said.

Rumbaugh has taught the Equine Management class at SCC for five years. Annie Erichsen, a full-time instructor at SCC and former student of Rumbaugh, is the present instructor.

Students considering the Equine Management class are encouraged to visit with Erichsen and the horses at the Beatrice campus. Remember to bring carrots!