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Iowa State University’s horse program continues to reach new heights

Fall 2021 Keeneland November Breeding Stock SaleIowa State University’s horse program continues to reach new heights by breeding quality horses and encouraging student participation in all facets of the industry. In November 2021, a group of students from Animal Science 217 Equine Farm Practicum attended the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in Lexington, Ky to witness the sale of the 2021 weanling colt raised by Iowa State University by leading second crop sire Not This Time out of the mare Meadow Bride. Hip 1349 was consigned with Vinery Sales and purchased by Machmer Hall for David Menard. 

The striking colt entered the sales ring late in the fourth session of the 9-day Keeneland November Sale drawing a final bid of $50,000. This colt is an example of what Iowa State University’s teaching farms are all about. The ISU Horse Farm is a teaching farm day in and day out. Students follow different mares from conception to parturition in the equine reproduction lab; learn to fit and market horses in the behavior and training class; day to day caretakers of the horses are student employees and equine farm practicum students learning about health care and management; and horses like this colt make up the breeding and marketing scenarios discussed in senior level equine systems management.

Knicks GoStudents attending this year’s Keeneland November sale also had the opportunity to accompany ISU farm managers Nikki Ferwerda and Kristen Reno to six well-known stallion farms and view over 25 prospective stallions being considered for breeding and be involved in discussions of their merits.  A stop at Taylor Made Farm allowed students to get a quick look at the yearling complex and a close up view of probably 2021 Horse of The Year, Knicks Go. Students were also able view the exhibits at the Museum of the Horse in the Kentucky Horse Park, watch the freestyle US Dressage Finals and met up with ISU alumni living and working in the horse industry in Kentucky.

After a long season of limited travel and many restrictions, this industry trip was a highlight to both students and farm managers as all look forward to the end of 2021 and a new year full of exciting new opportunities.

Fall 2021 Iowa State Equine TripPictured clockwise from bottom left: Javier Quinones, Talena Balasch, Josie Huss, Katie Temeyer, Kristen Reno, Paige Gilster, Alexis Patinos, Kelcey Loges, Alexis Gosnell, Maggie Greiter, Lauren Eads, Nikki Ferwerda, Raul Gonzalez