Thomas Vastine is not only a student pursuing his passion for the equine industry but has stayed true to his love of music through the ISU Marching Band.
Vastine is currently a junior in animal science, hailing from the small town of Morton, Illinois. His passion for horses started with horseback riding while living in Belgium. Vastine commented, “I always wanted to pursue something animal science related but it was the time I spent horseback riding and shadowing a local vet that really pushed me to take action on that dream.” Iowa State became an easy decision for Vastine after his first campus visit. “I definitely did my research and saw how high-ranking the program was, but it was the moment I visited the campus and saw how beautiful and open the main quad was that sold it for me.”
Vastine now enjoys working at the equine farm, gaining hands-on experience with horses in all stages of reproduction and learning more about their daily and medical care. He is also a student in An Sci 319: Equine Reproduction, where students are assigned their own mares to attend to for foaling. Throughout the class, students perform daily mare checks and spend two nights a week doing foal watch to monitor horses for signs of dystocia, call necessary personnel, and monitor the newly born foals. “This class has really helped me identify my passion for the reproductive side of the equine industry; whether it’s the mares and foals, or the stallions.”
Thomas started his freshmen year off by becoming a member of the ISU Equine Farm staff and a member of the ISU Marching band where he has continued to move his way through the ranks. Vastine is extremely proud of achieving the role of Drum Major for this upcoming fall football season. He stated, “Getting the opportunity to lead 360 people who are the energy source behind every Iowa State Football game is truly an honor and a challenge I am excited to take on.”
Vastine wants to pursue the Kentucky Equine Management internship where he hopes to learn more about co-op breeding, stallion management, and the selling of horses. After graduation, Vastine would like to move to Kentucky for a position in equine management or reproduction. His dream workplace of Spendthrift Farm is influenced by his passion for working with stallions and his following of the leading sire in America, Into Mischief.
Thomas’s advice for new students in animal science:
“This major is extremely prominent and difficult. Managing your time is very important, and make sure to reach out to sectors of the animal industry you may not be as familiar with because you may just find a new passion!”