Priority Deadline: November 15th, 2022
Final Deadline: January 16, 2023
May 17-25, 2023
This intensive course is designed to introduce students to operational strategies and management issues facing equine industries. We will travel throughout the country, focusing on issues facing equine industries in the U.S. as well as abroad. Comparing the industries and exposure to equine disciplines and breeds in the U.S. and abroad will be emphasized as well. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of an (inter)national industry including current events, career options, equine welfare, and the impact of the equine industry on the country’s economy.
Credit hours will be determined by the department depending on the extent of activity and types of projects and/or presentations to be completed by the student upon return. Can be used to satisfy the internship requirement of the Animal Industries concentration.
- Brief city orientation and tour of Dublin followed by dinner and discussion: How are horses a part of U.S. culture? Irish culture
- Visit to the Balmoral Show Belfast, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, and Eikon Exhibition Centre
- Visit to Kildangan Stud and the Tri-Equestrian tack shop
- Visit UCD (University College Dublin) Veterinary School with campus tour
- Tour RDS (Royal Dublin Society) Discussion: How does equine nutrition differ between Ireland and the U.S.? What issues regarding feeds and feeding does Ireland face that the U.S. does not?
- Optional Church Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Visit to Alltech Ireland, Dunboyne, Co Meath and Lishmar Connemara Ponies, Donabate. Discussion: Horse breeds and discipline comparison. Could the Connemara pony experience as much success in the U.S.?
- Visit to the Department of Agric, Veterinary Lab, Backweston
- Visit to Equine Therapies Ireland, Irish Equine Centre, Irish National Stud Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare
- Talk on Irish Sport Horses Discussion: How is the health of a nations’ horses protected here vs. the U.S.? What current health issues are affecting the horses of Ire? How does stallion management and facility management differ between Ireland and the U.S.?
- Visit to Connolly’s Red Mills, Goresbridge County Kilkenny and Ballylinch stud, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Discussion: How does equine nutrition differ between Ireland and the U.S.? What issues regarding feeds and feeding does Ireland face that the U.S. does not? How are brewer’s/distiller’s grains used in the feed industry?
- Visit to Emerald Isle Foods in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Travel from Waterford to Coolmore Stud, Fethard, Clonmel.
- Tour of University of Limerick Equine campus. Discussion: How is horse processing perceived in Ireland compared to the U.S.? How do equine reproduction and reproduction management practices differ between Ireland and the U.S.?
- Trekking at British Horse Society Certified Clonshire Equestrian Centre, Adare. British Horse Society Exam, Adult riding program
- Visit Bunratty Castle Discussion: What American based organizations are similar in mission to BHS? What impact does BHS have on equine welfare, owner and general public education, and promotion of the industry?
- Explore Blarney Castle and Gardens (Blarney Stone. Discussion: How was riding the same/different than you’ve experienced in the U.S?
- Tour Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park Letterfrack, Co. Galway
Academic Credit
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a total of three UTK credits. Students will enroll in the following course:
ANSC 496: Equine Industries Tour
Fulfills 3 credit hours of Internship/Experiential learning credit for Animal Industries
Credit Applied During
- Second session Spring semester 2023
- 1 credit hour, mandatory
- Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm
- Experiential learning trip during mini term
- 2 credit hours, mandatory
Additional Information
This program is open to all majors with preference given to Animal Science students with the Animal Industries concentration. A series of orientations and instruction will be held on UTK campus in the spring semester prior to departure where participants and the program leader will discuss expectations for the course and prepare for departure.
