UK Equestrian Success Feels Right at Home

By: Carl Nathe

If you are interested in being involved in the equine world, what better place on earth to be than Lexington, Ky., 'The Horse Capital of the World'?

And if you are a college student interested in learning more about horses, working with horses, or earning a stand-alone equine degree, what better place than the University of Kentucky?

Rising junior Ali Cibon, an agricultural economics major from just outside of Chicago, was drawn to the university by the chance to compete on the UK Equestrian Team, a College of Agriculture club team, while pursuing her degree. 

"I just can't imagine not being around horses and riding," said Cibon.  "When I get done with my classes, it's just great to go out to the barn and be around these beautiful animals. When I get back to campus, I'm more motivated to study hard and do well academically."

Cibon earned an individual national championship in intermediate equitation over fences at the recent 2009 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Championships in Murfreesboro, Tenn. As a team, UK was selected as reserve national champion in the hunt seat division at the championships. This placement ranks UK second among 372 equestrian teams across the United States.

This was the third consecutive year UK claimed a spot at the national level in the hunt seat division. In 2008, the team brought home top honors.

2009 Animal Sciences graduate Rachel Bailey, from the Cincinnati area, served as vice president of the western riding program, part of the UK Equestrian Team, during her college career.

"From the moment I first came to visit campus, people made me feel special," said Bailey. "I was given a personal tour of the College of Agriculture and met several faculty members who really took an interest in me and my goals."

As for the success of the UK Equestrian Team, Bob Coleman, associate director for undergraduate education, equine science and management program, credits the hard work and dedication of the student riders as well as coaches Michelle Zimmer and Bennie Sargent. The riders are able to utilize two local facilities, Robert Murphy Stables and High Point Equestrian Center.

Coleman also spoke of the college's new equine-based undergraduate curriculum.

"There are two main thrusts to this program," said Coleman. "The first, equine science, is mainly a scientific or biological track, designed for students who want to pursue careers working directly with the care of horses and the like. The second track, equine management, is geared toward the business aspects of the equine industry with students studying marketing, statistics, and accounting."

While lots of schools have an equine major of some type, only two other land grant universities in the U.S. -- Colorado State University and Arizona State University -- have stand-alone equine degree programs.

Interest among prospective students continues to run high. From the moment plans for the equine undergraduate program were formally announced in early 2007, individuals from across the nation and from a number of foreign countries have expressed their desire to attend the University of Kentucky.

After all, when it comes to horses, UK feels right at home.