News Releases

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) — Area horse owners and those considering owning a horse have the opportunity to attend a course on the basics of horse care. Offered by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, the course will be taught in two locations in the Knoxville metropolitan area beginning in October.

“The horse ownership courses are for all owners,” says Dr. Frederick Harper, UT Extension horse specialist. Harper explains that these courses were developed at the request of area horse owners and enthusiasts wanting to learn more about the day-to-day care of horses.

“Facilities, feeding, management, health care and selection of one’s horse are the five major areas of horse ownership, and the key topics discussed in these courses,” states Dr. Harper. The courses are one of the most popular of several programs offered to horse owners, breeders and trainers by UT Extension.

Courses are limited to between 30 and 35 enrollees for greater audience interaction and participation. The cost of the five-week course is $30 per person, which includes a notebook and course materials. Courses will be taught in the evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. for the first meeting and 7:00 thereafter.

The Knox-Metro-East Horse Ownership Course will begin October 7, at 6:00 p.m., at the Jefferson County Extension Office in Dandridge. To register or for additional information, contact Jonathan Rhea at 865-397-2969 or jrhea@utk.edu.

The Knox-Metro-West Horse Ownership Course will begin October 9, at 6:00 p.m., in the Brehm Animal Science Building, Room 101, on the UT agricultural campus in Knoxville. To register or for additional information, contact Joe Hall at 865-457-6246 or jhall@utk.edu.

Graduates of the course are encouraged to attend the Horse Round Table in early December and either the Knox-Metro Horse Management Course (Knoxville) or the Lakeway Area Horse Management Course (Morristown) held in February and March each winter. These programs build on the basic information offered in the horse ownership course.

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Contacts: Jonathan Rhea, 865-397-2969; Joe Hall, 865-457-6246; Patricia McDaniels, 865-974-7141