Rutgers Young Horse Teaching and Research Program: undergraduate student outcomes.

The article discusses the outcomes of a unique undergraduate teaching and research program at Rutgers University where young horses, considered at risk, were utilized in various aspects, including equine management, research, and training. The program led to positive results, offering invaluable learning opportunities for students and creating pathways to various equine or science-related careers.

Overview of the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program

• The Young Horse Teaching and Research Program was unveiled at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ in 1999. It aimed to offer undergraduate students valuable research opportunities in the field of equine science.
• Innovatively, the program used young horses that were generally assumed at risk and in need of rescue. This unusual aspect of the program garnered media attention, which was used to secure funding.
• The horses used in this program were sourced from pregnant mare urine (PMU) ranches and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs, despite the associated risks of negative publicity, potential injury during training, and uncertain re-sale value.

Outcomes of the Program

• Contrary to the potential concerns, the program reaped a wealth of positive results. It received extensive appreciation and visibility in the press, and offered meaningful learning opportunities to students.
• More than 500 students, including at least 80 minorities, participated in several aspects of the program such as equine management, training, research, event planning, public outreach, fundraising, and website development.
• Despite economic downturns, the program was self-sustaining due to support from the public and industry. The university only needed to provide basic infrastructural support.
• Student research projects within the program generated 25 research abstracts that were presented at national and international meetings along with 14 honors theses.

Impact on Students’ Careers

• The program acted as an effective launchpad for students’ career. Over 100 students pursued further studies in veterinary school or other higher education programs.
• Around 100 others chose to work in equine- or science-related careers post their participation in the program.
• Positive articles featuring the program were consistently published in various breed/discipline journals, as well as local and regional newspapers, leading to increased visibility and credibility.

Conclusion

• The Young Horse Teaching and Research Program demonstrated that the use of ‘at risk’ horses not only yielded positive outcomes for the animals themselves but also greatly benefitted the undergraduate students involved.