Equine program is expanding at Fergus Falls college

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. -The equine program at M-State-Fergus Falls is only two years old, but it's already expanding.

The program, created as a one-year diploma offering, will add a second year in the fall. Students in year two can work in a paid internship for the summer or fall and, after completing courses at the college or online in spring, earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Tom Prieve leads the program. The food animal veterinarian and general science instructor calls the equine course unique. It partners the college's classroom courses with hands-on horse and stable classes at Red Horse Ranch Arena and paid internships through Communicating for America.

While Prieve oversees the courses, RHRA boarding supervisor Andrew Hinrichs leads the hands-on horse and stable classes in the arena located north of Fergus Falls.

"Our philosophy from the get-go is that we want to make good workers," Prieve said. "Horse skills are secondary. We teach core abilities. That includes personal responsibility and a work ethic."

Working with people is key in the industry, he said.

"The horse business is a people business," Prieve said. "You have to be able to communicate. Whether you are talking to the banker or a customer, you need communication skills. It's all part of the business."

The program is serious about deadlines, he said. Students are required to do chores.

"So you have to show up and do it," he said. "Because its a working stable."

M-State's equine course offerings also reflect the business side of the industry and offers transferable courses should students continue their college instruction.

College writing and principles of bookkeeping are among the first year courses. Other offerings include equine anatomy, introduction to equine science careers and job skills. Other courses include stable operations, Western horsemanship and the fundamentals of practical riding instruction. Computer essentials, equine reproduction, English equitation and introduction to horse training are also offered.

The second year includes a paid internship that can take place anywhere. Job possibilities are endless for students, he said. The course can give students the introductory skills necessary for careers in stable management, horse training, horse judging, ring instruction and pre-veterinary and pre-veterinary tech courses.

The program also offers around $10,000 in scholarships, he said.

M-State's equine programt had seven students the first year and 12 this year, Prieve said. Classes are limited to 20 students.

Prieve became aware of M-State's equine offering several years ago when the idea was presented to staff.

"I saw that and thought, 'That's for me,'" Prieve said.

He grew up in Hutchinson and worked for dairy farmers. His interested in cow care prompted Prieve to become a veterinarian. He worked in South Dakota and Minnesota before moving to the Fergus Falls area. He worked with equine at the Lake Region Veterinary Center in Elbow Lake before joining the M-State faculty.

For more information on the program, contact Prieve at (218) 736-1589.