MCC putting full gait toward equine education

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

The stallion barn is one of the many new additions to MCC's Highlander Ranch. Photos by Mandy Spikes

July 17, 2003 -- McLennan Community College (MCC), located in Waco, recently expanded their campus, with the hope that an equine management program will be added to the curriculum. Sherrie Burnette, the dean for continuing education, said she was pleased with the newest addition to the campus and is hopeful for the things to come.

"Once the board approved the deal to purchase the rest of Bentwood Farms, now called Highlander Ranch, we became really excited," stated Burnette. "We had previously purchased the bottom 157 acres for our veterinary technician program. This program has been well received by our students, as well as the horse programs that are available in the continuing education department. In order for us to grow, though, it became necessary for us to buy the top portion of the land."

The top portion of Highlander Ranch, which contains approximately 50 acres, has a covered arena, horse barn, indoor riding arena, and about 103 horse stalls. Bill Latham, who owned Bentwood Farms, sold the rest of his farm to MCC this past month.

Heidi Marcum, left, and Sherrie Burnette pause for a short photo-op as they remain excited about the many opportunities available with the new additional acres of the ranch. Photos by Mandy Spikes

"Our ultimate goal, which we hope to accomplish by the fall of 2004, is to have a two-year degree in equine management. Heidi Marcum, who is our horse consultant, is working on the curriculum as we speak. It takes about a year for it to be approved by the board.

"We still will have horse classes in our continuing education department. The great thing about having this new degree is that the hours taken in the continuing education department can then be transcripted to credit hours for the degree. We also want to form a two-plus-two program for equine management." Currently, the college has such a program for their vet tech program.

Burnette added that MCC is even thinking of forming a rodeo club for students interested in horses.

"We are so excited about the potential for this place," stated Marcum. "This is one of the finest horse facilities in the state of Texas."

Marcum explained that no other community college in Texas offers a horse management program for students. "The closest place an interested student can take these kind of classes is in Colby, Kansas."

She is thrilled that MCC will be able to offer students the ability to get a great education in horse management. "This purchase will not only benefit students, but the community as well. We will be able host day-long and week-long seminars with various equine professionals for the public.

"MCC students will be able to board their horses here. We want to use this place to the best of its ability."

Marcum said she wants to help students become knowledgeable in all aspects of equine management. "We want to teach them more than just how to ride a horse, we want them to come out of the program as well rounded horseman."

Of the purchase, the most exciting part of the deal to both Burnett and Marcum is the big stallion barn next to the riding arena.

"We call this the Four Seasons for horses," Burnette said. "It has two huge wings. One of the wings we want to rent to a horse trainer and the other one we want to rent to a horse vet. By doing this, we can utilize our assets for both the vet tech program and the new equine management program that we want to have."

Marcum added, "This stallion barn used to be a premier Egyptian Arabian barn. It contained the largest collection of Egyptian Arabians in the world. At one time, it housed about 1200 of them. What we want to do is restore it to its glory.

"We are currently looking to hire people to work at the facility. We are also looking for people who would like to donate lesson horses to MCC."

For more information, call Heidi Marcum at 254-299-8742 or e-mail hmarcum@mclennan.edu.