MCC horse management program emphasizes hands-on studies

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Dub Cunningham, Highlander Ranch program coordinator, discusses future MCC horse programs with Beth Key, one of the riding instructors . -Staff photo by Spikes

December 11, 2003 -- McLennan Community College (MCC), located in Waco, recently expanded their college's curriculum to cater to a more rural interest. The recent addition of various horse management programs will allow students a hands-on approach to learning not only how to handle horses, but ride them as well. All of these programs will be held throughout the following year at MCC's newly acquired Highlander Ranch, located in Bosqueville.

"We are looking at having a lot of one- and two-day clinics at the ranch," Dub Cunningham, Highlander Ranch program coordinator, stated. Included in these clinics would be a reigning clinic, cutting horse clinic, and a barrel racing clinic. People would either come out to improve their skills through these clinics, or else learn more about horses in specific areas.

Students that participate in these events have their choice of participating in the class or auditing the class. "Auditing a class means that a person will just observe the class," he explained. "This is for someone who doesn't want to do the hands-on work, but wants to take notes and become acquainted with the topic being discussed."

Either way, the main goal is to help the participant learn more about horses so they can gain confidence when dealing with them. This will help build the horse's confidence as well, Cunningham said, so the horse can control itself in adverse situations.

Also on the agenda for future MCC programs is having a two year Equine Management Production (EMP) degree. "Students will be able to come here for their EMP degree and be able to transfer their hours to either Tarleton State University (in Stephenville) or Texas A&M University (in College Station). That way they can either have credit for a four year degree plan or at least a two year certification."

He said, "Our main goal is safety. We want to offer horse-related courses to the public, but we also want to offer the safest classes possible." He added that being around horses can be unpredictable, so the environment needs to be of the best quality.

"It's important to develop a sense of horsemanship," he stressed. "I can't explain enough how important safety is because you never know what a horse will do. You need to be confident and safe around a horse at all times."

Cunningham is optimistic when thinking about the future of horse management for MCC. "McLennan County is a big equine area. From the rodeo fans to a person who has a pet horse and from the person who rides occasionally to the one who rides all the time, this curriculum will eventually have something for everyone.

"Right now we are starting off small to accommodate a few interest groups. Once that goes off well, then we will move on to the next level."

For more information about the horse management programs offered at MCC, visit their webiste at www.mclennan.edu or call the continuing education office at 254-299-8888.