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Adapting Forages for Horses for the Modern Classroom

Extension Education

Erika Lyon
Extension Educator - ANR
Ohio State University Extension
Steubenville

Abstract

The Ohio Forages for Horses program began in 1998 as a collaboration between the Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council and Ohio State University Extension. Over time, additional collaborations with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Agriculture and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts expanded the program. At its inception, one to three educators would partner to provide eight hours of in-person lectures followed by a pasture walk to better the management practices of equine enthusiasts. In addition, a binder of resources and certificate of completion were also provided to participants. From 2021 through 2022, the curriculum was adapted for a hybrid classroom and included three 90-minute live webinars featuring nine different presentations followed by online social events and in-person pasture walks. The modifications to the curriculum were made to improve access to equine resources and grazing education across Ohio. The Forages for Horses resources were also updated as part of the process. Modules in Scarlet Canvas provided additional information that was not initially covered in the original curriculum due to time limitations. In total, 37 students registered in the online course and webinars from January through March, 2022 with 24 attending the first live webinar. Enrollees included residents from Ohio, Maryland and Washington. Those who actively engaged with the online modules spent an average of 6 hours reviewing content. All webinars were recorded and will remain accessible until December 31, 2022 in order to allow additional participants to join the course throughout the year. Participants were able to hear directly from more educators than in past iterations of the programming, expanding the depth of knowledge and increasing the opportunities for participation without the location of the class posing a barrier for attendance. Regional pasture walks that will follow allow for in-person learning and networking opportunities. The online course model has expanded program reach and accessibility in the first year of implementation and will continue to be revised over the coming years to remain relevant and accessible to Ohioans.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Haley Zynda, Christine Gelley, Erika Lyon, Sara Mastellar, Elizabeth Share, Bob Hendershot, Dean Kreager, Gary Wilson, Richard Purdin, Jamie Hampton, James Morris, Ted Wiseman, Lee Beers
  1. Zynda, H. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44691
  2. Gelley, C. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43724
  3. Lyon, E. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43952
  4. Mastellar, S. Assistant Professor, Ohio State ATI, Ohio, 44691
  5. Share, E. Program Specialist - Livestock/Food Animal Programs, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43210
  6. Hendershot, B. Consultant, Green Pasture Services, Ohio, 43113
  7. Kreager, D. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43055
  8. Wilson, G. Executive Secretary, Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council, Ohio, 45841
  9. Purdin, R. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45693
  10. Hampton, J. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45895
  11. Morris, J. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 45121
  12. Wiseman, T. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 43764
  13. Beers, L. Extension Educator - Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ohio State University Extension, Ohio, 44410