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RANGE HORSE MANAGEMENT THROUGH AN ANNUAL COOPERATIVE CLINIC ON THE WARM SPRINGS INDIAN RESERVATION IN OREGON

Extension Education

Fara Brummer
Area Extension Specialist/Livestock Systems
North Dakota State University
Streeter

Abstract

\r\n Range horses are regarded as livestock on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.  In 2007, a tribal member requested that Oregon State University (OSU) Extension host a castration clinic to address equine impact on natural resources.   While gelding undesirable stallions will improve foal quality, it will not impact population as quickly as mare removal.  However, it will potentially result in more efficient overall herd movement and range management.  In 2008, Extension at Warm Springs partnered with the College of Veterinary Medicine.  Under general anesthesia, 35 horses were castrated under the guidance of a veterinarian and senior veterinary students.  Castration was performed with a Henderson Equine Castrating Instrument.  Participants were also taught about equine health principles, foot care, deworming strategies, and dentition.  In 2009, OSU Department of Animal Sciences also joined the effort.  Currently, a total of 172 horses have been successfully castrated, with 128 community members and 110 OSU participants.  Post clinic evaluations have revealed that tribal members view the clinic as worthwhile (4.1 rating.  5=very worthwhile).  92% of tribal evaluators agreed that their knowledge of horse castration and heath care increased, and 100% of tribal evaluators agreed that this clinic should continue.  An online survey revealed that 100% of participating OSU students agreed that students should be exposed to this experience at least once in their education.  83% indicated that the work increased their knowledge of equine health care, their understanding of equine castration techniques, their confidence in handling horses, and their understanding of feral horse behavior.   

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

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: F.A. Brummer, J. Mecham, D.M. Sherwood
  1. Brummer, F. Extension Instructor, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97761
  2. Mecham, J. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97331
  3. Sherwood, D. Assistant Professor, Equine Science, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97331