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The Horsemen’s Webinar Series: Enhancing Horse Management Through Education Extension Education

Extension Education

Elizabeth Picking
Field Specialist in Livestock
University of Missouri Extension
West Plains

Abstract

The U.S. horse industry contributes an estimated $177 billion in economic impact and supports 2.2 million jobs, underscoring the need for accessible, research based education for horse owners and caretakers. In response, University of Missouri Extension developed the Horsemen’s Webinar Series, a quarterly online program designed to deliver timely, evidence based information without geographic or scheduling limitations. The primary objectives of this initiative were to create widely accessible educational content, develop a sustainable library of recorded materials, and address common management challenges faced by horse owners. Program content for the first year focused on forage and pasture management, toxic weeds affecting horses, hay selection, and tax considerations for horse owners. Presentations were delivered live by subject matter experts, recorded, edited, and posted to the MU Extension YouTube equine playlist. Registrants received access links and a follow up online survey to assess learning, industry involvement, and ownership demographics. Survey results revealed that 67% of respondents identified as horse owners, and all owned ten or fewer horses, with 67% owning four or fewer. Viewership data indicated substantial reach, with participants representing 12 U.S. states and two African countries. Notably, of the 330 total views, 218 or 66% occurred through recorded sessions rather than live participation, highlighting the value of asynchronous access. Program impacts demonstrate that on-demand webinar recordings significantly expanded audience reach and supported equitable access to high quality equine education. Respondents expressed continued interest in future topics including nutrition, health, pasture management, and business planning. These findings suggest that virtual extension education can effectively engage geographically diverse audiences and serve as a scalable model for future equine focused programming.

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: Elizabeth Picking, Brenda Schreck, Harley Naumann, Tim Evans, Katie Neuner
  1. Picking, E. Field Specialist in Livestock, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65775
  2. Schreck, B. Field Specialist in Livestock, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63457
  3. Naumann, H. Associate Teaching Professor & Extension State Forage & Grazing Specialist, University of Missouri, Missouri, 65211
  4. Evans, T. Associate Professor & State Extension Specialist, Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Missouri, 65211
  5. Neuner, K. Field Specialist in Agriculture Business, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 64037