Year in Review: A Busy Year for Post University Equine Department

WATERBURY, Conn. (May 11, 2010) – At the conclusion of an active year at Post University, the Equine Department recognizes a number of noteworthy events as well as plans to continue moving forward with developing its educational opportunities.  Perhaps the main news is that, after 28 years with the department and 13 years as its Director, Carole Baker has announced she will hand the reins of the academic aspects of the Equine Program to Abby Bloxsom, who has been with the University since 2008.  

"However, I am not riding off into the sunset just yet, but am looking forward to more free time to expand many important aspects of the program,” said Baker.  

She has been awarded the title of Director Emeritus of the Equine Program, and will continue on as full-time faculty with responsibilities for many of the extra-curricular events run by the department – Study Abroad, Equine Resources Committee events and the Equine Husbandry Evening classes, together with both advising and teaching. 

“This program has been developed to provide knowledgeable graduates to the horse industry through a focus on selected equine and business courses. I think it really fits the needs of many young people whose passion is horses, but who want to be successful in business. I will continue to help with making this vision become reality for the students,” said Baker “I know that Abby will also work hard to maintain the high standards of the equine program at Post University.”

At a series of year-end University functions, equine students have certainly shown their prowess and commitment. They have been inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society, recognized for their academic excellence, commended for their participation in leadership roles across campus both as Resident Assistants and Peer Educators, and acknowledged for their initiative and spirit as leaders in the residence halls.  More than half the equine students qualified for the Dean's List or President's List during the fall semester, which is no easy feat. The Equine Club, for the second time in three years, was awarded Best Club of the Year.  

The IDA Dressage Team was awarded the "Best Sportsmanship" award by vote of the coaches and riders in Region B.  Bloxsom commended both the team and their coach, Jennifer Ford, "As far as I'm concerned, this is the award to receive.  I am so proud of these young people I can barely express it."  Referring to sophomore Carlie Serif's High Point Rider award at Post/UCONN, she added, "To have a rider on our team do so well, in addition to being considered a team showing great sportsmanship, is just icing on the cake."

The IHSA Equestrian Team qualified one-third of its riders for the Regional Championships, concluding a successful year in which freshmen had notable wins, including Lauren Donohue's Reserve High Point at Johnson & Wales University, and three of the Post University riders "pointed up" a division.  "I am always pleased to see our riders fare so well against the larger schools," says Ms. Baker."  That is wonderful for a small team, and well deserved success for Coach Heather Johnson and the whole team.”

Specialty education for equine professionals is always of value, and Post University takes that principle seriously.  To that end, three new career options were added to the equine curriculum this year.  An Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate has been approved and will start in the fall, offering specialized professional training and internships for any student interested in gaining this certification while enrolled in the Equine Business Management major. Included in this certificate are a number of relevant biology courses such as pharmacology and medical terminology. 

“I am very excited about the EVA certificate as I have always thought there was a need for this training - and equine veterinarians have confirmed this.” said Baker. “They tell us they are waiting to employ students with good 'horse handling skills' as well as the knowledge and skills they learn through this extra qualification.”

In addition, the first course in the Hoof Trimming and Equine Massage Concentrations has been completed, with hands-on courses slated to start next semester.  Bloxsom commented on the opportunity this will provide for students.  

"To our knowledge, there is no similarly structured educational program for hoof trimmers or massage professionals in the United States,” she said.  “We believe that the incorporation of these full professional preparation courses within a four-year college program is absolutely unique to Post."  

Students will develop their skills and experience through the lectures, practical applications and internships that make up these valuable concentrations, also offered within the four-year Equine Business Management major.

 The department is looking forward to offering these exciting new courses as an addition to the already popular equine program at Post University.  For further information on the Post University Equine Department, contact Abby Bloxsom at 203-596-4645 or by email ABloxsom@post.edu