Horse Teaching Unit
The UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences operates a horse teaching unit. This 65-acre farm was developed to teach the Equine student many aspects of the industry with hands-on practicality. The wide range of experience includes breeding, training, marketing, farm management, and health care. This site also serves as a location for Extension functions such as judging contests and horsemanship clinics.
Teaching-Extension Facility
- Covered 250 x 125 ft covered arena
- Bleacher seating for 300 – 500
- Sound system
- Classroom seating for 60 people with internet access, computer, projector, surround sound a/v capabilities
- 20 indoor stalls
- 6 wash racks
- Covered instructional area used for the instruction of farrier sciences and other live animal demonstration
- 6 outdoor turn-outs directly adjacent to the covered stalls
- 300 x 130 ft grass turf outdoor arena
- 6 outdoor round pens
- 2 walkers
- Restrooms with private shower and lockers
- Paved parking for 300 cars.
North Production Facility
- 6.5 acres of medical rehabilitation paddocks,
- 21 acres of general pastures housing the farms riding and breeding herds,
- A 6,000 sq. ft. general-purpose barn with 12 stalls, wash racks, and scales,
- A 3,200 sq. ft. reproduction facility with palpation stocks, collection phantom, a fully equipped semen processing lab, and 2 stalls,
- A 6,000 sq. ft. agricultural support and storage building,
- And a 250 sq. ft. hay storage facility.
Annual Performance Horse Sale
The unit maintains a primarily Quarter Horse-based teaching herd numbering around 45 head. Offspring from this herd are trained by the students, and sold in the Sale in the Swamp held each spring. Occasional fillies are kept as replacements. The farm also stands three Quarter Horse stallions that are bred to UF and outside mares. All income generated through the sale of horses or stallion services is utilized by the farm for maintenance and improvements.
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Contact Information
Address:
1934 SW 63rd Ave
Gainesville, FL 32608
Business Hours:
7:00am - 4:00pm
Monday - Friday
*Visitors welcome by appointment only
Farm Manager:
Angela Chandler
Telephone: 352-376-0562
Faculty Supervisor:
Joel McQuagge
Telephone: 352-392-6363
Courses Offered at the HTU
- ANS3006L: Introduction to Animal Sciences Lab
- ANS3079L: Relationship of Form to Function in Horses
- ANS3237C: Equine Health Management
- ANS3239L: Ranch Horse Management
- ANS3239L: Techniques in Equine Science
- ANS4212L: Techniques in Farrier Science
- ANS4218L: Horse Psychology and Training
- ANS4241L: Intermediate Horse Training
- ANS4318C: Equine Reproductive Management
- ANS4231: Horse Management Practicums
- Horse Care and Grooming
- Weanling Behavioral Modification