A sound knowledge base and hands-on experience are two keys to success in the equine breeding industry. The Horse Owner Short Courses at Colorado State University offer an opportunity to obtain both an in-depth education on reproductive management of stallions, mares and foals, as well as hands-on experience in semen collection, artificial insemination and newborn foal care. Colorado State University has provided educational venues for horse owners for 40 years and is recognized as a world leader in horse owner education.

The true strength of the CSU owner education courses is the hands-on learning opportunities to collect semen, evaluate semen, prepare insemination doses, inseminate mares, and the unique opportunity to develop diagnostic and intervention skills in obstetrics that would be invaluable in the event of a difficult foaling.

Descriptions of the educational opportunities in two courses in equine reproduction follow.

1. Equine Reproductive Management -- Stallion, Mare and Newborn Foal
January 6-10, 2012

The flagship course of the program is designed for horse owners and breeders wishing to increase the efficiency and ultimately the success of their breeding programs. The course includes 20 hours of classroom instruction covering anatomy and physiology of the stallion genital tract; semen collection and evaluation; anatomy and physiology of the mare, principles of artificial insemination, use of cooled-transported semen; hormonal control of the estrous cycle; breeding management with fresh, cooled or frozen semen; evaluation of the problem (infertile) mare; principles of pregnancy diagnosis and management of twins; care of the pregnant, foaling, and postpartum mare; complications of pregnancy; prediction of foaling; proper on-farm methods to assist with delivery of foals and when to call for assistance with a difficult foaling; routine care and medical problems of the newborn foal; and care of the orphan foal. In addition, 15 hours of hands-on training in semen collection and evaluation; artificial insemination; preparation and use of cooled-transported semen; reproductive evaluation of the mare; techniques for prediction of foaling; on-farm obstetrical procedures; placental evaluation; assessment of colostrum quality and passive transfer of antibodies; and foal resuscitation are provided in the course. Please note: palpation and ultrasound examination of mares will not be taught in this course.

2. Techniques for Handling and Utilizing Frozen Equine Spermatozoa
January 11, 2012

The frozen semen course is designed for anyone seriously interested in learning the techniques involved in freezing, thawing, and handling of equine spermatozoa. Topics to be covered include response of spermatozoa to freezing, preparation of semen for freezing, extender preparation, proper handling, storage and thawing procedures, post-thawing evaluation of semen, management of mares for frozen semen and insemination techniques. In addition to lectures, the hands-on laboratory session will provide an opportunity for registrants to freeze, thaw and evaluate equine semen. Previous experience in semen collection, evaluation and insemination procedures or attendance at an Equine Reproductive Management short course at Colorado State University is highly recommended as a prerequisite to this course.