UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- While Only In Its Third Year, The Equine Science Showcase And Registered Quarter Horse Sale In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences Is Becoming An Annual Tradition, As Horse Enthusiasts Look Forward To The Event Staged By Students, Faculty And Staff. Every Aspect Of This Year's Sale On April 30 -- Including Advertising, Training And Preparation Of Sale Horses, Facilities, Event Planning And Sa

But the foremost priority of the sale is educational. "While I've always been proud of the opportunities Penn State offers students in the Equine Science program --whether in production, marketing, or training -- I think adding a consignment aspect to the sale adds a flavor of real life," says Brian Egan, Penn State Horse Farm coordinator and equine extension associate. "The students learn to work with individuals outside of the university, who are the people they will be working with after they graduate."

This year's sale also has provided more student-leadership opportunities, as several students involved with last year's sale began planning the 2005 sale early last fall. Students volunteered to chair various committees, while managerial roles also were created. "The leadership opportunities I've gained through working with the sale are invaluable and have really contributed to my experience at Penn State," says Hillary Herendeen, one of two student co-managers of the sale. "I can't wait to see the results of everyone's hard work on sale day -- we can all think, ‘Hey, we did this!’ I think everyone should feel extremely proud of everything they've contributed."

The Equine and Livestock Marketing and the Horse Handling and Training classes that are primarily involved in the sale are just one piece of Penn State's equine program. Equine Science students work with Penn State horses throughout pursuit of their undergraduate or graduate degrees. The student/horse interaction often begins prior to foaling. The foals are delivered under the watchful eyes of students as part of a foaling project in Advanced Equine Production and Management.

In the past, many of these horses have been used in research projects with late-gestation mares and imprint training. All horses in the Penn State herd are used in classes such as Equine Production and Management, Applied Equine Behavior, and Horse Judging, in addition to the courses mentioned previously.

For more information on the Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Registered Quarter Horse Sale, contact Brian Egan at 814-863-3957 or by e-mail at www.das.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Brian Egan at 814-863-3957 or by e-mail at began@psu.edu.

WRITER: Lindsay Becker

Writer/Editor: Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877