Billy Skaggs
Contact
For more information on the Georgia Horseman College Series, call (706) 542-1852.
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Many people may not consider the horse industry as a major contributor to Georgia's diverse agricultural economy. However, they would be wrong.
In 2004, the horse industry, which includes boarding, training, breeding, and sales, totaled more than $388 million in farmgate income in the state.
In Hall County, horses accounted for more than $12 million in direct farmgate income which does not include the economic impact of related purchases such as feed, tack, and other supplies.
Obviously, horse ownership in Georgia is increasing, and many of these individuals are first-time horse owners who may not have a farming background.
Owning a horse involves a considerable amount of time, dedication and hard work. Owners must be prepared to spend more time caring for the horse than riding it.
Annual costs of caring for a horse may range from $1,000 to more than $4,000 per year. Many factors influence the cost of horse ownership, including housing, pasture, feed, bedding, preventive medical care, insurance, and tack.
Also, these costs are annual costs and do not take into account emergencies or initial purchases.
In an effort to educate horse owners and those thinking of purchasing a horse, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Department of Animal and Dairy Science is offering Georgia Adult Horseman College Series on Dec. 2, 9, and 16, and Jan. 6, 13, and 27.
A six-week series of horse curriculum will be presented in 90-minute lecture-discussion sessions, which will cover the science of horse management.
In addition, there will be an opportunity for up to 15 participants to bring a horse for 90-minute sessions after the lecture-discussion session for riding and skill development. Those not participating with a horse will have the opportunity to attend nonriding sessions of selected topics.
The Adult Horseman College Series will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the UGA Animal & Dairy Science Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens. Topics will include horse health, nutrition and feeding, facilities, conditioning, selection, growth and development.
The Adult Horseman College Series lecture-discussion session and nonriding session is limited to 50 participants.
Registration will be accepted on a first-come basis.
The registration fee for the lecture-discussion session and bringing a horse for riding and skill development is $285.00. The registration fee for the lecture-discussion and nonriding sessions is $195.00.
Billy Skaggs is Hall County extension agent. He can be reached at (770) 531-6988. |