Equine Science at Penn State
If we use the defintion of science in Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, then equine science might be defined as knowledge of the horse attained through study or practice. Study and practice are cornerstones of all aspects of the Equine Science program in the Department of Dairy and Animal Sciences at Penn State. Faculty and students alike work hard in the classroom to study and master what knowledge of horses is already available, but we also work outside the classroom with groups such as the Penn State Equine Research Team to practice techniques learned and acquire new knowledge that can then be utilized for the benefit of the overall equine industry.
Over the coming months I (Burt Staniar), as a contributor to our equine blog, plan to provide some of my own thoughts and comments related to recent equine research conducted here at Penn State and at other equine science programs. My goal is to provide information on how faculty and students at Penn State are working together to answer the questions that horse owners and professionals pose each day. It is an important part of my teaching philosophy to help students learn to both ask and answer the important questions, better preparing them for equine careers in Pennsylvania and beyond. I hope that the information and thoughts provided in this blog will be both a resource and seed for thought.