COMMUNITY
CSC Hosts Inaugural Equine Field Day On Friday, February 5, over 90 students attended the inaugural Connors State College Equine Field Day at the Indoor Arena on the Warner Campus. Students ranged in age from 4-H Cloverbud students to FFA High Schoolers. The day consisted of educational and informative demonstrations. The demonstrations were led by current members of the CSC Equine and Rodeo program; Mr. Ricky Boles, Agriculture Adjunct Instructor/Farrier; Dr. Bob Story, DVM; Mr. Dusty Harris, CSC Farm, Mr. Jake Lawson, Assistant Dean of Students and Rodeo Team Coach, and Mr. Jake Walker, Rodeo Team Coach and Equine Instructor. “This was our first Field Day event, and it certainly exceeded our expectations as far as turnout,” said Jake Walker.
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VOLUME 11 NUMBER 2
Students covered 21 separate topics during the half day event. A few of the topics discussed are as follows: parts of the western saddle, haltering and horseman’s knots, a saddling demonstration, farrier tools, basic horse colors, vital signs, conformation; and evaluated and talked through a lead halter class. Students were separated into different groups, all masked, socially distanced in a partial open-air barn. Instructors remained 6-feet from the students and spoke without masks so individuals could hear. In a time were so many things are postponed, cancelled, or pushed virtual, students expressed gratitude and genuine interest in the topics covered and the events throughout the day. “We hope the turnout was a reflection of the equine interests in
the participants, but no doubt we were an event that was available when so many others have cancelled events,” said Walker. Connors upholds CDC Guidelines while hosting events on campuses. For more information about the equine program, events like this, or information about Connors; visit connorsstate.edu – Above, L-R: Jake Lawson, Assistant Dean of Students and Rodeo Team Coach, addresses the crowd of students and potential future cowboys. Anthony Craig, Okmulgee, Okla., sophomore and rodeo team member, discusses coloration of grey horses with the students. Gracie Roth, Tonkawa, Okla., sophomore rodeo team member, identifies herself as a group leader for students to find.
