Outreach & Research

Outreach programs put on by the Clemson Cooperative Extension are held at the Center to help educate horse owners and promote the South Carolina horse industry.

Held annually in April, the Clemson University Equine Center Open House is a day full of activities and fun for the whole family. Industry professionals present educational talks and Q&A sessions on topics relevant to riding and performance horses. Riding exhibitions by the Clemson Equestrian Team and Clemson Equine-Assisted Therapy (CLEAT) riders are scheduled throughout the day. Farm tours highlight our multi-use facilities. The children's pony rides, always a favorite, also act as a fundraiser for the CLEAT therapeutic riding program. Open House is designed to give everyone from industry professionals to members of the local community an overview of the various programs that call the Equine Center home, and introduce attendees to the CUEC horses, staff, and students that make our program special. Parking and admission are free.

A limited number of stalls are available for boarding in our boarding barn. Horses receive premium, individualized care. Boarders must be affiliated with Clemson University as a student, staff or faculty member and have a strong commitment to professionalism, safety and growing their equestrian knowledge. For more information about availability for boarding or to get on our waitlist, contact us at cuec@clemson.edu.

The CLEAT program serves our ClemsonLIFE participants, who are Clemson students with disabilities. For more information on our program or how to volunteer, please contact us at cleat@clemson.edu or cuec@clemson.edu.

The CU Equine Center always appreciates volunteers. There are a number of ways to volunteer at the CUEC, including working with the CLEAT program as a stablehand or assisting with other programs as needs arise. Please contact us for volunteer opportunities at cuec@clemson.edu.

The CU Equine Center must generate significant revenue to support its horses and fund the programs it offers. Your support can make a positive impact on our current and future students as well as the horse industry in South Carolina and beyond. Contact Margaret Owens at mr6@clemson.edu to give to the Clemson University Equine Center or one of its individual programs. If you are interested in making a donation of equipment, you can contact us directly at cuec@clemson.edu. We accept new and gently used supplies in a variety of categories, including:

• Waterproof turnout blankets & sheets
• Leather halters
• Enclosed-motor fans for stalls
• Grooming tools
• Pitchforks, brooms, & wheelbarrows
• Hay bags & slow feed hay nets
• Landscaping materials

The Equine Center serves Clemson graduate students and the horse industry as a whole by providing facilities and horses for a variety of research studies.

Current Research Projects:

Effects of conjugate linoleic acid supplementation on degenerative joint disease in exercised horses
Research performed by Erika Hwang, Ph.D. In Animal Science, under the direction of Dr. Kristine Vernon. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has shown anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory and food animals and previous research has provided a baseline for CLA supplementation in horses. Previous research has recommended that further studies be conducted to better determine the effects of CLA supplementation in horses at varying levels of growth, exercise, and joint disease. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of CLA supplementation on degenerative joint disease in an exercised horse model.

Recent Studies:

Effects of Maneuvering Required Elements to Manipulate the Grazing Behaviors of Horses
Research performed by Brittany Perron, M.S. in Animal Science, PhD candidate in Animal Science, under the direction of Dr. Kristine Vernon, Professor in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of using placement of elements such as water, concentrate feeding area, and shelter to manipulate grazing distributing of horses for improved pasture management.

Effects of Horseback Riding on Balance in an Elderly Rider Population
Research performed by Anne Marie Holter, candidate for Ph.D. in BioEngineering, under the direction of Dr. John DesJardins, Associate Professor in BioEngineering. This study aims to quantify the biomechanical movements of the horse during riding, as well as the biomechanical movements and muscle activation patterns of the rider, in order to translate these movements for use in a rehabilitation clinic for post-stroke recovery for elderly patients.

Effects of Alimend on Ulcer Grade and Digestibility
Performed by Peyton Svagerko, M.S. in Animal Science, under the direction of Dr. Kristine Vernon, this study examined the efficacy of Alimend feed supplement on squamous and glandular stomach ulcers in horses.

Rider Influence on Equine Gait Kinematics and Behavior
Research performed by Rebekah Strunk, M.S. in Animal Science, under the direction of Dr. Kristine Vernon

Effects of Equine Conformation on Horse and Rider Kinematics
Research performed by Julia Gates, M.S. in Animal Science, under the direction of Dr. Kristine Vernon.

CUEC offers an Equine Behavior and Training class each fall. In this course, students are paired with young horses and work with them throughout the course of the semester under the supervision of CUEC instructors. A limited number of spaces may be offered to outside horses based on need and suitability. If you are interested in enrolling your young horse for the upcoming fall, please contact us at cuec@clemson.edu.

Clemson has over a dozen extension agents specializing in livestock or forages who provide excellent resources and continuing education for horse and small farm owners. To find out more or view current workshop offerings, visit the Livestock & Forages home page.