Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

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Eastside's Carrie Davis (center, in blue and khaki) brings her students to The Big Barn at the Kentucky Horse Park for hands-on learning opportunities. In addition to horses, her agri-science classes study small animals and horticulture.

The familiar smell of fresh hay greets students as they stroll into The Big Barn, where classes from Eastside Technical Center have a valuable learning opportunity.

“The Kentucky Horse Park has offered space, horses, even instructors to help during this transition year until we can get our own horses,” said Carrie Davis, the agri-science teacher at Eastside, which added a pre-veterinary and equine component this fall.

When the horse park’s director of equine operations and education heard about Eastside’s expansion, she didn’t hesitate to reach out to the school. “I volunteered the time for them to come out and provide the hands-on portion of what they’re studying in class,” Kathy Hopkins said.

Her education department gives the teens a chance to handle a live horse in a structured environment, illustrating the skills they’ll need to work at professional farms and show stables.

“We know (now) how to act around the animals,” said Kristen Arvin, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. “Instead of reading it in the book, we can actually do it.”

Davis has nearly 60 students in her class, which also studies small animals and horticulture. Monday’s field trip to the horse park was the second trek for her students, who reviewed equine health issues and took vital signs.

“You need to know your own horse. … Just sit on the fence and watch to observe their habits,” explained Hopkins, who noted that stoic horses don’t show their pain. “It’s like being a pediatrician,” she said. “You have to learn body language.”

Students also practiced how to check for dehydration and how to properly lead a horse.

“It gives me the opportunity to learn the horse’s anatomy and recognize signs of their discomfort,” said Alyss Zimmerman, a junior at Bryan Station High School who wants to study equine massage therapy.

Eastside’s new curriculum is designed for kids who plan on college as well as those who will jump from high school straight into the equine industry.

This past summer, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approved $50,000 for construction of an equine science facility, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided $50,000 in grant money. Fayette County Public Schools has applied for surplus federal land on Leestown Road as a site for the new Eastside facility, which will include an eight-stall barn.

In the meantime, the agri-science classes set up temporary stalls on the Liberty Road campus, where Davis and students who raise animals bring their own horses, sheep, goats and cattle for class demonstrations. Using Davis’ horses, for instance, students have learned how to groom, saddle and wrap the animals’ legs.

Occasional outings, like to the yearling sales at Keeneland, supplement their coursework. Last week at the horse park, the kids watched a farrier at work. This week, they mainly practiced checking a horse’s heart rate, respiration and temperature.

“This class really helps us prepare for jobs in this industry,” said Courtney Haney, a junior at Dunbar, who hopes to job-shadow at Keeneland and ultimately become an equine veterinarian. “It’s preparing me for what I really want to do.”