Southeast Missouri State University
El Tomaria Farm is the off campus site of Equine and Advanced Equine Science courses of Southeast Missouri State University. Beth Uelsmann is the instructor for both courses, and the fantastic horses of El Tomaria are the learning tools used to teach students about caring for horses, among many other things. Taught in the Fall and Spring semesters, there are usually around 15 students in each session; some have a background with horses while others do not, so it makes for a very interesting (but fun!) class.
Students
are first introduced to the horses and the farm, taking a tour of our facilities
and learning about the proper keeping of horses. They learn about the
construction of a barn, what should be done and what should not be; where to
place pastures and how to properly fence them; where hay should be stored, and
in what kind of temperatures; as well as many other things. After the
first class, the studies begin.
In the basic Equine Science course, held in Fall, students learn the basics of horse care. They are taught about veterinary care, teeth floating, castrations, and horse shoeing - sometimes they are even lucky enough to take part in a seminar given by one of our equine professionals in Veterinary Care, Dentistry, or Shoeing. Students also learn the parts of the horse, and why it is so important to pay attention to the details - and why horses are such a big commitment to your life.
Advanced Equine Science goes more into depth about riding, proper equitation, as well as Foaling (as this course is given in the Spring) and Foal Imprinting. Students are lucky enough to be able to have a hands-on opportunity with the young foals at Tomaria, and the babies always make class fun! Students learn more about being a responsible horse owner, especially if they want to get into the equine industry as a business.
