Recommendations for Repro Short Courses?

[Lionheart]

Hello there,
I was wondering if any of you have suggestions on a great short course program for repro. I've looked at the equine-repro.com site, but they dont have anything remotely close to where I live. I heard Ohio State did one, but cannot find anything about it online. I know Colorado has something (still far) and also Texas (I think A&M) which is also VERY far.

I have a coming 4 year old colt that I want to have going nicely under saddle before I start to breed him. I also am importing a coming 2 year old stallion prospect as well.

My main concern is to get these boys out competing, to be sure they are worthy of breeding. I will be showing the 2 year old in hand over the summer.

I hope to become competent in doing my own stuff when the time comes. I used to work in small animal emergency clinic and animal hospital, so I am familiar with veterinary stuff (gosh it's almost 4 a.m. and the brain is no longer firing on all cylinders). I can use a microscope, etc, i guess is what I'm trying to say.

Anyway... Suggestions or even why you did or did not like a program would be appreciated. I am looking for a course that has a wet lab, I think I learn best when I can have a hands-on or apply what I'm learning. I'm sure I could research the archives on this, but so much changes so quickly, that I thougth I'd as for current thoughts.

Thanks so much! Good luck to everyone with their breeding and foaling endeavors in 2008!

[Daydream Believer]

http://www.equinereproduction.com/index.php

I can recommend this facility for an excellent stallion handling and collection/semen handling course. Lots of wet labs and you will get experience with multiple stallions.

[Tiki]

I 2nd DDB's recommendation. They are in Virginia, just outside Warrenton. Well worth it.

[Wayside]

UW-Madison also offers a few short courses: http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/equine/default.html

I haven't attended them myself, so I can't say much about them. But they're relatively close to you, and my limited dealings with Dr Parrish have always been positive.

[Fairview Horse Center]

If you are looking for lots of stallion handling, New Bolton does a really good seminar.

[DownYonder]

UGA also has a good one, usually in February. When I took it a few years ago, we had classroom sessions in the AM, then stallion collection, processing, freezing, etc., in the afternoons.

[DVM2003]

Went to a veterinarian ce at equine reproductive concepts (the one DDB linked to). Found the staff to be friendly, the course well organized and information/experience good...although I do no repro work at this time;) Still don't find it very fun.

-C

[DVM2003]

Another vet in the practice recently went to one at Ohio State Vet school and liked the course, but the classroom facilities were poor.

C

[Lionheart]

Thanks to those that responded. DVM2003 - Thank you for your thoughts on class room stuff. That is important too.

UW - Madison! Then I wouldnt even have to FLY! I dont fly well. Warped since I'm expecting my poor colt to fly and he doesnt have a choice. Anti-Anxiety meds for ALL! LOL!

And I have no idea how my thread got the thumbs down thing. I didnt mean it. I had problems with this posting last night/this morning/yesterday morning I guess now... Sorry.

[Sugarbrook]

LOL Had to read it to see why the thumbs down. Now I know.

[Equine Reproduction]

Please be aware that not all equine reproduction courses are created "equal". Some are phenomenal and some just aren't current on the latest research and protocols and some are outright archaic in what they teach.

Colorado State University is obviously, at the top of the game with the information, research and protocols. They also offer lots of hands on and wet lab opportunities not available at other courses. New Bolton's course is excellent, especially from a behavioral aspect if you are planning on standing a stallion. The University of Florida has courses, but they have been sporadic in their offering as they have had difficulty filling the courses in the past. I believe they have one this coming weekend, however. Kevin Dippert's courses in Virginia tend to be very user friendly and have the reputation of being comfortable and fun.

We try to hold courses throughout the country, but unless we receive sufficient interest, it becomes cost prohibitive. At some point, we will probably hold another course in Wisconsin. The Midwest Breeders Group sponsored us the last time we were up there and we had a great group of people attending (Sorry Steph, you'll have to finish your own Margarita next time <smile>). But we are also cutting way back on the number of courses we will be holding in the future with limited courses planned for the Fall.

Feel free to email me privately if you wish for more information.

Good luck with whatever course you attend! It's a fascinating field!

Kathy St.Martin
Equine Reproduction Short Courses
http://www.equine-reproduction.com

[Lionheart]

Kathy,
thank you so much for your informative post. I believe your site was the first I'd looked at, but there was really nothing that was going to work for me with location and dates.

I want to take time to look at the Midwest Breeders Group and seeing what they offer (and cost) for a stallion owner. When my boys are ready, I wouldnt mind hopping on their marketing bandwagon!

thanks again!