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| Equine science students explore horse industry in Germany |
06/07/10 |
The study abroad course was led by Rebecca Splan and Teresa McDonald, both faculty members in the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech. This is the second time the course has been offered; the first took place in the summer of 2008. 
The tour was held in cooperation with the International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry North America, and organized by its breeding director, Christian Schacht. During the trip, the students visited many of the top equine breeding and training centers in Northern Germany, giving the students the opportunity to compare and contrast European and North American horse management practices and network with some of Germany’s most prominent equine professionals. The girls also participated in the German Reitabzeichen, which tests their scientific knowledge of horse management, along with their riding skill in the disciplines of showjumping and dressage. The group performed brilliantly in front of the German judges, and all earned their certification with a very high group average!
The study abroad course once again received rave reviews from all involved, and provided a special opportunity for these young people to better understand the global horse industry. This study abroad course has become a much-anticipated highlight of the equine science program at Virginia Tech and one of several key components to the program’s unique international emphasis. The next student trip to Germany is scheduled for summer 2012.
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