Assessment findings prompt UI equine education push

July 22, 2026 - 21:46

University of Idaho Extension is expanding its educational programs for horse owners, driven by the results of a 2025 statewide needs assessment. The study identified the most significant knowledge gaps among participants in two key areas: equine health, and nutrition and feeding management.

The assessment surveyed a broad cross-section of Idaho's horse community, from recreational riders to commercial breeders. Respondents consistently reported confusion over common health issues, including parasite control, vaccination schedules, and recognizing early signs of illness. Nutrition emerged as an equally pressing concern, with many owners unsure how to balance rations for different life stages, workloads, and pasture conditions.

Extension educators are now using these findings to design targeted workshops, online resources, and hands-on clinics. The goal is to provide practical, science-based information that helps owners make better daily decisions for their animals. A series of regional meetings is planned for late summer, focusing on low-stress handling techniques, dental care basics, and forage analysis.

Officials note that the push is not about correcting bad habits but about filling real gaps in accessible knowledge. Many horse owners in rural areas lack easy access to veterinarians or equine nutritionists. By bringing Extension resources directly to local communities, the university hopes to improve animal welfare and reduce preventable health problems across the state.