Horsin’ Around

Story by Catherine Grosdidier

It’s not every day that horses are seen around the high school. On Oct. 7, students of the Animal Science and Veterinary Science classes in the agricultural program had the opportunity to to experience the animals up close.

Kevin Wilson, owner of the horses, keeps them at his farm in Leavenworth County. He brought them to school to aid the students in their unit about horse judging. Horse judging is very complex and there are many observations that have to be made in the process.

“The horses are judged on their balance, structural correctness, quality, and muscle,” Ms. Wendt, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, and Agricultural teacher said. “When you are judging a horse, you want to look at all angles of the horse and also watch the horse walk and trot to and away from you. This allows the judge to see if the horse is as structurally correct as it looks.”

The horses that were brought are classified as quarter horses. According to PetBreeds.com, a quarter horse is stout, quick, and compact. With more than five million registered in the American Quarter Horse Association, it is the most popular breed in the United States.

The agricultural program provides many opportunities for Eudora students to learn more about farming, animals, and the overall aspect of agriculture. Keep your eyes open for future horse judges from the EHS agriculture program!