96 SIDELINES JUNE 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
e
Education – University of Kentucky
By Courtney Zimmerman
I realized as soon as I stepped on the University of Kentucky’s
campus that it was where I belonged. Located in the heart of
Lexington, Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World, I knew that
my time there was going to be life changing. I originally began
my academic career as an Animal Science major, in the hopes of
becoming an Equine Veterinarian for a racetrack. Two chemistry
classes later (and the realization I have a weak stomach),
I decided that this was not my path and changed my major to
Equine Science and Management, a brand new degree program
at UK.
I felt a little intimidated when I joined the program because
I didn’t have as much horse experience as everyone else. I
had taken lessons and gone to horse camp like most young
horse-crazed girls, but then other activities and the expense
of horseback riding became too overwhelming, so it fzzled.
Fortunately, the great thing about the equine program at UK is that
it’s accommodating to every level of horsemanship. In addition to
the equine degree program, there are also many opportunities for
participation in equestrian clubs. I chose to join the University of
Kentucky Hunt Seat Equestrian Team - a team affliated with IHSA
- my sophomore year and learned a great deal about horses and
equestrian sport.
There were many other options that the university offered,
including the Polo Team, Dressage & Eventing Team, Western
Equestrian Team (also affliated with IHSA), Saddle Seat Team,
Horse Racing Club and Research in Equine and Agricultural
Disciplines (READ) Club. With so many options, it was diffcult to
choose just one!
Living in the Bluegrass State and in the heart of horse country
was a dream come true. Before I attended UK, I had no idea that
it was possible to be completely surrounded by so many horse
enthusiasts and have equine activities right at my fngertips.
The University of Kentucky campus is minutes from Keeneland
racetrack, world-famous horse farms, and most importantly, the
Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Horse Park is home to world-
class equine events, such as the Rolex Three-Day Event and it
has also hosted the IHSA National Championships. As a member
of the UK Equestrian Team, I was able to volunteer at Rolex each
spring and witness premiere athletes up close - I even got to work
the out gate during stadium jumping!
In addition to that, in 2010 Lexington hosted the Alltech FEI
World Equestrian Games (which actually was another reason why
I chose to attend UK). This was a huge ordeal - thousands of
people came to Lexington and the Kentucky Horse Park and there
was even a countdown to the Opening Ceremonies in the middle
of downtown.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work the
Opening Ceremonies and see (and chat with!) each rider as
they made their way to the ring. I also volunteered as a barn
steward in the Equine Village, which hosted various equestrian
demonstrations such as equine extremist Tommy Turvey,
the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Double Dan
Horsemanship, the Paso Fino Horse Association and many
others! Not only was it an incredible experience, but it provided
me opportunities that I most likely would not have enjoyed had I
not attended the University of Kentucky. On top of all of that, these
experiences look great on a résumé!
I had the time of my life at the University of Kentucky and consider
Lexington and the Bluegrass my
second home. I highly recommend
UK’s equine programs to anyone
who is looking for a valuable equine
education, no matter his/her skill
level or experience. For more
information about the University of
Kentucky and its Equine Programs,
check out http://www2.ca.uky.edu/
afs/equine.
Photos courtesy of Courtney Zimmerman
About the writer: Courtney Zimmerman is
from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from the
University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Equine
Science and Management. She is currently
working on her M.A. of Communication at
Northern Kentucky University. She works at
the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden as a
zookeeper in the Children’s Zoo.
UK – In The Heart of Horse Country
The UK Equestrian Team (UKET) heading to IHSA Nationals.
Courtney Zimmerman, Natalie Heitz and Ali Cibon at a UK
Equestrian Team Horse Show.