TVCC Equine Program

Treasure Valley Community College Equine Program

Ontario, OR

The TVCC Equine Program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Horse Production and Training, and a 1-week Ranch Roping short course resulting in a Certificate of Participation.

"Horse Production and Training" (Associate of Applied Science Degree)

This program prepares students for a variety of careers in horse production, including horse trainer, horse breeder, farrier, and small ranch operator. The program combines theory with practical skills needed for daily horse ranch operations. Students will learn the foundations of equine production practices as well as have hands-on experience working with ranch livestock. This degree is designed for students wishing to directly enter the workforce. It is not designed to transfer to specific programs at a 4-year college or university. Students who wish to transfer coursework are strongly encouraged to work closely with their TVCC advisor to develop a transfer plan and to identify and contact an advisor at their chosen transfer institution.

"Ranch Roping" (Short Course Certificate of Participation)

Course Outline

• Certificate in Ranch Roping
• 1/4 class room, 3/4 practical hands-on experience
• 1-week class from 8 am to 6 pm
• First four days focused on Horsemanship, Roping Skills, Stockmanship and Team Work
• Friday will focus on tying it all together take written test and prepare for a team branding competition on Saturday that is judged on five components (instead of timed)

     1. Horsemanship      20pts
     2. Stockmanship      20pts
     3. Roping                20pts
     4. Team Work          20pts
     5. Time                   20pts
                                   100 possible pts

• Students must pass practical test and written test on Friday afternoon to receive certificate, competition will be held Saturday.

Course Description

Covers the skills and knowledge needed to be safe, efficient and keep low stress on cows, horses and people in ranch roping.

Course Topics

Day 1: Horsemanship
- Foundation for Perfection: Horses
- How to set a solid foundation to eliminate resistance in working horses
- Instilling a strong foundation to be used in the rodeo arena or on the ranch
- Human behavior and its effect in working with horses
- Reference Material: Sections from Martin Black, Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt
videos

Day 2: Roping Skills
- Application of the “Foundation for Perfection” in ranch roping
- Using the Foundation for Perfection to position horse to take shots on the
     roping dummy
- Instruction in basic roping shots, advanced roping shots and theory in
     competition
- Reference Material: Video – “Rodea Style Ranch Roping” (Parts 1 and 2) Martin
     Black, Wade Black, John Schutte, and Frank Domingues

Day 3: Stockmanship
- Foundation for Perfection: Cows
- Learning to read “flight zone” and “balance point” to influence the direction of
animal
- How to properly shape up cattle, take good shots and position horses to reduce
stress on cattle, horses, and people during branding
- Reference Material: Martin Black Video, “Working Cattle in the ‘A’ pen”

Day 4: Ranch Roping Skills
- Tying it all together
- Learn how to be safe, have fun and be productive heading and heeling calves
     at branding
- Learn how to safely and efficiently tie off to hold calves when you are short
     handed
- How to set up shots and quietly and effectively doctor outside
- Practice working together as a team to get a job done
- Detailed explanation and practice in stockmanship, horsemanship, teamwork
     and roping

Course Outcomes

Main outcome: Have the skills and confidence to take your rope down and use it when needed on the ranch, without causing undo stress on the cattle, your horse, co-workers and your employer.

1. Gain knowledge in horsemanship fundamentals and equine psychology.
2. Equip students to handle and work cattle from a horse.
3. Gain knowledge in cattle handling principles, and bovine psychology.
4. Equip student to read and shape up cattle in the branding pen and doctoring
    outside.
5. Learn how to properly shape up cattle and position horse to ease stress on
    cattle, horses, and people at branding time.
6. Learn how to operate in a peaceful and fun state while being productive in
    competition.