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| Miles Community
College Board of Trustees Approves Moving Forward To Raise
AgriEquine Complex |
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 The
Miles Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved
moving forward in the fundraising process for building an indoor
agri-equine complex in their regular business meeting Monday
evening, May 12. The addition of an indoor facility to enhance
the College Equine Studies program and provide a venue for
community equine activities and events is a high priority for
Miles Community College. The indoor agri-equine complex will
complement program development, enhance instructional
facilities, and continue to build community relationships. Since
the Equine Studies program’s inception with a few classes in
spring 2007, it has progressed to a full-time instructor, a
complete two-year scope and sequence of classes for Associate of
Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, and increased
student enrollment with a multitude of interest from both
in-state and out-of-state.
Learning about a horse and building a relationship with one is
all part of the curriculum that Instructor Josh Bilbrey has been
teaching through the Miles Community College Equine Studies
program since he was hired as full-time instructor in Fall 2007.
The first year of the two-year scope and sequence, approved by
the Montana University System Board of Regents in March, is set
to begin in Fall 2008. The Equine Studies Associate of Science
degree includes classes in Introduction to Equine Studies,
Equine Science, Horse Care and Nutrition, and Horse Conformation
in addition to general education classes necessary for transfer
to a four-year college. With the Associate of Science degree,
students will have the option of transferring into the
University of Montana-Western’s baccalaureate program. The
Associate of Applied Science degree will include many of the
same classes as the Associate of Science but will also emphasize
occupational training skills including Intro to Colt Starting,
Livestock Handling and Ranch Roping, Hoof Care, Equine Sales and
Marketing, and other electives.
As this fledging program continues to grow with optimal interest
from both in-state and out-of-state demand, the need for an
indoor agri-equine complex is an essential piece for the Equine
Studies program of study to be competitive in new student
recruitment. The College outdoor rodeo arena is the current site
for all hands-on or practicum classes. These facilities are
adequate in very early fall or late spring but are not
advantageous for best case scenario student instruction
throughout the academic year. With the Miles Community College
Board of Trustees approval for increased fundraising efforts
toward the indoor agri-equine complex, the Equine Studies
program is pursuant of a plethora of funding sources including
grants and group or individual investment gifts.
Josh Bilbrey sees the Miles Community College indoor agri-equine
complex as an essential step to student academic success and as
a community indoor equine facility, “With the addition of the
Equine program, the need for a facility where equine functions
can be held year round has never been greater,” exclaims
Bilbrey. “Upon completion of the indoor arena, activities such
as clinics, seminars, roping, cutting, reining, reined cow horse
events, horse shows, judging contests, 4-H and FFA functions can
be accomplished. Having a good facility will also help recruit
and retain students. A quality building will show students and
parents that this is a serious program and it is here to stay.”
For more information about Equine Studies or group and
individual investment in the ownership of the Miles Community
College Agri-Equine Complex, please call Josh at 874-6182. |
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