The driving force behind the Tennessee Master Horse Program (TMHP) is to raise the level of education and improve overall success of horse owners and producers within the state. Additionally, by improving management practices and providing the opportunity for intellectual growth, equine producers and business owners can continue to expand this vital portion of Tennessee agriculture. By providing science-based, objective information, families, youth, and the community can generate or continue to build upon their existing knowledge base and ensure success of the equine industry for years to come.
Core Modules
Completion of core modules is required by each participant.
Responsible Horse Ownership
Understand responsible horse ownership, role of the equine industry in Tennessee, and basic equine information
Nutrition
Discuss nutrients contained in forages and concentrates, assessment of body condition and body weight, nutrient requirement determination, and how to feed horses and other equid
Health
Discuss numerous aspects of equine health including vaccinations, diseases, parasites, and dental care
Pasture Management
Make the most out of your pastures by learning how to implement best practices and utilization of available pasture resources
Waste Management
Improve your management of waste products to achieve pest control and reduce environmental impact
Economics
Understand the financial aspects of maintaining horses, farms, and the economics of equine businesses
Supplemental Modules
Participant must complete at least two supplemental modules to complete the program requirements.
Modules include:
- Youth Programs
- Training Programs
- Equine Senses
- Communication and Herd Behavior
- Stereotypical Behavior
- Equine Law and Liability
- Hot Topics
*Hot topics can change with the needs of the industry. Past topic modules included drought management, emergency response, truck and trailer safety, and COVID-19 resources.
Upcoming Programs
State-Coordinated Tennessee Master Horse Program
Open to all individuals over 15 years of age. Tennessee residence is not required for registration.
2025 Program Dates and Topics:
Program Dates: January 16-March 4, 2025
Online Sessions
Each session will be held live on each date from 7-8:30pm Eastern time. Recorded sessions, handouts, and interactive activities will be available on each topic for access throughout the program.
• January 16: Program Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership
• January 23: Pasture Management
• January 30: Nutrition
• February 6: Preventative Health
• February 13: Hoof Care
• February 20: Waste and Economics
• February 27: Hot Topics (as requested by participants)
• March 4: Graduation
In-Person Sessions
In-person sessions are not mandatory for participants but cost to attend is included in the registration price. Hands-on activities and concepts to apply directly to equine management, nutrition and health will be covered. Each session will cover the same information and are offered at multiple locations to reduce travel distance. Sessions will not be recorded.
• February 4 from 5-9pm Eastern Time: Eastern Region Horse Management Field Day, Brehm Arena, University of Tennessee Brehm Animal Science Building, Knoxville, TN
• February 10 from 5-9pm Central Time: Western Region Horse Management Field Day, Location TBD
• February 11 from 5-9pm Central Time: Central Region Horse Management Field Day, Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, Spring Hill, TN
Registration Cost:
Early Registration: $175 per person, open until December 31, 2024
Late Registration: $200 per person, open from January 1-18, 2025
The cost per person is NON-REFUNDABLE. The program fee includes a TMHP Manual, TMHP certificate, TMHP incentive materials, and one forage or soil test.
Attendance for online sessions is required in order to successfully complete the TMHP and receive incentive materials. Sessions will be recorded and posted along with activities to earn attendance credit if unable to attend sessions live.
Williamson County TMHP
Williamson County Extension is offering a hybrid program beginning in January 2025. For more information on this program, click below.