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 (2 tracks)
Open to all individuals over 15 years of age. Tennessee residence is not required for registration.
Track 1: Personal/Recreational Use Track
DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Master Horse Program – Personal/Recreational Use Track offers practical, research-based education tailored to personal and recreational equine owners and enthusiasts, focusing on hands-on management skills and best practices for equine care. This program empowers participants to confidently make decisions for equine health, management, and nutrition, along with pasture, waste, and economic management aspects that accompany equine ownership.
The Personal/Recreational Use Track does NOT meet Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program cost share eligibility requirements. Please register for the Business/Professional Track if seeking TAEP reimbursement.
COURSE LENGTH & CONTACT HOURS: 8 weeks, 16 hours of instruction; Eight 1.5 hour sessions totaling 12 hours, plus additional 4 optional hours through Horse Management Field Day
PROGRAM CONTENTS:
Webinars (7:00-8:30pm Eastern, recorded and posted in Classroom)
- January 8: Program Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership (welfare, social license to operate)
- January 15: Preventative Health (vaccination, dental, internal parasite control)
- January 22: Hoof Care
- January 29: Waste Management (carcass & manure) & Fundamental Economics
- February 5: Pasture & Soil Management
- February 12: Nutrition
- February 19: Normal & Stereotypic Behavior
- February 26: Hot Topics & Personal/Recreational Track Graduation
Horse Management Field Days (5-9pm local time)
- Eastern Region: February 3, Brehm Animal Science, Knoxville
- Central Region: February 11, Rutherford County Extension Office, Murfreesboro
- Western Region: February 9, First Farmers Co-Op, Lexington
Google Classroom: Access to all webinars, resources, and other materials for 1 year
COST:
- Early registration (open now until December 31, 2025): $175
- Late registration (January 1-January 15, 2026): $200
- Registration cost includes:
- 1 Forage or Soil Test
- Access to Online Classroom with recordings, resources, and interaction with course instructors for 1 year
- Participation in 8 online webinars, totaling 12 hours of education
- Admission into Horse Management Field Day, for 4 hours of education
- TMHP Sign
- TMHP Boot Towel
- Certificate of Completion (does not meet TAEP certification standard)
Registration Opening Soon
Track 2: Business/Professional Track
DESCRIPTION: The Tennessee Master Horse Program Business/Professional Track provides advanced, research-based training designed for equine professionals and business operators, emphasizing facility management, business planning, and industry standards. Participants gain the tools to strengthen operational success, improve horse care, and enhance the professionalism of their equine enterprises.
The Professional/Business Track meets Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) educational requirements for cost share eligibility. For more information on TAEP, visit the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s TAEP page.
COURSE LENGTH & CONTACT HOURS: 12 weeks, 22 hours of instruction: Twelve 1.5 hour sessions totaling 18 hours, plus additional 4 optional hours through Horse Management Field Day
PROGRAM LAYOUT:
Webinars (7:00-8:30pm Eastern, recorded and posted in Classroom)
- January 8: Program Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership (welfare, social license to operate)
- January 15: Preventative Health (vaccination, dental, internal parasite control)
- January 22: Hoof Care
- January 29: Waste Management (carcass & manure) & Fundamental Economics
- February 5: Pasture & Soil Management
- February 12: Nutrition
- February 19: Normal & Stereotypic Behavior
- February 26: Facilities & Fencing
- March 5: Law, Liability & Contracts
- March 12: Business & Economic Planning
- March 19: Responsible Breeding
- March 26: Marketing, Client & Employee Management; Professional/Business Track Graduation
Optional: Attend Horse Management Field Days (5-9pm local time) in your area
- Eastern Region: February 3, Brehm Animal Science, Knoxville
- Central Region: February 11, Rutherford County Extension Office, Murfreesboro
- Western Region: February 9, First Farmers Co-Op, Lexington
Google Classroom: Access to all webinars, resources, and other materials for 3 years
COST:
- Early registration (open now until December 31, 2025): $200
- Late registration (January 1-January 15, 2026): $225
- Registration cost includes:
- 1 Forage or Soil Test
- Access to Online Classroom with recordings, resources, and interaction with course instructors for 3 years
- Participation in 8 online webinars, totaling 12 hours of education
- Admission into Horse Management Field Day, for 4 hours of education
- TMHP Sign
- TMHP Boot Towel
- Certificate of Completion (Meets TAEP certification standards)
Registration Opening Soon
Williamson County TMHP
Williamson County Extension is offering a hybrid program beginning in January 2025. For more information on this program, click below.