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.
Supplemental Modules
Participant must complete at least two supplemental modules to complete the program requirements.
Modules include Youth Program, Developing Training Programs, Equine Senses, Communication and Herd Behavior, Stereotypical Behavior, Equine Law and Liability, and 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.
2023 Program Dates and Topics:
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 12: Extension Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership
• January 19: Pasture Management
• January 26: Nutrition I (Equine digestive system, feeding fundamentals and rules, forage test, basic rations)
• February 2: Nutrition II (Rations for work, pregnancy/lactation/growth and Feeding special conditions – senior, IR/EMS, starved)
• February 9: Equine Economics and Waste Management
• February 16: Health I (Emergencies and Diseases/Vaccines)
• February 23: Health II (Parasites and Dental Conditions)
• March 2: Health III (Hoof care and common conditions)
• March 9: Equine Liability and Insurance
• March 16: Hot Topics and 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 7 from 5-9pm Eastern Time: Eastern Region Horse Management Field Day, Brehm Arena, University of Tennessee Brehm Animal Science Building, Knoxville, TN
• February 13 from 5-9pm Central Time: Western Region Horse Management Field Day, Location TBD
• February 14 from 5-9pm Central Time: Central Region Horse Management Field Day, Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center, Spring Hill, TN
Registration Cost:
Early Bird Registration: $165 per person, open until December 31, 2022
Late Registration: $195 per person, open from January 1-14, 2023
Attendance 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. A minimum of 25 participants is required to hold the course.
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.
Williamson County TMHP
Williamson County Extension is offering a hybrid program beginning in January 2023. For more information on this program, click below.