No Horsing Around Here:
Mid-America Technology Center’s
Horse Production and Management Program

Story by Debbie Scroggins
Mid-America Technology Center

Nestled in the “Heart of Oklahoma,” Mid-America Technology Center is home to Oklahoma’s only Horse Production and Management program offered at a technology center.

Recently this premier program caught the eye of the American Quarter Horse Journal (AQHA). Julie Lowe with the AQHA Journal met with instructors Steve Nicklas and Lyn Schuerman and assistant Darlene Newby to find out the who, what, and why’s of this successful program.

Lowe spent the day at Mid-America delving into the inner-workings of this class and seeing the students in action. These students in the Horse Production program range from high school juniors to retired adults, from original Oklahomans to those who have moved to the Wayne area from as far away as Rhode Island.

Stephen Poe, senior at Dibble High School, and a second year Horse Production and Management student gets valuable theory and hands-on experience while preparing him to work in a range of positions servicing the equine industry.

The students learn everything from cleaning stalls to genetics. The curriculum also includes equine anatomy and physiology, applied nutrition, judging and selection, marketing, mare reproduction, stallion reproduction, parturition, study of breeds, physical conditioning, therapeutic agents, pasture management, and health and disease. According to Mid-America superintendent, Dale Nye, one of the main reasons for the success of this program is, “Lyn, Steve, and Darlene spend everyday doing what they are supposed to do — teaching students! They are dedicated teachers who use all experiences, both in the classroom and in the barn, as teaching tools.”

Mid-America is fortunate to be able to have such a successful program. We are excited about the interest the AQHA Journal is showing and we are willing and ready to share our “secret” with the equine industry.

Instructors Lyn Schuerman, Steve Nicklas, Julie Lowe with the AQHA Journal, and Darlene Newby.