West Virginia University’s equine studies program suffered a structural fire to their university’s horse barn in mid-December.

The university’s horses were turned out that morning before the fire started at a piece of equipment parked outside the structure around midday.

Thankfully no horses or students were injured or lost due to the fire, but the barn was a total loss.

The team of working students at the University's JW Ruby Research Farm and the faculty lead moved quickly to source feed, bedding, and supplies to temporarily house the horses in portable stalls in the Multipurpose Building on site.

The equine studies program adapted to continue teaching courses uninterrupted, however large-scale horse shows and community events at the facility are being altered or cancelled until the insurance and rebuild process plays out.

The student-run Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series will operate with reduced stabling capacity and increased emphasis on haul in competitors.

The United States Dressage Federation competitions will also operate at reduced stabling capacity.

One USDF local affiliate, Three Rivers Equestrian Association, that produces sanctioned events at the facility has stepped up to offer a schooling show on Sunday May 4th with all proceeds going towards the rebuild of the WVU facilities.

The equine studies minor pairs with any major at WVU.

It is most commonly pursued by students majoring in Animal & Nutritional Sciences, Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Agriculture and Extension Education, Communication Studies, Marketing, and Pre-Clinical degrees.

Opportunities for students to be engaged outside of the classroom at WVU are endless.

Students can pursue competitive riding opportunities on our western and english Intercollegiate Horse Show Association teams and career development opportunities in the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.

WVU offers working student positions at the JW Ruby Research Farm for students interested in improving the hands-on horsemanship and professional skills sought by employers.

They also have on campus internship opportunities in equine events management and social media marketing, and many connections for internships across the country and around the globe.

To learn more about the WVU faculty, farm, and horses visit our full website: https://horses.wvu.edu/. To make a tax deductible donation to their barn rebuild fund visit: bit.ly/3Dd2jMt.