Master Horse | Williamson County

The Tennessee Master Horse Program is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based equine nutrition, management and environmental information applicable to all horse owners and those interested in equine well-being. Classes involve hands-on as well as virtual sessions to meet a variety of learning styles and schedules. Virtual sessions are only offered January-March. The cost of the program is $125 for the year. New this year: Equine are now eligible for Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program.

Registration

Payment

Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2027 (Thursdays-6:00 pm)

January 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
Topics
- Program Overview & Responsible Horse Ownership
- Preventative Health
- Hoof Care
- Waste Management (carcass & manure) & Fundamental Economics
- Pasture & Soil Management
- Nutrition
- Normal & Stereotypic Behavior
- Hot Topics & Personal/Recreational Track Graduation and Facilities and Fencing
- Law, Liability, & Contracts
- Business & Economic Planning
- Responsible Breeding
- Marketing, Client & Employee Management, Professional Graduation

Included Hands-On Sessions

Horse

Trailering Clinic (5-19-26)
Equine Ground Manners (6-2-26)
Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-2-27)
Horse Management Field Day (2-9-27)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (3-3-27)

Pasture and Forages Management

Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)
Summer Weeds (7-7-26)
Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)

All Hands-On Classes

Pasture and Forages Management

Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)
Summer Weeds (7-7-26)
Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)

Horse

Trailering Clinic (5-19-26)
Equine Ground Manners (6-2-26)
Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-2-27)
Horse Management Field Day (2-9-27)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (3-3-27)

Small Ruminant

Beef

Beef Heifer Development Field Day (5-21-26 & 5-22-26)
Precision Livestock Beef Field Day ($10 Fee for those not registered for 2026 Master Beef Program)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-28-26)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-2-26)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-12-27)
Bull Selection (TBA)

Poultry

Breed Selection (9-29-26)

Horticulture

Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (5-7-26)
Landscape Irrigation (5-19-26)
Seed Saving (7-16-26)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-8-26)
Edible Landscaping (4-15-27)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-9-26)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)(Postponed Due to Weather)

Craft Products

Culinary

Jams & Preserves (5-19-26)
Canning (6-16-26)
Art of Knife Sharpening (11-16-26)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-3-26)
Crawlspace Science (4-20-27)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-21-26)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (10-31-26)

Horticulture

Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (7-2-26)
Seed Starting (2-25-27)

Trainings

Private/Commercial Applicator Recertification

Masters Programs

Q: What is the Master Horse Program?
A: The Tennessee Master Horse Program is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based equine nutrition, management and environmental information.

Q: What can I receive with a Master’s certification?
A: Most importantly, education and hands-on experience in a variety of topic areas. Additionally, completing the Master Horse Program meets the educational requirement for Tennessee Ag Enhancement which is a state of Tennessee cost share program. The other requirement is 20 head of horses for the operation.

Q: What are the topics covered?
A: Topics change for each year’s program, but typically cover: Pasture Management, First-Time Ownership, Nutrition, Health, Manure Management, Liability, Economics, Training, Hot Topics.

Q: Do I have to own a horse or be an experienced horse owner to take the program?
A: No, the program is designed for those interested in future horse ownership, new horse owners, and longtime horse owners. The variety of topics provides new learning experiences for all. To qualify for the Tennessee Ag Enhancement Program, there is a minimum of 20 horses for the operation.

Q: How long is the Master Horse Program?
A: The program is anywhere from 8-22 classes in which the participant is asked to attend a minimum of 8 classes. Selection and attendance is entirely up to the participant.

Q: What is the format of the program?
A: The program is designed to meet the needs and schedule demands of all participants. The program is a combination of hands-on, on-farm, classroom, and virtual Zoom presentations.

Q: When does the program take place?
A: Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Participants receive classes for one from the date they signup. Virtual classes are only offered in January-March.Hands-on classes vary in time, but most start at 5:30. Virtual classes will begin at 6:00 pm.

Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The cost for the entire program is $125.

Q: How often do I need to take the program to maintain TN Ag Enhancement certification?
A: Upon taking the course, certification is good for three years.

Contact us

Megan Johnson
Equine Program Leader

Matt Horsman
Extension Agent