CSU Equine Sciences

CSU Equine Sciences CSU, where passion gallops with knowledge. Bridging science and horsemanship for a vibrant future.

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Interested in riding and competing in college? The CSU Western IHSA Team is welcoming new members of all experience leve...
08/14/2026

Interested in riding and competing in college? The CSU Western IHSA Team is welcoming new members of all experience levels - no horse ownership required!

Interest meetings are August 31 and September 3 at 7 PM in Wagar 133. A great way to get involved, meet fellow equestrians, and represent CSU.

Go Rams! 🐏

New research from CSU Equine Sciences is now available open access for a limited time! A recent study led by Dr. Carleig...
08/12/2026

New research from CSU Equine Sciences is now available open access for a limited time!

A recent study led by Dr. Carleigh Fedorka and Dr. Kate Kiger evaluated the short-term effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in horses with naturally occurring osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints. First author was equine sciences undergraduate research fellow Isla Wilson!

The study found that a single 30-minute PEMF treatment resulted in a transient reduction in flexion-induced lameness one hour after treatment. Researchers also observed a transient decrease in circulating inflammationc suggesting that PEMF administered locally may act broadly in the body.

Interestingly, these changes were not accompanied by improvements in objective gait asymmetry. Together, the findings provide new insight into how PEMF therapy may influence clinical pain responses and inflammation in horses with osteoarthritis, while also highlighting the need for continued research into its effects and applications in equine athletes.

This work represents a collaboration across disciplines at CSU, bringing together expertise in equine sports medicine, inflammation, and cytokine biology to better understand therapeutic approaches for maintaining equine health and performance!

The full article is open access for a limited time and available to read now:

https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1nbEF2dbxquZtK

07/08/2026

In the Fedorka Lab, mentoring the next generation of women in STEM is at the heart of everything. Through hands-on research, clinical experiences and individualized mentorship, students gain the confidence and skills to become future scientists, veterinarians and industry leaders.

Supporting the next generation of women in science is central to the lab’s mission — and as it turns out, shaping the future of science is even better when horses are involved 🐎

Watch the full-length video here ➡️ col.st/kyf5a
Learn more about our equine science program ➡️ col.st/fthh3

Colorado State University
CSU Department of Animal Sciences

A huge thank you to Forestier Saddlier for coming out to Fort Collins to fit saddles for so many members of the CSU Engl...
06/23/2026

A huge thank you to Forestier Saddlier for coming out to Fort Collins to fit saddles for so many members of the CSU English Riding Club and past/present members of the Thoroughbred Makeover Team! 🐴

Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to horse and rider comfort, the Forestier team spent the day helping riders find the best fit for their horses while also sharing valuable knowledge about saddle design, fit, and manufacturing. Our students had the unique opportunity to learn not only why proper saddle fit is so important for equine welfare and performance, but also about the craftsmanship and technology that go into creating a high-quality saddle.

Experiences like these help our riders become more educated horsemen and women, giving them a deeper understanding of the equipment they use every day. We are incredibly grateful to Forestier for their time, expertise, and support of our equestrian community!

Meet the Graduate Students of Equine Sciences: Sara Edwards 🐏 Originally from Highland, California, and Chehalis, Washin...
06/11/2026

Meet the Graduate Students of Equine Sciences: Sara Edwards 🐏

Originally from Highland, California, and Chehalis, Washington, Sara Edwards followed a unique path to graduate school, earning a B.A. in Biology from Bowdoin College before returning to Colorado State University to complete a B.S. in Equine Science. Now pursuing her M.S. under the mentorship of Devan Catalano, Sara is passionate about research that directly benefits horses, owners, and the equine industry.

Sara’s primary research project examines a practical question facing many Colorado horse owners: how many horses can responsibly graze on unirrigated Front Range pasture while maintaining adequate nutrition and preserving pasture health. Her work aims to balance horse welfare with sustainable land stewardship.

She is also involved in research on equine mortality composting, exploring environmentally responsible and practical approaches to managing horse remains. Together, these projects reflect Sara’s commitment to improving equine management through science-based solutions that have real-world impact.

We can't wait to see the data, and Go Rams!

Meet Annika St. George, a graduate student in the Dual Degree Program (M.S. in CSU Department of Animal Sciences and D.V...
06/08/2026

Meet Annika St. George, a graduate student in the Dual Degree Program (M.S. in CSU Department of Animal Sciences and D.V.M. in CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) in the Fedorka Lab!

Originally from Placerville, Colorado, Annika earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences from Colorado State University before continuing her education through CSU’s combined graduate and veterinary medicine program. She was drawn to CSU by its strong reputation in animal science and veterinary medicine, as well as the opportunity to learn from leading researchers while remaining close to the mountains she loves.

Annika’s research focuses on understanding how inflammation influences s***m function and fertility. By investigating how stallion s***m respond to inflammatory signals, her work aims to uncover previously overlooked aspects of s***m biology that may contribute to infertility. Ultimately, this research could improve our understanding of reproductive health in both horses and humans, while helping develop new approaches for diagnosing and managing infertility.

Go Annika, and Go Rams! 🐏 💚

We are so proud of Dr. Maggie Murphy! See below to learn about her goals for both the Horse Judging Team and Ranch Horse...
06/04/2026

We are so proud of Dr. Maggie Murphy!

See below to learn about her goals for both the Horse Judging Team and Ranch Horse Club, alongside her philosophy for teaching, judging, and beyond!

Meet our next graduate student from Hoback, Wyoming, Ryley Hasenack!She earned her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science...
06/04/2026

Meet our next graduate student from Hoback, Wyoming, Ryley Hasenack!

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science right here at Colorado State University and is now completing her Master of Science in Equine Pain & Behavior under Dr. Sarah Matlock and Dr. Melissa King.

She chose CSU because of the connections she built as an undergraduate and the opportunity to pursue a research idea she was passionate about. She is especially grateful to Dr. Matlock and Dr. King for supporting her project and for the chance to learn hands-on from experienced mentors.

Her research examines how Bioelectromagnetic Energy Regulation Therapy (BEMER) affects pain and behavior in ridden Equine-Assisted Services horses. Her project evaluates physical pain through pressure testing and functional exams of the axial skeleton, while also assessing behavior through video coding.

Can't wait to see the data, Ryley!

Join us for Tour Tuesdays this summer to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes look at CSU’s facilities, programs, and resear...
06/03/2026

Join us for Tour Tuesdays this summer to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes look at CSU’s facilities, programs, and research. We hope to see you at the Equine Teaching and Research Center!

Visit https://visit.colostate.edu/TourTuesdays to register, explore tour descriptions, view dates and times, and learn more about ‘Summertime at CSU'.

For the next few months, we will be featuring the talented and amazing graduate students within our program! Up first: N...
06/01/2026

For the next few months, we will be featuring the talented and amazing graduate students within our program!

Up first: Nicki

Originally from Oswego, New York, Nicki earned her B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from Cornell University before joining Dr. Caiti Peters’ lab at the Temple Grandin Equine Center. She came to CSU because of its internationally recognized leadership in equine-assisted services and human-animal interaction research.

For her master's research, Nicki studied how horse interactions affect self-regulation in autistic youth. By comparing riding lessons, unmounted horsemanship activities, and a simulated horse experience, she evaluated both behavioral and physiological measures of emotional regulation.

Her research found that both mounted and unmounted interactions with horses can improve self-regulation, with benefits observed after just a single session. These findings highlight the potential for unmounted programs to expand access to the positive impacts of equine-assisted services.

Nicki recently completed her M.S. at CSU and will begin her Ph.D. this fall under the mentorship of Temple Grandin! Congrats Nicki, and can't wait to see what you do!

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