By DOUG GRAVES Ohio Correspondent
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The majority of college students flock to the warm, sandy beaches of Florida during their spring break. But six students from University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment embarked on a six-day, study-away trip to Puerto Rico to learn more about the equine and agricultural industries. “This was the first of two equine study-away trips planned for 2023 and it allowed the students to learn more about these industries in Puerto Rico while having some fun along the way,” said Erin DesNoyers, operations coordinator with UK Equine Programs. Horseback riding on beaches, touring a jockey school, snorkeling, visiting Old San Juan and touring a coffee farm were part of their schedule, but this group had its sights set on horses. The six, equine-minded students included Elsa Furlong, Abby Braese, Olivia Morrison and Chloe Young. The four are Equine Science and Management majors. Also participating were Becca Chastain, and Animal Science major, Xiomara Arias. The students visited Carabali Rainforest Park in Luquillo and met with local veterinarian Jose Garcia Blanco and his wife, Sharon. After riding through the rainforest to Luquillo Beach, the group tried local favorites such as fried chicken with guava, tostones and mofongo. The group also visited one of the area’s most renowned Thoroughbred farms, Potrero Los Llanos. It is a breeding operation in Coamo and uses innovative methods to manage horses in the hot climate of Puerto Rico. “Potrero Los Llanos is famous for creating a welcoming environment where horses can enjoy a natural way of life,” DesNoyers said. “Their approach to breeding and management is a refreshing reminder of the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.” Students also visited Vieques, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico and home to a population of feral and semi-feral horses, before visiting Seven Seas Beach. “While the island has been battered by hurricanes, its people and horses have endured,” DesNoyers said. “It makes you stop and think about the various issues relating to equine welfare and natural resources needed for survival.” The group toured two Puerto Rican Paso Fino farms: Hacienda San Francisco de Asis and Hacienda RBC. They also visited the Vocational Equestrian School of Puerto Rico at Hipodromo Camarero racecourse. The students at this school learn equine anatomy, racetrack logistics, how to ride and how to work and communicate with horse trainers and owners. “My favorite experience without a doubt was meeting all of the people there,” said Furlong, a senior from Ontario, Ohio. “Everyone was welcoming and made us feel at home. They showed us the culture of Puerto Rico and they taught us a lot of things along the way. I enjoyed going to the different horse farms to see how different their practices are compared to the United States. Furlong plans are to open an equine rescue ranch in Florida someday. “In a matter of days, we were able to explore different cultural roles of equines in Puerto Rico,” said Young, a sophomore. “Through the trip, we were lucky enough to ride and observe horses, as well as tour some of the major Thoroughbred and Paso Fino farms on the island. This course exposed us to different agricultural industries and ecotourism practices vital to Puerto Rico’s economy.” “This was my second time I traveled abroad with UK and the first time with UK’s Ag Equine Programs,” said Chastain, a junior and resident of Louisville. “I established numerous connections and was exposed to incredible cultures. The culture was something I really fell in love with. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip.” Chastain is UK’s Collegiate 4-H President. She is looking into graduate school programs with the specification of Environmental Sustainability and/or Conservation. According to DesNoyers, a second equine study-away trip is planned for later this year. |