Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Hulman & Company Foundation.
The money will support Phase 2 of the Mari Hulman George Equine Breeding Program. The College plans to continue to develop a distinctive equine breeding program, and this grant will fund improvements to the breeding facilities, ensuring students gain hands-on skills in ultrasonography, artificial insemination and foal management.
“We are grateful for the support of the Hulman & Company Foundation. These grants are enabling the College to develop innovative and unique programming within the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies,” said Ed Ferguson, Ph.D., chair of the equine department.
In 2023, the College received a $64,600 grant from the Hulman & Company Foundation to establish the equine breeding center for Phase 1 of the plan. Phase 2 funding will be used to create a fully equipped foaling barn with advanced monitoring systems and upgraded breeding facilities, enabling SMWC to sustainably expand its herd and enhance student training in foal management and in the use of artificial insemination equipment.
The breeding program benefits all students studying equine science, especially those on a pre-veterinary track. It offers hands-on specialized skills for the equine industry through early, career-focused training, helping students prepare for veterinary school applications.
While many veterinary programs emphasize small animals, SMWC’s program focuses on large animals, aiming to bolster the pipeline of Hoosier veterinarians, especially equine and large animal practitioners.
SMWC offers bachelor’s degrees in both Equine Pre-Vet Science and Equine Studies. In addition, the College offers minors in Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Breeding Management and Equine Therapeutic Riding, as well as an Associate of Science in Racetrack Management and a Master’s in Equine Science.
For more information on SMWC’s equine program, visit smwc.edu/equinestudies.