Equine Enterprise
Welcome to the Equine Enterprise at California State University, Fresno
Thank you for visiting the Fresno State Equine Program website! We’re glad you’re here. On this site, you’ll find information about our equine science academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, student involvement, and horses currently available for purchase.
We are proud to offer a quality selection of Quarter Horses for sale each year. To view the horses currently available, please visit the Products & Services page. Information about boarding your personal horse at Fresno State can also be found there. Students interested in joining the Fresno State Equestrian Team can find additional details through the Equestrian Team link.
Thank you for taking the time to view our site!
Prospective students and their families are always welcome to visit the Quarter Horse Unit. We would be happy to meet you, answer your questions, and provide a tour of our facilities. Please contact us to schedule an appointment — we look forward to connecting with you!
About the Quarter Horse Unit
The Quarter Horse Unit at California State University, Fresno is dedicated to the breeding, development, and management of quality American Quarter Horses while providing students with hands-on educational experience. The facility maintains approximately 35 horses, including broodmares, weanlings, yearlings, and two- and three-year-olds.
Approximately ten of the horses are broodmares — mares selected specifically for breeding based on pedigree, conformation, performance potential, and disposition. The remainder of the herd consists of young horses being developed through structured handling and training programs. In equine terminology, a stallion is an intact male used for breeding, while a gelding is a castrated male typically used for riding or performance. Mares and geldings are generally preferred for training environments due to their manageability.
The Quarter Horse breed originated in the United States and is actually a mixture of many breeds. The desire was to breed a horse that was smaller, quicker, more athletic, dependable and with a good disposition. The Quarter Horse received its name because they were bred to also be the fastest breed at the quarter mile sprint distance race.
Quarter Horses come in a variety of colors and sizes. A mature horse can weigh 850
to 1300 pounds. They are used for both English and Western riding disciplines. The
Quarter Horse is an extremely versatile breed.
The Quarter Horse Unit at Fresno State breeds all of our broodmares by artificial
insemination (AI). A mare’s gestation period averages 11 months, with foals typically
born between February and June. The foals stay with their mother in the pasture until
they reach about six months of age. They are then weaned in groups to minimize stress
and promote healthy social development. After weaning, many of our young horses are
marketed to individuals seeking prospects for riding, competition, or future breeding
programs.
The foals are halter broke and taught to lead from an early age. Students teach them
how to stand while being tied-up, brushed and have their hooves cleaned and trimmed.
When the horse turns 2 years old, it is ready to be taught to be ridden. All of the
young horses at the Fresno State Horse Unit are worked with by students.
Most of the horses at Fresno State are kept on permanent pasture.During foaling season or when medical care is required, horses may be housed in stalls for closer monitoring. Every horse is fed two times per day. All horses are fed twice daily and receive high-quality alfalfa and grass hay. Each horse is supplemented with Cowboys Choice grain. Fresh, clean water is available at all times.