Equine Unit Student Spotlight: Sarah Bartel

Happy #NationalDayoftheHorse from senior Sarah Bartel & our other students who get an array of valuable, hands-on experience working with 25 horses at our campus quarter horse unit (and many more owned by students & our the varsity equestrian team).

She already had riding experience before she transferred from Bakersfield College, and now she has gained added experience in colt training, genetics, animal welfare and more (as well as related areas at the beef unit, too).

After she graduates with a livestock management degree in the spring of 2022, she hopes to directly apply these experiences to an exciting career.

Learn more about her campus farm experiences and more in this recent interview.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and why were you drawn towards the livestock management area?

Bartel: "The animal science program at Fresno State stood out to me. I attended some FFA field days at Fresno State during high school and really enjoyed how hands-on the students and faculty were. I thoroughly enjoy working with livestock and there is always something new to learn."

 

Q: Which classes & faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

Bartel: "The animal production classes I have been in have been very influential, as they were incredibly hands-on and well taught. Dr. Fabio Iared is a wonderful teacher and mentor."

Bartel: "I have appreciated how much time he has put into helping me understand everything that goes into horse reproduction. Dr. Randy Perry is a great leader and teacher who has worked to include me in as many hands-on activities as he can. Mr. Ryan Person has also been influential to me, as he taught me very practical and ethical ways of handling and caring for cattle. Mr. Jason Contreras has been a great trainer for the horses of the QHU and Fresno State students. His training methods have impacted the way I approach groundwork and riding different horses."

Q: Talk about your experiences at the campus quarter horse unit (and any other campus farm units), and how have they prepared you for your career path.

Bartel: "I have held the title of volunteer, feeder, and herd health manager. As the current herd health manager, I manage the nutritional, health, treatment, and record programs of over 20 head of horses. I work closely with the unit's general manager to keep an accurate inventory of feed and supplies. I assist Dr. Fabio Iared with the reproduction activities of our broodmares, from the administration of drugs to aid in parturition. Training the foals is the best part of my job in my opinion, as it is incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and come out of their shells. I also manage the volunteers that work at our unit and take photographs of our horses for social media." 

Bartel: "I was also an intern at the campus beef unit, where I learned the ins and outs of managing breeding stock and calves. Dr. Randy Perry and the student employees at the unit taught me about cattle handling, behavior, nutrition, and health. I developed knowledge and skills in all these areas through my internship." 

Bartel: "I also worked as a stall cleaner for the Fresno State Equestrian Team over the winter break of 2021-2022." 

 

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Bartel: "My dad grew up on a small farm and is now the manager of a water district in Bakersfield. The first decade of my life wasn't really agriculture-oriented. I started riding horses when I was in middle school, which further blossomed into showing market pigs and dairy heifers through 4-H and FFA. I became heavily involved in learning and advocating for agriculture in high school, and realized that I wanted to have a career in the agriculture industry." 

 

Q: Were you a part of any clubs and organizations at Fresno State and any noteworthy activities?

Bartel: "I was a member of Fresno State’s Young Cattlemen’s Association where I participated in multiple charity dinners and the California Cattlemen’s Association annual convention. (The CCA convention) was incredibly informative, and I gained many connections in the livestock industry through my experience." 

 

Q: Have you participated in any other outreach activities/events that have benefited the community?

Bartel: "I volunteered at the Red Wave Livestock Show in 2021, which was so rewarding since the kids hadn't been able to participate in a jackpot in almost a year. I also volunteered on a trip for Dr. Fabio Iared’s livestock transport company Pacific Airlift. I aided in the shipment and care of four horses and over 200 head of cattle to/from the Hawaiian islands in June 2019. It was an incredible experience that I gained so much knowledge and drive for the livestock industry from." 

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

Bartel: "In January of 2020, I was in an accident with my horse where I lost two fingertips on my left hand and broke my right wrist. I was riding at home and no one was there, so I had to find my phone and dial 911 with one of my remaining functioning digits. I had two surgeries and endured about five months of recovery and occupational therapy. With very limited use of my arms during that time, it was difficult to drink water, let alone finish my last semester at Bakersfield College so I could transfer to Fresno State. I learned a lot about patience and perseverance through this experience, and have so many people to thank for helping me get through it."

 

Q: What's your potential next career step, and how do you plan to use your degree eventually?

Bartel: "When I graduate, I hope to attain a job or internship working with cattle or horses. I would like to someday manage a production herd, as I really enjoy being right out there with the animals rather than working in an offshoot of the industry."