Savannah Salters Equine Science Student Spotlight

Hailing from Bakersfield, senior Savannah Salters has embarked on an academic journey at Fresno State with a passion for both sport and science. 

She has been involved with campus farm units, notably the Bulldoggers Rodeo Team and Quarter Horse Unit, while developing skills in animal care and reproduction techniques.

Her involvement in research projects hopes to yield valuable insights for the industry while laying the groundwork for future career endeavors.

Learn more about the Jordan College Honors Cohort member and recent rodeo team vice president, and what's ahead in this interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

"I had heard great things about Fresno State, and the experience from hands-on animal units have made it so special to me. I also wanted to be a part of their great rodeo team. I started out studying agricultural education, but after COVID I saw how quickly things can change, and my passion evolved into a more hands-on approach to the equine industry."

 

Q: When do you intend to graduate?

"Spring 2024"

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

"My sister-in-law attended Fresno State and studied business, real estate and urban land economics." 

 

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

"I've had so many great animal science classes and professors. Dr. Fabio Iared is my mentor and the person who made me want to dive into equine reproduction. Dr. Sharon Freeman has driven me forward and always made sure I used my fullest potential. Uhuru Adem is the best coach any college athlete could want. He makes me a better person and always knows how to boost my confidence in the rodeo arena."

 

Q: Talk about any campus farm units you have worked at.

"At the rodeo grounds, I have mainly spent most of my time since my sophomore year feeding calves, working horses, vaccinating calves, and facilitating equine therapy for some of the student-athletes' horses."

"I have also visited the quarter horse unit with my faculty mentor to learn more about reproduction and work on our research project, which is analyzing the effectiveness of artificial insemination techniques."

 

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

"I did not grow up on a family farm, but my mom got me involved with horses as long as I can remember.  When I was old enough, I joined the FFA at Frontier High School in Bakersfield. I showed lambs through my four years in the FFA at county fairs, state fairs, local jackpots and national shows. I started rodeo when I was about 10 years old and have not looked back since."

 

Q: Describe any internships you've done at Fresno State?

"I have not completed any now. I am looking to start an internship with Purina Mills at Land O’ Lakes." 

 

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

"I have been working since I was about 15, and I have continued to work throughout high school and college. I wanted to pay for college tuition myself and through scholarships without my parents having to help with tuition or myself taking out a loan, and I have almost accomplished that goal. I am thankful to have received two scholarships each year, including the Ag One Carl and Barbara Fanucchi scholarship the last three years." 

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

"I am starting my own equine therapy business, called SS Equine Therapy." 

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step?

"My next career step is to further my knowledge in equine reproduction and become a reproduction technician at a well-known facility. I also want to further my equine therapy career and establish a clientele within the industry. I will also continue to rodeo as much as possible while trying to follow my dream career."