The UMares
J.F Witter Teaching & Research Center is home to 14 Standardbred horses known as the UMares. These mares are all donated former harness racers. The goal of the UMaine horse program is to re-train these mares to become pleasure horses. After completing their training, the mares are usually put up for sale and make great mounts for riders of varying ages and experiences. We recently acquired a Standardbred stallion named Roadshow Hall, who previously was a yearly visitor to the farm for breeding purposes. The University of Maine offers an Equine Studies minor program, and a number of classes involve working with and training the UMares. Witter's equine program hosts several fun events that are open to the public each year, including fall and spring horse shows, guided trail rides, and the annual "Trick or Trot".
The current equine program coordinator is Dr. Robert Causey and the trainer is Cassie Astle.
The current equine program coordinator is Dr. Robert Causey and the trainer is Cassie Astle.
Pembroke Whiteout
Registered Name: Pembroke Whiteout
Barn Name: Whiteout
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Barn Name: Whiteout
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DixieRoadJazz
Registered Name: DixieRoadJazz
Barn Name: Dixie
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Barn Name: Dixie
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Blisstex
Registered Name: Blisstex
Barn Name: Bliss
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Barn Name: Bliss
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Straight N Narrow
Registered Name: Straight N Narrow
Barn Name: Laney
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Barn Name: Laney
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Roadshow Hall
Registered Name: Roadshow Hall
Barn Name: Roadshow
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Barn Name: Roadshow
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Lahar's Baby Blue
Registered Name: Lahar's Baby Blue
Barn Name: Blue
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Barn Name: Blue
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Saranaud
Registered Name: Saranaud
Barn Name: Sara
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Barn Name: Sara
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Pembroke Suzie
Registered Name: Pembroke Suzie
Barn Name: Susie
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Barn Name: Susie
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Upwind Benchmark
Registered Name: Upwind Benchmark
Barn Name: Francis
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Barn Name: Francis
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For more UMare information, please visit their new website at
http://umares.weebly.com
http://umares.weebly.com
Standardbreds
All of the mares at Witter farm are Standardbreds. Standardbreds are a relatively young breed, having only been around for the past 200 years. They were developed using Thoroughbred, Morgan and Arabian bloodlines. They are an American breed and are used in harness racing. These docile horses usually weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds and stand 15 to 16 hands. They come in many colors, and are unique in that the breed can be split into two unique groups that have a different gait. Trotters have a diagonal gait. For example, the left front and right rear hoof move forward at the same time, then alternate to the right front and left rear. Pacers move the same hoof on each side at the same time, the left front and left rear move forward at the same time. Trotters and pacers do not race together.
Though they are known as racehorses, Standardbreds are very well suited to other lifestyles as well. They make excellent pleasure horses and can be used for everything from driving to dressage to barrel racing. The Standardbred re-training program at the Witter Farm focuses on rehabilitating former racers into superior pleasure horses. After two years of re-training, the saddle-ready mares are sold and have met with good results and satisfied riders.
Sources:U.S. Trotting Association
Though they are known as racehorses, Standardbreds are very well suited to other lifestyles as well. They make excellent pleasure horses and can be used for everything from driving to dressage to barrel racing. The Standardbred re-training program at the Witter Farm focuses on rehabilitating former racers into superior pleasure horses. After two years of re-training, the saddle-ready mares are sold and have met with good results and satisfied riders.
Sources:U.S. Trotting Association
Click on pictures to enlarge. Roll over picture with mouse to see the caption.
Photo Sources: theperfecthorse.blogspot.com, settestudio.com
Check out the UMaine UMare website at : http://www.umaine.edu/umares/index.asp
Equine Activities at Witter
Former student Keely Gayton ('10) at a Drill with former UMare Pembroke Cheer, 'Cheerio'.
The University of Maine offers a minor in Equine Studies to interested students. This minor requires eighteen credits and includes a number of horse centered classes like Principles of Western Riding and Equine Exercise Physiology. AVS 303, the Equine Management Cooperative class, is a group of students that takes responsibility for the UMares each semester. Each student is assigned a horse that fits their level of experience, and contributes to daily chores and stall cleaning. They work with the equine trainer to help their UMare advance in her riding training. Many students enjoy the experience so much that they end up adopting their assigned UMares! Students in the Resource Business Management program can also choose to concentrate in Equine Business Management.
The students are involved in many other activities, such as the Equestrian Team and Drill Team. The Equestrian Team, coached by Melissa Spencer, travels throughout New England to compete against other colleges in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in a variety of riding classes. The UMaine Standardbred Drill Team, advised by Dr. Robert Causey, has been involved in the promotion of Standardbreds for many years. The group works throughout the year practicing and performing drill routines with the UMares. They often perform on Campus, at the Bangor Raceway, and other venues. Students interested in the equestrian team can contact Melissa or Dr. Causey.
Several equine events are held at Witter throughout the year. These include the Fall Fuzzies and Spring Fling horse shows, as well as the Trick-Or-Trot event at Halloween.
The students are involved in many other activities, such as the Equestrian Team and Drill Team. The Equestrian Team, coached by Melissa Spencer, travels throughout New England to compete against other colleges in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association in a variety of riding classes. The UMaine Standardbred Drill Team, advised by Dr. Robert Causey, has been involved in the promotion of Standardbreds for many years. The group works throughout the year practicing and performing drill routines with the UMares. They often perform on Campus, at the Bangor Raceway, and other venues. Students interested in the equestrian team can contact Melissa or Dr. Causey.
Several equine events are held at Witter throughout the year. These include the Fall Fuzzies and Spring Fling horse shows, as well as the Trick-Or-Trot event at Halloween.
See the Drill Team on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL5G7vrWJC0
