Trainer teaches basics of equine care

Smelling hay is just one adventure in store for students in Laura Bell's horse management class. They'll receive hands-on, or in this case noses-on, experience during the spring class.

"I bring in different examples of hay - grass hay, alfalfa hay, alfalfa-grass combinations, oat hay," she said. "I actually have people sniff it. The reason being, if a horse eats moldy hay, it could actually die."

The horse management class, which covers everything from the basics of purchasing a horse to the various breeds and colors, as well as tack, equipment, stabling, insurance and trailers, is valuable to people who have never owned a horse, are considering purchasing or adopting one or those who think they know quite a bit.

"Everyone who has taken the class has come back and said it's definitely helpful," she said.

Bell, who has been a trainer for more than 30 years, lives in Silver Springs and owns Starwood Farm and Bell Star Mustangs. She began teaching at Western Nevada Community College, where the class is offered, in 1999.

"I'm just trying to get the publicity out there about this class," she said. 'I know there's a lot of interest in the area because there's a lot of people with horses."

One of the more exciting field trips her students take is to the mustang adoption facility at Palomino Valley, near Spanish Springs. The Bureau of Land Management runs the facility there and students learn the processes mustangs go through, including the vaccinations they receive, in preparation for adoption.

"I'm a big supporter of the adoption program, but on the other hand, I've seen some adoptions go bad," Bell said. "I don't want just anyone to adopt a mustang."

Sandy Walker, owner of Recycled Furniture in Carson City, took Bell's horse management course in the fall of 2000.

"Laura, she's a wealth of information to all," Walker said. "There is nothing that woman does not know about horses."

Before taking the class, Walker owned a horse, now deceased, named Sea Gem, who was the great-great-granddaughter of Sea Biscuit. Walker used the knowledge she learned in Bell's class to help purchase two other horses.

"Bell taught me about the lifelong commitment that I have now toward horses," Walker said. "I was not sure I would always have time."

Also during the semester, Bell brings in a veterinarian to demonstrate a pre-purchase exam so students considering purchasing a horse know what their veterinarian will look for.

The vet will test the horse's eyes, heart and lungs and its gait for a limp. Bell's class, which is listed in the agricultural section on the spring schedule, occurs from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 25.

"I want people to make the correct decision when selecting a horse, so that it's fair to the horse and fair to them," Bell said.

Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

IF YOU GO:

What: Equine course at Western Nevada Community College

When: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 25.

How to register: Call WNCC at 445-3277 to register for horse management, Class 17096 AG 209B C01.

Information: Call Bell at 577-2258.

Cost: The two-credit course cost $106 for the semester.