North Buncombe's Equine Science Center

The Blackhawks will soon have a professional Equine Science Center on campus!

By: Stacia Harris, BCS Communications

It’s been a dream over eight years in the making, but soon, North Buncombe High School will have a professional Equine Science Center right on their campus!

Equine Science 1 is a unique CTE class that covers all aspects of the equine industry from training, marketing, nutrition, equine dentistry, and chiropractic services to boarding, physical/emotional therapy, sales, and services. Instructor Justin Gillespie says the students have contributed to the design and layout of this facility by studying trends and functionality in these types of facilities.

“This has been a wonderful experience for my students,” said Mr. Gillespe. “The students really commit to what they are learning when they have a chance to get deeply involved in the process. I refer to this as the practical application of skills. Many of the students understand it when they see it, do it, and experience it. They truly grasp why all education classes are important!”

As students stand under a roof and wood frame, they use the construction of the equine facility to better understand engineering and architecture. For example, using their measurements, they estimate how much concrete they would need to purchase in order to complete the flooring. Mr. Gillespe says his students are engaged in this process and grateful for the opportunity.

“[This project] provides a crucial and pivotal portion of the education experience,” he said. “This will last a lifetime and influence students as they make career and life decisions.”

Once the facility is complete, the Equine Science Center will be able to operate just like a professional equine facility- with actual horses on-site in a safe and supervised environment. The building is set for completion this winter.

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