Denton County extension service offering horse tour

Denton County is the self-proclaimed Lexington, Kentucky of Texas when it comes to the equine industry.

It is the home to over 26 thousand horses which sustains numerous related businesses and professions such as breeders, trainers, boarding facilities, veterinary services, forage production, and many more.

To enhance public awareness of this tremendous county industry and its impact on the local economy, the Denton County Extension Horse Committee is sponsoring a “Horse Industry Tour” on October 22, 2011.

The tour will show case four premier equine operations in southern Denton County representing the diversity of this industry. Some of the stops will offer demonstrations and the opportunity to visit and ask questions with the owners, managers and trainers.  This is a much different tour concept as compared to those offered in Kentucky, which do not allow on and off the bus experiences.  The participants must view the farm from the tour bus or from outside the farm perimeter with no hands-on experiences.  The Denton County tour gives the participants a close view and the opportunity to have personal interaction with the farm staff and animals.

Some of the tour stops offered this year include the “Furst Ranch” located in Bartonville, which is over 2,000 acres utilized as a working cattle ranch with 200 acres dedicated to the raising and training of cutting horses. 

“Quail Run Farm” will also participate in the tour this year.  A private boarding facility and host to Schooling Horse Trails, Combined Test and cross Country Schooling days several times each year. 

“Bar RR Ranch” is home to many cutting horses that have been trained and shown by the staff located also in Bartonville.  This is a top-notch facility with nothing held back when constructed for boarding, foaling, and training some of the top cutting-horses in the nation.

Registration is $25 per person, which includes bus transportation, refreshments, and lunch.  Space is limited to the first 52 paid participants, with pre-registration due by October 17, 2011.

For more information call the Denton County AgriLife Extension Office at 940-349-2880 or email [email protected].  Mail registration with payment (checks payable to Denton County Horse Committee) to 306 N. Loop 288, Suite 222, Denton, Texas 76209.