FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2022, Tulsa, Okla. - The Palomino Horse Breeders Heritage Foundation (PHBHF) is proud to recognize Mike Bender of Mantachie, Mississippi, for successfully completing the Scholarship for Training Equine Professionals (STEP) program in the field of Barn Management. During Bender’s time with the program, he learned a variety of valuable equine barn management skills from assisting professionals with vaccination rounds to monitoring a brood mare throughout the pregnancy and ensuing birth of her new foal. Not only did STEP afford Bender of this opportunity, it provided an experiential learning pathway for him to actively participate in all areas of barn management.

“Hands-on experience in my opinion is the best way to learn everyday tasks associated with this field. During this time, I learned how to tell when a mare comes into season, and when to introduce to a stud. I assisted with loading mares to move to the stud for breeding. I assisted with vaccinations and was able to monitor a brood mare during her pregnancy right up to her giving birth. I was present for the birthing process to ensure there was little to no complications during this time. When the foal was born, I made sure the sac had broken, and monitored not only the foal but the mare as well,” said Bender of his experience.

Bender also reflected on his new understanding of halter breaking weanlings by exploring new techniques and patience building tips to help him succeed. Not only does the STEP program provide for a true hand-on educational experience, but award recipients like Bender also exited the program with a mountain of tools to grow his professional career. “Along with the other aspects I mentioned, I also have a better understanding of genetics that goes into producing the best horse possible for health and show quality animals,” reflected Bender as he discussed how his experience could affect his future as a barn manager.

Scholarships for Training Equine Professionals (S.T.E.P.) is an innovative approach intended to provide financial support for those who desire occupations in the equine industry. It is specifically designed for those wanting positions as Assistant Farriers, Assistant Horse Trainers, Backside Track Apprentices, Horse Farm Apprentice Managers, Rodeo Stock Contract Assistants, Rodeo Management, Interns, Grooms, Saddle Manufacturer Assistants, Retail Western Sales Agents, and others, yet to be identified. A $1000, one time, scholarship will be provided those selected with 50% paid at the beginning of training and the remaining 50% paid upon the documented successful completion of the program. Any current PHBA member is encouraged to pursue their training in their equine field of choice by completing the STEP scholarship application.

The Palomino Horse Breeders Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving the past, present, and future of the Palomino Horse and to those who have dedicated themselves to maintaining and perpetuating the breed. The foundation was created as a way for individuals to make contributions that are meaningful and make a positive impact on the Palomino Horse, their owners and to those who made significant sacrifices to preserve the Palomino legacy. All contributions are tax deductible through a 501(c)(3) entity.

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Palomino Horse Breeders Heritage Foundation

Media Contact
Todd Branson
Mustang, OK 73064
info@palominoheritage.com