CSU Equine Sciences

Meet the Graduate Students of Equine Sciences: Sara Edwards 🐏

Originally from Highland, California, and Chehalis, Washington, Sara Edwards followed a unique path to graduate school, earning a B.A. in Biology from Bowdoin College before returning to Colorado State University to complete a B.S. in Equine Science. Now pursuing her M.S. under the mentorship of Devan Catalano, Sara is passionate about research that directly benefits horses, owners, and the equine industry.

Sara’s primary research project examines a practical question facing many Colorado horse owners: how many horses can responsibly graze on unirrigated Front Range pasture while maintaining adequate nutrition and preserving pasture health. Her work aims to balance horse welfare with sustainable land stewardship.

She is also involved in research on equine mortality composting, exploring environmentally responsible and practical approaches to managing horse remains. Together, these projects reflect Sara’s commitment to improving equine management through science-based solutions that have real-world impact.

We can't wait to see the data, and Go Rams!

Meet Annika St. George, a graduate student in the Dual Degree Program (M.S. in CSU Department of Animal Sciences and D.V.M. in CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences) in the Fedorka Lab!

Originally from Placerville, Colorado, Annika earned her B.S. in Animal Sciences from Colorado State University before continuing her education through CSU’s combined graduate and veterinary medicine program. She was drawn to CSU by its strong reputation in animal science and veterinary medicine, as well as the opportunity to learn from leading researchers while remaining close to the mountains she loves.

Annika’s research focuses on understanding how inflammation influences s***m function and fertility. By investigating how stallion s***m respond to inflammatory signals, her work aims to uncover previously overlooked aspects of s***m biology that may contribute to infertility. Ultimately, this research could improve our understanding of reproductive health in both horses and humans, while helping develop new approaches for diagnosing and managing infertility.

Go Annika, and Go Rams! 🐏 💚

We are so proud of Dr. Maggie Murphy!

See below to learn about her goals for both the Horse Judging Team and Ranch Horse Club, alongside her philosophy for teaching, judging, and beyond!

Meet our next graduate student from Hoback, Wyoming, Ryley Hasenack!

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science right here at Colorado State University and is now completing her Master of Science in Equine Pain & Behavior under Dr. Sarah Matlock and Dr. Melissa King.

She chose CSU because of the connections she built as an undergraduate and the opportunity to pursue a research idea she was passionate about. She is especially grateful to Dr. Matlock and Dr. King for supporting her project and for the chance to learn hands-on from experienced mentors.

Her research examines how Bioelectromagnetic Energy Regulation Therapy (BEMER) affects pain and behavior in ridden Equine-Assisted Services horses. Her project evaluates physical pain through pressure testing and functional exams of the axial skeleton, while also assessing behavior through video coding.

Can't wait to see the data, Ryley!

Join us for Tour Tuesdays this summer to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes look at CSU’s facilities, programs, and research. We hope to see you at the Equine Teaching and Research Center!

Visit https://visit.colostate.edu/TourTuesdays to register, explore tour descriptions, view dates and times, and learn more about ‘Summertime at CSU'.

For the next few months, we will be featuring the talented and amazing graduate students within our program!

Up first: Nicki

Originally from Oswego, New York, Nicki earned her B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from Cornell University before joining Dr. Caiti Peters’ lab at the Temple Grandin Equine Center. She came to CSU because of its internationally recognized leadership in equine-assisted services and human-animal interaction research.

For her master's research, Nicki studied how horse interactions affect self-regulation in autistic youth. By comparing riding lessons, unmounted horsemanship activities, and a simulated horse experience, she evaluated both behavioral and physiological measures of emotional regulation.

Her research found that both mounted and unmounted interactions with horses can improve self-regulation, with benefits observed after just a single session. These findings highlight the potential for unmounted programs to expand access to the positive impacts of equine-assisted services.

Nicki recently completed her M.S. at CSU and will begin her Ph.D. this fall under the mentorship of Temple Grandin! Congrats Nicki, and can't wait to see what you do!

Not bad for a group of horse professors! 🐴🏅

Congratulations to CSU faculty members Dr. Chris Kawcek, Dr. Erin Contino, Tiare Santistevan, and Dr. Carleigh Fedorka on earning 3rd place in the Area IX Adult Rider Team Challenge at the Event at Archer in Cheyenne, Wyoming this weekend!

Their team name? Feral Faculty.

These faculty members represent Colorado State University both in the classroom and in the saddle. Led by Dr. Contino with a win In the Open Beginner Novice, the team was well represented all of the way to Modified!

It was a fantastic weekend of competition, horsemanship, and teamwork, proving that our passion for horses extends far beyond campus.

Go Rams! 💚🐏

(Pictured here Dr. Erin Contino and Master Instructor Tiare Santistevan)

Attention all horse owners‼️ 🐴

Researchers from Texas A&M, UC Davis, Rutgers, CSU (Dr. Fedorka), and Cavalor are conducting a nationwide survey on the prevalence and management of equine metabolic disease, and they need your input!

If you own horses, your experience matters. This survey will help advance research, improve management strategies, and support horse health across the industry.

📋 Take the survey here:
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2026/04/28/texas-am-agrilife-launches-national-equine-metabolic-health-survey/

Thank you for making difference in equine health! 🐎💚

The Colorado State University English Riding Club had an incredible trip to Lexington, Kentucky for the Kentucky Three-Day Event! 🏇

It was an unforgettable experience with the highest level of equestrian sport; more elite than the Olympics! Our riders had the opportunity to watch world-class athletes tackle cross-country, stadium jumping, and dressage at the 5*, gaining a firsthand look at the precision, athleticism, and horsemanship it takes to compete on the global stage!

Beyond the event, we immersed ourselves in the heart of Thoroughbred country. We visited Mt. Brilliant Farm and Valley View Farm, where we learned more about breeding, management, and the legacy behind elite sport horses. We also spent time at Keeneland, experiencing one of the most iconic venues in the industry.

This trip was an incredible opportunity to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications, inspire our riders, and bring back new perspectives to our program at CSU! 🌟

Congratulations to this amazing group of rams on their successful trip to Lexington!
English Riding Club at Colorado State University

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