MSU Extension Equine Assisted Services

04/01/2026

Our fake apples April Fools' day joke didn't quite get a laugh out of Fabio!

03/03/2026

MSU Community-Engaged Service Award Winner: Hoof to Heart

Congratulations to Lori Irvin, Narsis Whigham, and Dr. Clay Cavinder of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences for their work with Hoof to Heart.

This innovative program supports individuals in addiction recovery through small-group, equine-assisted learning experiences. Using the Eagala Model, participants build resilience, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop critical life skills, all through the powerful connection between humans and horses.
Hoof to Heart is making a meaningful difference by helping participants reduce anxiety and depression, work through trauma, and improve overall quality.

Left to right:
Executive Director for Outreach and Engagement Joe Fratesi. Professor Clay Cavinder, on behalf of Extension Associate III Lori Irvin, and Agricultural Technician Narsis Whigham, from Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. Associate Vice President for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Ashli Brown and Senior Vice Provost Brent Fountain.

01/10/2026

Mississippi State University is offering a unique program that is helping veterans and others find healing through horses.

01/09/2026

Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health to host an educational meeting focused on equine biosecurity best practices and proactive planning to support preparedness within Mississippi’s equine industry. This meeting will serve as a collaborative effort to ensure the industry is well prepared should a situation ever arise. All equine associations across the state are invited to attend. Please help us spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

11/03/2025

Need dinner plans? Come support MSU Extension Equine Assisted Services at The Little Dooey tonight 4-8.

When you go tag us/share a pic The Cowpuncher Arena to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the Oktibbeha County Co-op

10/28/2025

We want to thank The Cowpuncher Arena for their support! Go over to their page to see how coming to our event The Little Dooey Roundup, can get you in the drawing for a $50 gift certificate at the Oktibbeha County Co-op!! Can’t wait to see y’all there!

Go to eat some good food, tag The Cowpuncher Arena and we will draw 1 person to win a $50 gift certificate to the Oktibbeha County Co-Op

Go out and support if you can on Nov 3rd 4-8pm.

10/27/2025

Good food, good folks, and horses! Well… kinda!

Join the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Services crew at The Little Dooey on November 3rd , come say hi, learn a little about what we do, and enjoy some BBQ it’s a simple and delicious, way to give back.

10/16/2025

Our volunteer Flo helping get Henry ready to ride hahaha! Henry says he’s strictly mascot material and absolutely not built for work! 🐴💚

10/13/2025

We here in Jackson, MS for the Great American Parade at the Mississippi State Fair! If you see us, get a picture and tag us! 🇺🇸

10/09/2025

Big thank you to James for donating his time to help the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Services program finish up our tack shed!

Magic supervised the whole project, he swears he was about to lend a hoof and grab a hammer if we needed him 🐴🔨😂

09/04/2025

Come see us at Shades of Starkville!

We’re all set up in Section 3, right by Lee Hall — you can’t miss us!
Stop by to say hi, check out what we’ve got going on, and enjoy the day with us. Can’t wait to see you there! 😄🌟