UConn True To Roots, Grown National

The panoramic view of Horsebarn Hill on the University of Connecticut inspires at all times of the year.

Late in 1880, brothers Charles and Augustus Storrs offered 170 acres of farmland and a few barns to establish an agricultural school for boys to the state of Connecticut. (The gift included $5,000 to purchase equipment and supplies.) On April 21, 1881 the Connecticut General Assembly voted to establish the Storrs Agricultural School, which opened on Sept. 28, 1881, with three faculty members and 12 students.

Times have changed at UConn, but elements remain true to its roots in the soil. Manuring the fields is an integral part of life and feeding the earth (and moving the fragrant results of the cows, horses, and other livestock that is part of the animal sciences on campus).

At the same time this tractor was working the fields, NCAA basketball teams were readying to play at Gampel Pavilion, and a horse symposium offered up workshops on how to fit saddles, team demonstrations, a polo match, wagon rides and more.


The UConn Co-op Bookstore was open and busy and the joggers and walkers enjoyed the early spring weather all over campus.
What diversity of choice for how to spend a spring day.

All Things Horse At Symposium, UConn

The 2009 Connecticut Horse Symposium is set for March 29 and 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus, Ratcliffe Hicks/Horsebarn Hill arenas. The public is invited to the free events.

Sponsored by the University of Connecticut Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Connecticut Horse Council, events include senior equine management, saddle fitting, equine massage, the UConn Morgan Drill team, cowboy mounted shooting demonstrations, how to decide whether to shoe your horse, music for horses, what to look for in a pre-purchase examination, reining, UConn Equestrian Team, polo demo, Kentucky Mountain Saddle horses, UConn Dressage Team, and Ann Guptill demonstrating lateral dressage movements.

Tours are offered of area horse farms to view best management practices; sign up at mark.cummings@ct.usda.gov; space is limited.

The University of Connecticut supports both a men's and a women's polo team, with Coach Jim Dinger guiding riders for more than 12 years. For information on polo lessons or game schedules and cancellations call Dr. Dinger at (860) 486-3376 or (860) 486-8411. Photo: Appaloosa and rider, UConn Polo.