Out of the Gate
CWC Showcases New Equine Facility & Programs
Riverton, Wyoming
Written by Melanie Limpus
Photography contributed by Central Wyoming College
Advertorial paid for by Central Wyoming College
What is so unique about Central Wyoming College? A better question might be, what isn’t?
Located in the heart of Wyoming's agriculture and ranch communities, CWC’s brand new 85,000 square foot Rustler Agricultural and Equine Complex is a beacon for innovation and education. From farm-to-table initiatives to Agriculture and Equine entrepreneurial endeavors, the Complex nurtures livestock production, health methods, and agribusiness, while highlighting the generations of knowledge of Wyoming farms and ranches.
Jessie Whitlock and Aften Fegler are Instructors of Equine Studies at CWC. Aften is also the Rustler Complex Events Coordinator. Both of their families’ roots run deep in the equine industry and at CWC. Recently, they became certified equine professionals through the Certified Horsemanship Association.
Jessie was born and raised around horses in Cody, Wyoming. From racing and showing quarter horses to horse packing and outfitting, her childhood was always spent around horses. When Jessie graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship from CWC, she applied to her current position and got the job. She now hopes to inspire and share her equestrian knowledge with her students and her two young sons.
Horses have always been a part of Aften’s life as well. As a fifth generation Wyoming horsewoman, her family’s history in ranching and raising horses led her to thrive in the equestrian lifestyle. She first attended Casper College and graduated from West Texas A&M University with a degree in Agriculture Media and Communication. Now, Aften is thrilled to be an instructor in the very same program that her mother once attended.
“There’s so much vision, energy, and momentum behind our program. We’re really trying to set our students up for success,” Aften said. “In addition to the equine program, we’re weaving in public speaking, leadership, and business classes to incorporate life skills for these students.”
The Complex in Riverton is located conveniently across the street from the dorms and in close proximity to the lower campus. The new facility includes two indoor arenas and one outdoor, a specialized farrier/vet room, and stalls and runs where students board their horses. It also houses livestock utilized by the Ag and Equine programs, as well as the rodeo program.
“We strongly encourage students to go outside of the classroom to seek industry internships locally, as well as all across the country to gain real world experience,” Jessie said. We want them to have conversations with equine professionals and learn from them through hands-on experiences. It’s not about what you know, but who you know.”
“The goal is to not just make it an equine program, but to make it a life changing program.”
Unlike other equine programs across the country that provide lesson horses, Central Wyoming College’s equine program allows students to bring their own horses with them to college.
“By the time our students graduate, they have a horse - a product - that is better than what they came with. This gives our students an advantage to starting their next steps after college, whether it be selling that well-trained horse or starting their own herd,” Aften said.
Central Wyoming College offers certificate programs, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, in addition to life-long learning through community enrichment classes, professional development and career readiness. CWC’s mission and vision includes strengthening communities, serving as a community leader, collaborating with partners, and promoting economic development.
“I’m excited to pass on what I know and continue to learn along the way so I can continue to help pour into these students. We get to have an impact on this industry as a whole and produce young riders who go out and do more good,” Aften said.
Jessie concluded, “The goal is to not just make it an equine program, but to make it a life changing program.”