Can a "wild" mustang be tamed? For the answer, join the Rutgers Equine Science Center and students of the Young Horse Teaching and Research Program (YHTRP) on April 16 as the current crop of young mustangs are put to the test and presented in anticipation of the program’s annual auction. For additional details and training updates from students, visit the YHTRP website.

Students enrolled in the YHTRP at the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) worked diligently since September 2010 to prepare their young mustangs for showing at the preview event. The mustangs have received training for routine procedures such as grooming, bathing, and clipping and to lead, free-longe, and tie. The preview provides buyers an opportunity to see their potential mustang in action.

"I was extremely interested in animal behavior and learning more through the YHTRP. Previously, I had not explored much into the behavior of young mustangs; this program was very educational," said Alexis Wisniewski-Chesson, SEBS class of 2013.

"Each year, over a dozen students commit themselves to two semesters of researching, training, and handling young horses," said Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVN, associate professor of Animal Science at Rutgers and associate director of teaching with the Equine Science Center. "The annual preview and auction is a proud moment for students as well as for me. It is our opportunity to showcase seven months of hard work to individuals who will not only provide a good home for our young horses, but also sustain the program by purchasing the horse