As Legends of Ranching[1], the culminating event for Colorado State University equine sciences students, concluded with another highly successful sale this year, the students involved now turn to their future plans. Many of those students will be graduating from CSU. Commencement for equine sciences students will be held May 13 as part of the College of Agricultural Sciences ceremony[2]. For those seniors moving on to their careers, alumna Angela Fox can assure them they will be graduating with a degree that will provide a strong foundation to work in the equine industry.

One of the best

CSU’s equine sciences program is known as one of the best in the country, and that reputation is what drew Fox to CSU. She graduated in 2000 with a degree in equine sciences[3].

“CSU was the only school I applied to,” said Fox. “Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, our equine veterinarian Dr. William (Bill) Sanders was very influential in my life. He was in one of the first graduating vet school classes at CSU. It seemed like the only choice.”

Fox says that the connections she made while attending the university, combined with the world-class education, have helped in so many ways.

“From introducing me to the advanced world of equine reproduction to the horse judging team experience to the life-long friendships, my time spent at CSU has had a huge impact on my place in the horse industry,” said Fox.

Fox is currently the equine specialist at D&L Farm and Home in Aubrey, Texas.

“The Aubrey/Pilot Point area is considered ‘Horse Country USA,’” said Fox. “I am an outside salesperson for a major feed store in the area. I make farm calls, work with veterinarians, assist with public relations and help with event planning, all relating to equine nutrition and management.”

All American Quarter Horse Congress

Every year Fox, among many other CSU alumni, participates in one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world, the All American Quarter Horse Congress. The Congress is known as the world’s largest single-breed horse show, boasting more than 23,000 entries annually and housing nearly 6,000 registered American Quarter Horses during its three-week duration.

“The Congress is one of my favorite shows of the year,” said Fox. “Along with being one of the most prestigious, it has such a history and nostalgia about it that is hard to explain. The class numbers are huge and the best horses in the world compete. It is unlike any other show.”

Fox shows every year in the amateur all-around events.  She spends about 10 days at the Congress practicing and showing in classes such as showmanship, horsemanship and hunt seat equitation.

She also participates in about 10 other shows a year.

“We have to qualify for the AQHA World Show, so a good part of the beginning of each year is spent on the road trying to qualify — after that we try and perfect everything for the big fall shows,” said Fox.

Amazing experience

Fox says her experience at CSU was amazing.

“Horses are one of my biggest passions, so spending four years surrounded by and studying them couldn’t have been any more satisfying,” said Fox. “The four years I spent in Fort Collins are some of my favorite memories. Dr. Tina Anderson had such a huge impact on my life. She was my professor, my judging team coach, mentor, and to this day one of my very best friends.”