Dr. Courtney Heaton’s Love for Horses Brings Her to Auburn

If you spend any time in Auburn University’s Upchurch Hall or are involved in any Department of Animal Science activities, you probably know Courtney Heaton, a teacher who incorporates humor into all her lectures and has an open door policy in her office, where she always has candy to share with students.

Heaton is an equine extension specialist and lecturer who joined Auburn University in August of 2020. She holds a bachelor of science degree in animal science and a master’s of science in animal science with a focus in equine nutrition and physiology from Texas A&M University and Ph.D. in animal and dairy science from Mississippi State University.

Growing up in the suburbs of San Antonio, Texas, without an agricultural background, Heaton managed to find a love for horses and was encouraged to go to veterinary school. During her time at Texas A&M, she discovered the many other opportunities in large animal science that did not include veterinary school by being involved in equine research teams, teaching multiple horse camps, and being on a collegiate horse judging that included many national championships.

She was encouraged by her peers and professors to go into teaching with her enthusiasm and natural talent for being able to explain things so well. Heaton said, “I originally laughed at the idea of teaching, but soon discovered I have a true passion for it.”

She now jokes, with her background at Texas A&M and Mississippi State, that she is “migrating through the SEC, but of course, would never go to The University of Alabama.”

Heaton has found a home in Auburn with people of similar interests and a supportive department faculty that gives off a family dynamic. Additionally, Auburn’s Equestrian Program was a big factor in her coming to campus.

Auburn University’s Equestrian Team has won several National and SEC Championships, being one of the most accomplished programs in the nation. This has led to Auburn having state-of-the-art equine facilities and some of the most talented equine personnel in the industry.

Heaton says the NCAA Equestrian Team is actively recruiting new students into the program but would also like to be able to go out and actively recruit students onto the IHSA Extra-Curricular Club Team, as well as into the equine science program.

Heaton capitalizes on her equine specialty by teaching all of the equine science classes at Auburn. This includes the new Equine Care and Use she developed this fall semester. Classes also include Equine Behavior and Training, Equine Marketing, Physiology of the Equine Athlete, Equine Nutrition, Equine Production Management and Horse U.

She also has been the junior advisor for the Block & Bridle Club and will be the senior advisor for the upcoming year. Additionally, she is the primary advisor for the Collegiate Horsemen’s Association.

Heaton says what she loves most about being an advisor for B&B and CHA is her love for all the students and the fellowship that these clubs offer outside of the classroom. She also noted that she was probably “slightly depressed” over being away from students during the summer and thrives on being there for them.

The equine industry is broad with different breeds and disciplines, but in the same sense, it is also a small, niche community with the same fundamentals and goals surrounding equine partnership.

When asked if there was a certain direction, she would like to see the industry turn or improve upon, Heaton replied by saying she has been a longtime racehorse fan and would like to see a greater focus on injury prevention and a better understanding of what is ultimately causing these injuries.

She also would like to improve the public’s perception of equine events and make those disciplines more realistic.

“We have stepped far away from a horse’s natural gait in many events such as western pleasure activities and created a very slow, down-headed movement rather than the natural two-beat jog,” Heaton said. “We need to move back towards practicality and be able to take those horses outside of the arena.” Heaton’s true passion is to help others grow their knowledge of horses and be able to break into the industry.

If anyone is looking for ways to be more involved with horses, they are more than welcome to reach out to Heaton. She is more than happy to help and keeps an ongoing list of internship ideas and local stables needing help that would allow hands-on experience