Horse Barn

Welcome to the UC Davis Horse Barn

Facility Overview:

Our facility exists within the UC Davis Department of Animal Science for purposes of undergraduate student teaching, equine reproduction, research, and educational outreach. The facility is home to 30-50 university-owned horses, donkeys, and mules who are all part of our teaching and breeding herd. 

• Educational Opportunities: 

  • The Horse Barn prides itself on experiential hands-on learning, offering numerous immersive and high-quality undergraduate internships and positions throughout the year. These opportunities are centered around providing undergraduates with experiences in equine husbandry and care as well as equine reproduction. 
  • Visit our Educational Opportunities Page

• Equine Production and Sales: 

  • The Horse Barn operates as a small-scale equine breeding facility, producing 8-12 foals each year. These foals are a product of our Undergraduate Production Internships. These internships give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with all aspects of equine production from stallion collection, breeding dose preparation, mare cycle tracking, artificial insemination, pregnancy management, foaling, and foal handling and training. Each year, these students help produce the yearlings that will be offered at our public Annual Production Sale in June, which generates proceeds to help fund the next year’s internships. 
  • Visit our Annual Production Sale Page

• Outreach:

  • The Horse Barn is involved in numerous events throughout the year intended to increase educational opportunities for both students and the public, as well as to serve as outreach for the Barn. Such events include UC Davis FFA Field Day Light Horse Competition, UC Davis Picnic Day, Bishop Mule Days, our Annual Production Sale, and UC Davis Horse Day. Held in October, UC Davis Horse Day is our annual public education event featuring demonstrations and discussions on a wide array of equine topics.
  • Visit our Horse Day Page

Horse Barn Breeding Services

Stallions At Stud:

The Horse Barn is proud to stand University-owned stallions to the public. Select a stallion below for more information:

UCD Actions Protege

Dun Walla Walla

Breeding Season Details:

• Offering: Shipped and on-farm breeding services 
• Breeding Season: Mid-February through late-June
• Collection Days: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 
• For more information about our services, contact us at [email protected] 

Client Equine Reproduction Services

The Horse Barn also offers limited client equine reproduction services on a case-by-case basis including foaling services and stallion collection, phantom training, and freezing. Please reach out to us for more information on what is available.

A Century of History

For more than 100 years, the UC Davis Horse Barn has been part of the university’s agricultural and equine heritage. Today, it is the oldest structure on core campus that is still used for its original purpose. From its beginnings as a home for working horses and mules to its role today as a center for student education, equine reproduction, breeding, research, and outreach, the Horse Barn continues to connect UC Davis students with the equine industry.

• 1910’s: 

  • The Horse Barn is constructed to house the draft horses and mules used for agricultural work at the University Farm. The building becomes part of the early agricultural foundation of what would become UC Davis.

• 1920’s:

  • The Horse Barn becomes a part of the U.S. Army Cavalry Remount Service, which supported horse breeding programs across the country while standing several Thoroughbred stallions.
  • The Thoroughbred stallion Gunrock, son of Rock Sand and relative to the famed Man O'War, arrives at UC Davis and stands as part of the university breeding program. In 1924, UC Davis names Gunrock the official mascot of the University.

• 1930’s- 1960’s: 

  • The Horse Barn operates as a successful Thoroughbred breeding facility for several decades, continuing UC Davis's longstanding involvement in equine breeding and husbandry.

• 1960’s- Today: 

  • As the Horse Barn's breeding program develops, its focus expands to include Quarter Horses and mules. Hands-on education and practical experience become increasingly central to the program.

• Today- Teaching the Next Generation

  • Today, the Horse Barn remains an active part of the UC Davis Department of Animal Science. The facility supports undergraduate education, equine reproduction, research, breeding, and outreach. Students work hands-on with horses, mules, and other equids while gaining practical experience that prepares them for careers in the equine industry.

Merchandise

We are proud to offer UC Davis Horse Barn shirts and hats for purchase! 

To order, complete the purchasing form and email it to us at [email protected]

• Shirts: $15
  • Front: UC Davis Horse Barn Logo
  • Back: UC Brand and "The Proof is in the Progeny"
  • Colors: Black or heather gray 
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
  • Inventory may vary, contact us to see what’s available.
• Hats: $20
  • Front: UC Brand and Horse Barn name 
  • Back: Department of Animal Science 
  • Style: Richardson 115 
  • Color: Black front with gray mesh backing

Directions

We are located at 530 Putah Creek Lodge Dr, Davis, CA 95616

• From I-80: 
  • Exit at UC Davis exit (head North towards campus). Go past the Visitor Information booth. 
  • Turn Left (North) on California Ave (first left after Info booth). 
  • Go through one stop sign and over a bridge. 
  • Turn Left (West) on La Rue. 
  • Turn left onto Putah Creek Lodge Rd (Across from parking lot 47). 
  • Take first left into Horse Barn Parking Lot.
• From Hwy 113: 
  • Exit at Hutchison (head East towards campus). 
  • Turn right (South) at La Rue Rd. 
  • Continue straight past the stop sign. 
  • Turn right onto Putah Creek Lodge Road (Across from parking lot 47). 
  • Take first left into Horse Barn Parking lot.