VIDALIA — Area horse lovers will soon have the chance to call themselves not just horsemen, but master horsemen.

The Mississippi State University Extension service, in conjunction with the LSU-AgCenter, will offer an eight-session Master Horseman Program every Tuesday from June 5 until July 24.

The purpose of the program is to provide in-depth training and increase knowledge and skill in horse science and care, Extension Service Director David Carter said.

“It will help (participants) be more practical and more efficient with their horse work,” Carter said.

The course is designed to teach everybody, he said.

“There’s no need for you to be a competitive barrel racer to take part in this program,” he said. “Whether you’re a serious horseman or a laid-back weekend warrior, you’ll get something.”

Even if a participant doesn’t own a horse, they can audit the program, Carter said.

Requirements for the program include a basic knowledge and skill in riding, training and care of horses. Participants migh attend a minimum of six sessions, and they must own their own horse and transportation, he said.

The program will be limited to 15 participants with horses, but there will be no limit on the number of participants auditing the class.

The program will cost $150 for those completing it with horses, and those auditing it will be charged a fee of $50.

“This (program) is set up primarily for adults, but once we finish it, we can hopefully start a 4-H horse program,” Carter said.

Sessions, which will be half lecture or demonstration and half riding and skill development, will begin at 6 p.m. and will last until 9 p.m. at the Adams County Equestrian Center.

Session topics will include health care, nutrition and feeding, saddle fitting, exercise and conditioning, hoof care and horse selection and evaluation.

For more information, contact Carter at 601-445-8201.