June 6, 2013 — For centuries, horses have been an integral part of human society, and in today’s globalized world, this relationship is evolving faster than ever. The documentary “Horse Sense” looks at the current state of the human-horse relationship, centering around the innovative work done at Colorado State University that is changing the equine landscape across the world.

The film raises questions about how close human and equine sciences are becoming, and what these advances mean for the industry and the future of humanity as a whole.

“Horse Sense” features interviews with horse owners, ranchers and several faculty members from the university’s renowned equine programs in the College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences including:

• Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, University Distinguished Professor, Director of the Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Professor of Surgery and The Barbara Cox Anthony University Chair in Orthopaedics;
• Dr. Chris Kawcak, Iron Rose Ranch Chair in Equine Musculoskeletal Disease and Injury and Professor in Clinical Sciences;
• Dr. Jerry Black, associate professor in the Departments of Animal Sciences and Clinical Sciences, director of the Equine Sciences undergraduate program, director of the Equine Reproduction Laboratory and The Wagonhound Land and Livestock College Chair in Equine Sciences; and
• Dr. Patrick McCue, professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Iron Rose Ranch University Chair in Equine Reproduction.

Cathy Carpenter Dea, a CSU alumna and lifetime horse lover who is an ambassador for CSU, helped visualize and coordinate the film on behalf of the Dea Family Foundation.

Executive producers are Dr. McIlwraith, Dr. Kawcak, Jeff Swimmer, the Dea Family Foundation, Cathy and Peter Dea and Cort Carpenter. Support for the film was provided by the Dea Family Foundation, Steve and Paula Reynolds/TBR Ranch, and the Verdad Foundation. Additional support was provided by The Foundation for a Better Life.

“Horse Sense” was produced by Tyler Gurd and Sam Price-Waldman, students in Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and includes original music by country singer/songwriter and Colorado resident Pete Martinez.