Spreading bright colors and sweet aromas throughout Brookhaven,area residents are no strangers to the work of Master Gardeners.However, beginning at the end of this month, Brookhaven will becomefamiliar with masters of a different breed.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer aSouthwest Mississippi Master Horseman Program beginning April 26.Lincoln County will be one of two counties in the state that offerthe horseman certification.

“They’re always wanting new programs, new ideas,” said LincolnCounty Extension Director Rebecca Bates. “This is the first time Ihad an opportunity to offer something like this to the adult equinepopulation.”

The program will consist of eight, three-hour sessions that willcover a wide variety of topics including bridling and saddling,dental care, health care, nutrition, safety, feeding and hoof care.The classes will take place from 6 until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays andThursdays at the Lincoln Civic Center.

The classes will conclude at the end of May and the cost toattend is $150 with a horse and $50 to audit the sessions without ahorse. Those hoping to bring their animal may want to sign upearly, as the classes are limited to only 15 participants withhorses.

“We want people that come to have some basic skills,” saidLawrence County Extension Service Director Amanda Walker. “This isnot the place to come and get your colt (broken in).”

The function is a joint effort between Lincoln, Adams andLawrence counties. Adams County is the only other county to haveoffered the Master Horseman program in the state, certifyingroughly 50 participants in Natchez.

“It’s been overpopulated every time it’s been taught in AdamsCounty,” said Adams County Extension Director David Carter. “Everytime we have it more people want to join.”

General care for cats, dogs and other household animals hasalmost become common knowledge. The program will give those with aninterest in horses or those looking to advance their equestrianskills a chance to expand their abilities.

“When people get involved with horses, especially children,there’s a learning curve,” said Walker.

While the program is intended for adults, the extensiondirectors hope to keep all participants and horses grinning. Thesessions will focus on general care and fundamental training, so nomatter what type of horses or riding people are interested in,there will be some information everyone can benefit from.

“If you go out and buy a horse and you don’t know what you’redoing, you have a 1,000-pound animal on your hands,” said Walker.”Horses are a huge responsibility.”

Those interested in more information can contact the LincolnCounty Extension Service at 601-835-3460.