MISSISSIPPI STATE – Horse owners can look to Mississippi State University for their mares’ reproductive services from quality studs including a new, top-pedigree thoroughbred stallion.

West Coast businessman Neal Jones donated Big Train A’ Comin, a 3-year-old bay stallion. He is the son of Giant’s Causeway, the 1997 European Horse of the Year, and Snowfire, also a past winner in European races. His arrival comes more than a year after MSU lost its top stallion, Minister Slew, to a catastrophic leg injury during a severe thunderstorm.

A product of Indian Creek Farm in Paris, Ky., Big Train experienced minor soundness issues during training, which prompted his owner to consider options other than racing.

“We have been hoping for a good thoroughbred to add to the program since we lost Slew, and this is one we can be very proud of, as well,” said Peter Ryan, a professor of animal and dairy sciences. “Our stallions help our research and teaching programs as we study equine reproduction. The local horse industry also benefits from top-quality stallions available for reasonable fees.”

In addition to Big Train, MSU has several registered American Quarter Horse stallions and one Shetland pony stallion available at stud. Most of their stud fees are $500.

Dr. David Christiansen, assistant professor in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said these stallions are essential for the research and teaching programs.

“From a teaching standpoint, these stallions are incredibly important. They help the students get familiar with working with stallions in reproductive situations,” he said. “Students gain confidence from all of the experience.”

Christiansen said the stallions are used with MSU mares to conduct various research projects on the university’s South Farm.

Contact: Dr. Peter Ryan, (662) 325-2938