Industry leader brings decades of horse training experience to the classroom as professor of practice
Liz Haney ’92 has joined the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science as the new equine professor of practice, marking a full-circle moment in her career.
Haney brings more than 30 years of experience training reining and performance horses from the arena to the classroom, where she will provide practical, hands-on learning to students.
“We are excited to welcome Liz Haney to the department,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Animal Science. “She brings a passion for equine training and an expertise that will prepare our students to become leaders in the industry.”
Building the future of equine education
Haney plans to rebuild the colt training program at Texas A&M and expand opportunities for students to gain experience through equine-focused classes. Her goal is to use Freeman Arena as a living classroom where students develop horsemanship skills and learn the expectations of the modern equine industry.
“Many students arrive without large animal experience,” Haney said. “The program must serve beginners while also challenging experienced horsemen.”
Her teaching philosophy centers on empathetic leadership, stewardship, teamwork and building communication between humans and horses. She also emphasizes business management, teaching students how to effectively market horses and manage training programs.
“My goal is for students to take part in the full process from training to marketing,” she said. “Not only that, but to foster a passion for the process itself. That experience helps them understand the value of their work. It’s the day-to-day work one must value, not just the dream of winning in the show pen.”
From the arena to academia
Haney earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in animal science at Texas A&M. She spent three years working for Todd Crawford, National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame trainer, prior to returning to Texas A&M for graduate school. As a graduate student, she worked under Gary Potter, Ph.D., a retired professor and horse judging coach, and served as the assistant horse judging team coach. After graduation, she moved to the West Coast to train reining and performance horses with the late Jack Brainard.
“Jack was known as the horse trainers’ horse trainer,” Haney said. “He was respected across the industry and taught me so much.”
Afterward, Haney continued her career at Oregon State University, where she served as instructor and manager of the horse center. She helped build the university’s first-ever colt training program and sale before starting her own training business in 2007.
“Since going out on my own as an NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) professional, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible trainers and leaders in the western performance industry such as Casey Deary, Nathan Piper, Mike McEntire, Jordan Larson and Tom St. Hilaire,” she said. “Now, I’m eager to share those experiences and connections with students.”
