Sarah Donaldson-Rioux
Education
May 1999
Bachelor of Science,
Equine Science
Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Colorado State University
Short Course and Certifications
Equine Reproductive Management: Stallion, Mare and Newborn Foal
Advanced Techniques in Preparation and Use of Cooled Transported Semen
Advanced Techniques in Freezing, Handling and Storage of Stallion Semen
Experience
2004 - Present
Owner/ Operator/ General Manager/ Breeding Professional • Born Running Ranch Deming, NM
Responsibilities:
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Owned and operated a full-service equine breeding facility that specialized in mare care
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Mare management for reproductive services, including AI and ET flushes
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Foaling services including top quality and specialized care for foals and pregnant mares
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Managed stallions for collection and transportation of cooled and frozen semen and live cover
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Herd health management for year-round client horses
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Farm management including irrigation and crop production
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Client representation at Equine Sales
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Rehabilitation and Sale fitting for all age horses
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Weaning, Halter Breaking, Walker Breaking and Saddle Breaking
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Reproductive lab work including but not limited to evaluating semen under a microscope, calculating breeding doses, freezing semen, operating densimeter, and limited experience with Equipure,
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Ultrasound Technology
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Billing, Marketing, and Bookkeeping
2001 - 2004
Research Associate • Colorado State University Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Fort Collins CO
Manager at Small Breeding Farm for RLC Investments, Greeley CO
Responsibilities:
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Managed a variety of staff including work study students, interns, volunteers
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Managed the horses for various research projects including studies on Adequan, Legend, and Cartilage patches in stifle and carpus joints
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Performed laboratory tests including but not limited to synovial fluid analysis, blood and serum sample analysis
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Trained horses to run on a high-speed treadmill and Aquatred
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Took radiographs, sterilized lab equipment, ran fluid pump for surgical procedures, necropsy analysis, managed records for research horses and assisted in CV and Grant writing for research projects
2000 - 2001
Breeding Assistant • Royal Vista Equine, Fort Collins CO
Responsibilities:
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Utilized and refined equine reproductive skills and training
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Handled mares and foals and scribed for palpator
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Collected stallions, analyzed, processed and shipped semen
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Administered medications and treated horses for a variety of issues
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Entered data into databases accurately and efficiently
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Greeted visitors, clients and guests in professional manner
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Fit horses for sales
Management
My skill set includes building a team to accomplish goals focused on the success and growth of a business as well as encouraging and helping team members achieve personal and long-term goals. I’m exceptional at building and maintaining client relationships and helping solve complex puzzles that are unique to horses and the equine industry.
Communication
I successfully navigated a multi-state network of equine professionals by communicating with clarity and confidence. The coverage includes many disciplines and skill levels for the breeding, raising, and selling of various breeds.
Leadership
I built a business from the ground up and was the owner/operator for 20 years with a reputation for excellence. I started with inexperienced and untrained workers both with the CSU work-study students and in my own business and trained and taught them to be efficient and effective employees who proved to also be loyal and dedicated.
Key Skills
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Equine Breeding Management
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Ultrasound Technology
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Collecting, Cooling, Freezing, Shipping Equine Semen
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Mare Management
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Medication knowledge and administration
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Client Relations
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Team Management
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Farm Management
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Nutrition Management
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General herd health and disease prevention
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Lab Work
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Veterinary assistant
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Horseman
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Project Management
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Budget Planning
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Communication
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Problem-solving