According to Dr. Philipo Otieno from SUA's Animal Hospital Unit, the horses are an important part of hands-on training, allowing students to learn various horse care practices, including vaccinations and treatment. The horses receive vaccinations such as tetanus and African Horse Sickness.

“While here, students learn about horse behavior, health, and diseases, and gain foundational knowledge on horse husbandry. The horses serve as a living classroom and are a great pride for SUA,” said Dr. Otieno.

He further explained that the horses are also used to teach students how to identify different horse diseases and acquire skills that help them become self employed after graduation. In addition to grass, the horses are also fed bran and mineral supplements for proper nutrition.

“Neo gave birth to her first foal named 'Mwenda', and has now had a second foal named Rapha. This is a great source of pride for us and a major attraction for visitors to SUA,” he added.

SUA continues to stand out not only for its research and higher education but also for its sustainable teaching methods aimed at equipping students with hands on skills. The presence of horses like Neo reflects SUA's commitment to offering inclusive, practical, and impactful education for the community.

Currently, the university plans to improve horse rearing facilities and increase the number of horses to reach more students, while also opening its doors to tourists and other stakeholders in education and livestock development.