ASTEME students visited Mark Watring Stables to learn about genetics, cloning, and animal science through a real-world lens. Mark Watring, an accomplished Olympic equestrian born in Puerto Rico and based in Southern California, shared his experience training and competing around the world. Students met Sapphir, the cloned colt of Mark’s award-winning horse Sapphire, who was successfully cloned in 2010. They learned how cloning preserves an animal’s exact genetic makeup and how science and technology are being used to extend the legacy of exceptional animals. Students also explored how genetics influence traits such as speed, strength, and temperament, connecting their classroom lessons on heredity and DNA to the biology and biotechnology behind equestrian excellence.