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Equestrian Science Degree
Welcome to the Division of Equestrian Studies
WWU, home of the first four year Equestrian Science degree program in the country, boasts an EQS Division that is instilled with history and success. The riding program started in 1924, and the four-year degree was instituted in 1972. The EQS degree is especially designed for the student interested in pursuing a career in training and managing horses and/or teaching equitation. The EQS Division offers students a traditional American approach to horsemanship which includes exposure to Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western and Dressage. WWU graduates benefit from a broad foundation in horsemanship as well as a strong liberal arts education.
Required Coursework
Students enrolled in the program receive both theoretical and applied "hands-on" experience through required course work. Course work in the major is started the first semester that the student is on campus. Applied course work comprises both the riding classes as well as courses designed to give the student hands-on experience in equine management skills and teaching techniques. All of the care and management of the university horses is done by the students. Theoretical course work includes such topics as equine anatomy and nutrition, teaching methods, horse evaluation and selection, and stable management. Go to the current academic catalog to check out the course requirements for the EQS degree.
Proficiency Exams
Students in Equestrian Science must demonstrate a required level of proficiency by the conclusion of their sophomore year in order to declare the major.
Concentrations
EQS students select a concentration in one of the four riding disciplines taught at WWU: Dressage, Hunter/ Jumper, Saddle Seat or Western. They are also required to branch out and ride one semester in two concentrations other than their own. Each concentration has a specific string of horses that are used exclusively for that discipline.
Collateral Coursework
Students enrolled in Equestrian Science have the opportunity to take advantage of the other programs taught at WWU. Of special interest to EQS students are courses in the area of biology, education, equine administration, mass communications, psychology and sports medicine.
Options
Most of the academic programs at WWU can be incorporated into the equestrian studies program to develop the best educational path for the individual student. Advisors are available to help you find your niche. Equestrian students are not limited to these options, but some popular program combinations are highlighted below.
Equestrian Training Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in equestrian science or equine administration. Learn to ride three of the four seats (western, dressage, hunter/jumper, saddle seat). Get involved in horse shows at various levels. Career options include instructing, training, showing and managing in any equine-related industry.
-OR-
- Minor in equestrian science or equine administration, and major in any other WWU division (i.e. business, education, legal studies, art, math, science, American Sign Language Interpreting, communications, social sciences, exercise science, athletic training and human services). Career options go beyond the equine industry.
Equestrian Teaching Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in equestrian science to prepare for a career in riding instruction and/or training. Riding instructor certification is available.
-OR-
- Minor in equestrian science and earn a bachelor's degree from the educaiton division (educational studies, elementary education, middle school education and secondary education). Career options may include teaching in public or private schools as well as equestrian programs, NCAA intercollegiate riding, coaching.
Equine Administration Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in equine administration for a career in equine-related business (marketing, retail, management, breed organizations, event management).
-OR-
- Minor in equestrian science and earn a bachelor's degree in the business division (accounting, management information systems, business administration, advertising and marketing, economics and finance, international business and management).
Pre-Vet Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in biology
- Minor in equestrian science
- Meet pre-veterinarian requirements for veterinary schools
- Internship options available for large and small animal emphasis
- Pre-med and pre-dental options available
Equestrian Art Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in graphic design, studio art, theatre or secondary art education
- Minor in equestrian science or equine administration
- Career possibilities include equestrian entertainment ventures, graphic design, photography and art-related skills for various aspects of the equine industry (publications, marketing, advertising, trophy design and web design).
Equestrian Jornalism Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in communications or English
- Minor in equestrian science or equine administration
- Career possibilities include creative writing, photography, writing and editing for equestrian publications.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in equestrian science, equine administration, psychology, elementary education, middle school education, secondary education-physical education, educational studies, exercise science, business administration, human service administration or social work.
- Minor in equestrian science (or declare it as your major)
- Receive therapeutic riding instructor training through a course meeting NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) standards
- Certification available through NARHA upon completion of volunteer requirements
- Career possibilities include instruction or management in the ever-growing therapeutic riding industry.
Equestrian Legal Studies Option
- Earn a bachelor's degree in political/legal studies, criminal justice, juvenile justice or paralegal studies
- Minor in equestrian science or equine administration
- Career opportunities include legal or justice positions that may or may not be related to the equine industry.
Horse Shows
Participation in horse show competitions is a vital part of the Equestrian Science experience. WWU participates in numerous horse shows throughout the academic year. These shows range from on-campus and local shows (held within a 100 mile radius of campus) to national "A" rated shows such as the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri and the Quarter Horse World in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Students are responsible for their entry, stabling and hauling fees as well as their own expenses when showing. Costs to be anticipated in conjunction with horse shows vary with the level of the competition. Additional information on horse show costs is available.
EQS Minor
The Division of Equestrian Studies also offers a minor in Equestrian Science.
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