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Make a 1,100 lb. difference.
William Woods University Equestrian Science graduates can be found in every corner of the equestrian world. Our graduates are professional horse trainers, riding instructors, clinicians and veterinarians. They’re horse show judges, teaching at the college or university level, boarding facility owners and more.
As a Bachelors in Equestrian Science student at William Woods University, you can pursue a successful career in your dream field, and make a difference in a growing industry. We hold high standards in horse healthcare, training and teaching. Utilize the most advanced technology, learn the best practices in equine healthcare, and enjoy practical experiences that are relevant no matter which way your equestrian career takes you.
Extracurricular learning:
Equestrian Organizations
Get involved with other students who share your interests through the several equestrian organizations on campus, open to all students, regardless of major. There is a club for each seat: Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle Seat, and Western. Each of these clubs has its own personality and activities, and they all promote camaraderie and learning through horse shows, service events, and professional competitions. There is also an intercollegiate Competitive Judging Team, open to anyone who wants to learn more about horses and competitive judging. This team travels to regional judging competitions each fall and helps at regional clinics and judging contests each spring. This team won the U.S. Nationals Arabian/ Half-Arabian Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2015.
Equestrian Shows
William Woods participates in a number of national and international horse shows each year, in which all students are invited to participate. Showing at these events teaches poise, sportsmanship and responsibility and provides opportunities to come in contact with prospective employers. Shows range from local schooling shows to “A” rated national shows such as:
- The American Royal in Kansas City
- The St. Louis National Charity Horse Show
- The Morgan Grand Nationals
- Color Breed Congress
- Pinto World Championships
- Sport Horse Nationals
- The Central State Regional Dressage Finals
We also host a variety of shows on campus throughout the year.
Equestrian Clinics and seminars
In addition to instruction from our own nationally renowned faculty members, you will learn from top industry professionals in various clinics and seminars. Clinicians include Smith Lilly, Richard Shrake, Ann Judge, Jeff Cook, Melanie Smith-Taylor, Betsy Steiner, and Pierre St. Jacque.
Regional, national, and international field trips
Field trips include visits to area professional horse training facilities, the Veterinary School at the University of Missouri, horse shows, and museums. Special courses have given students the opportunity to tour show horse barns in Kentucky and Missouri, ride with professional horse trainers in Oregon and Hawaii, and tour and ride in famous horse facilities in England and France. Faculty have taken students to volunteer at horse shows including the U.S. Dressage Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Facilities
On-campus equine complex: an optimal learning environment
- Show-quality horses
- Four heated barns with a total of 130 box stalls
- Eight tack rooms
- Two heated indoor arenas
- Lighted outdoor ring
- Outdoor round pen
- Four turnout paddocks
- Two fully equipped, technology-enhanced classrooms
- 40-acre cross-country course
- Six wash stalls
- USEF regulation jumps
- USEF regulation Dressage area
- Student lockers
- Industrial laundry
Few educational institutions can match William Woods University for its on-campus equine facilities that accommodate riding, care and study at all levels and seats. Our classrooms include an extensive video library and viewing equipment, and our dedicated library includes more than 1,000 books on all aspects of the field, from history and physiology to behavior, training, law, and competition. Our horses represent the most popular breeds and are cared for by William Woods University students and our full-time, on-site veterinarian.
The Center for Equine Medicine
Our large, modern equestrian complex that will provide you with an excellent educational experience in both classroom and the field.
The center includes:
- A full-time doctor of veterinary medicine who has an extensive background in sports medicine, reproduction as well as general equine medicine and surgery
- A 17-acre property located within blocks of the university — ideally suited for continued equine research and care
- A facility that includes classroom space, a large indoor riding facility, six horse stalls, an isolation area for ill and contagious horses and a home for the veterinarian and his family, which allows him to be on-site in case of an emergency
- The unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on classroom environment that will enhance your education, including the opportunity to assist with emergency care and treatment, perform research and gain hands-on clinical experience
Essential skills you will learn include:
- The anatomy of movement
- Digestive physiology and feeding programs
- Proper farrier methods and variations of shoeing
- Breed/type evaluation for performance and conformation
- Logistics of teaching and managing a lesson program
- Overview of the horse industry and employment opportunities
- Equine health and first aid
- Day-to-day care of horses
- Designing and managing a stable
- Advanced business practices for a horse competition
- Small business fundamentals
- Riding and teaching techniques for the four disciplines: Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle Seat and Western
Our Equestrian degree at work
Our graduates can be found working in a wide array of careers across the country.
Trot, canter or gallop into a rewarding career as a:
- Professional horse trainer
- Professional riding instructor
- Professional clinician
- Professional horse show judge
- Equine sales representative
- College or University professor
- Recreational riding program instructor, trainer or manager
- Boarding facility owner or employee
- Breed Association Employee
- And more
- Or, pursue graduate school in education or business
Employers
Our students are highly sought after by distinguished employers across the country, including:
Other employers of our alumni include:
- Appaloosa Horse Club
- Kirkwood Community College
- Virginia Intermont
- Sweetbriar College
- United States Dressage Federation
- Chronicle of the Horse
- Betsy Steiner Dressage
- Lyndon Rife Dressage
- Liz Austin Dressage
- SmartPak
- Golden Horseshoe Tack Store
- University of WI – River Falls
- American Quarter Horse Association
- Pony of the Americas
- American Saddlebred Association
- La Cense Montana Professional School of Horsemanship
- Howard Schatzberg Photography
- Castle Forbes Stud, County Longford, Ireland
- County Line Equine Practice
- The American Saddlebred Museum
- St. Louis Carriage Company
- Kansas City Carriages, Kansas City, MO
- American Royal Museum & Visitors Center
- Miller & Associates, Equine Veterinarians, Brewster, NY
- The Blood Horse
- Stephens College, Equestrian Studies
- Kirkwood Community College, Equine Science
- Virginia Intermont College
- Tina M. Konyot Dressage
- Sidelines Magazine (Art Director/Assistant Production Manager – Alex Moritz-Long)
- Bruce Davidson 1976 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Eventing
- Jan Ebeling, The Acres Dressage
- Peeper Ranch, Lenexa, KS
- The National Horseman Magazine
- Menlo Circus Club Stables, Menlo, CA
- Arabian Horse Times
- Robert Battaglia Arabian Horses
- Murray State University, Equine Science, Murray, KY
- Equine Medical Services
My proudest moment while working in this program has been the development of hands-on clinical education opportunities and the introduction of a collaborative program with the Biology Department focusing on regenerative medicine in horses.— Dr. Paul Schiltz, Staff Veterinarian
I am often struck by how significant even small moments feel when a student is achieving success. I always feel a tremendous sense of pride watching a rider earn their first major title at a national level show, but feel the same about a rider who has overcome even a small difficulty in their riding or training or just mastered a concept in the classroom.— Jennie Petterson, Division Chair
I have enjoyed every class and all of the amazing horses I have been given the chance to learn from and work with. The Mentor-Mentee program was an incredible honor to participate in and I am thankful for the dedication and time put into the program by the faculty.— Alison Gay, equestrian science graduate, Ireland
William Woods put my equine career on the fast track to success. I would not be where I am today as a dressage trainer and instructor, without The Woods Way.— Erin Ackley, equestrian science graduate Kentwood, Mich.
he Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science degree at William Woods University consists of 122 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 43 core major credits and 8 credits of riding courses.
Major Requirements
Core Credits: 46.00
| | Theory of Teaching Techniques I | 3 |
| This course primarily focuses on the horse’s musculoskeletal system or ”the anatomy of movement,” although other important points of equine anatomy will be examined. Conditioning programs for these anatomical systems will be studied and integrated in the development of conditioning programs applicable to various performance horses and their specific needs. Digestive physiology and the development of appropriate feeding programs for the modern performance horse will be covered. Overview of proper farrier methods for all horses will be reviewed while the applicable variations of shoeing in the different performance disciplines will be studied. credits: | Practical Equine Anatomy & Conditng | 3 |
| This course addresses breed/type specifics and form to function in relation to movement and performance requisites. Students will compare and contrast principles of ideal conformation, temperament, serviceability, movement and competitive ability. Prerequisite: EQS 201 or EQS306 credits: | Equine Evaluation | 3 |
| This course is an advanced study of equine veterinary topics. Open only to students with senior standing. Prerequisites: EQU117, EQS 306 and Senior Standing credits: | Veterinary Medicine & Reproduction | 3 |
| Students will explore the equestrian majors and minors offered at WWU as they relate to employment, graduate school, and other career goals. Developing an equestrian program plan will be a focus of the course with emphasis on identifying suitable careers for each program. An introduction to the required proficiency test sequence and senior portfolio will be presented. credits: | Equestrian First Year Seminar | 1 |
| This course is an introduction to equestrians and horse organizations and their objectives including the extent of horse sport on the national and international level. The role of the horse in today’s society will be explored. The four WWU disciplines of Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Saddle Seat and Western along with their respective practices will be surveyed. Points concerning horse behavior, care of the domesticated horse, developing a professional lexicon and the importance of proper fitting and uses of basic tack will be covered. The course will also explore employment opportunities and practices in the industry. credits: | Introduction to the Horse Industry | 3 |
| Students will explore management and treatment protocols for performance horses. Identification and administration methods and dosage for equine drugs and medications associated with the competition or working horse will also be addressed. Equine infectious diseases, injuries, illnesses and complications are a primary focus of the course. credits: | Theory of Performance Hrs Hlth Mgmt | 3 |
| Students will further explore more elements of practical management skills, the normal horse, health issues, lameness, drugs and medications and competitive drug rules. Prerequisite: EQU117 credits: | Theory Prfrmnc Horse Hlth Mngmt II | 3 |
| An introduction to applied horse management emphasizing the day to day care of horses. All aspects of the daily care and health management of a string of horses will be practiced. (Required grade of C or higher to satisfy major requirements). Prerequisites: EQU111 & EQU 118 credits: | Horse Management Practicum I | 3 |
| This course is a comprehensive overview and introduction to teaching methods and learning styles as they apply to an equestrian program and learning environment. credits: | Foundations of Equestrian Teaching and Learning | 2 |
| Students will explore the many opportunities within the equestrian world for a start-up business. They will learn how to research and collect the data and then turn that into a plan for a startup business focusing on organization, management and the financial requirements. credits: | Introduction to Equine Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| This course focuses on the design and management of safe working equestrian facilities that provide healthy environments for horses and their caretakers. Topics include the behavioral needs of horses and how they influence management methods as well as the design and maintenance of stables and layouts of complete equestrian facilities. Developing management routines for all aspects of the care of the stabled/pastured horse. Identifying skills needed for dealing with machinery, animal waste, emergencies and security. Evaluation of record keeping, hiring of competent employees, and the importance of professionalism in all aspects of your management methods including the working relationship needed with skilled professionals such as your farrier/veterinarian. Prerequisite – EQU111 (or EQU 112) , EQU 113 and EQU 118 credits: | Stable Management | 3 |
| An applied management course emphasizing the further development of the skills necessary for the day to day care of horses. All aspects of the daily care and health management of a larger string of horses will be practiced. (Required grade of C or higher to satisfy major requirements – must be taken before student accumulates 90 credit hours.) Prerequisites: EQU 201; passed with C grade or higher. credits: | Horse Management Practicum II | 4 |
| Students will engage in the application of the skills and techniques acquired through their equestrian program in a seminar format. Analysis of the industry, characteristics for successful employment and strategies for advancing in the field are a focus of the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the proficiency examinations for all declared Equestrian majors credits: | Equestrian Senior Seminar | 3 |
| This lecture course is designed to provide an overview of equine business practices. Three main course elements include: horse transactions (buying, selling, leasing, donating, contracts, etc.), and business management (business plans, personnel management, customer relations, advertising, marketing, legal issues, taxation, insurance, record keeping, book keeping, leadership principles, etc.). Prerequisites: Senior Standing credits: | Equine Business Practices | 3 |
| Students will complete their required EQA, EQS, and EQGS portfolio during the class. Reflective writing and a through understanding of program objectives for the equestrian studies major are a focus of this course. Corequisites: EQU403 credits: | Equestrian Senior Portfolio | 1 |
| This course is designed around the American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR/AED. In this course the student will be educated on proper Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for the adult, child and infant. Also, the student will be taught how to identify and care for several sudden illnesses, as well as, proper First Aid techniques and procedures for bodily injuries ranging from minor bleeding to severe musculoskeletal conditions. Upon completion of this course, proper demonstration of skills, and meeting American Red Cross guidelines the student will receive American Red Cross certification in CPR/AED for Adult, Child, and Infant, as well as certification in First Aid. This certification will last for two (2) years. Physical Requirements: The student will also have to perform several skills that will require them to be in a crouched, kneeling, or squatted position for a minimum of five (5) minutes. credits: | First Aid and CPR | 2 |
**Teaching Tech II - 2 Credits
| This course offers a practical teaching approach assisting an instructor with an applied riding class. Observing class management and teaching skills, as well as riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisite: EQS212, PED 104 and current Red Cross or American Heart Association Adult First aid and CPR certification credits: | Teaching Techniques II-Dressage | 2 |
| This course offers a practical teaching approach assisting an instructor with an applied riding class. Observation, class management and teaching skills, as well as riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisite: EQS212, PED 104 and current Red Cross or American Heart Association Adult First aid and CPR certification credits: | Teaching Techniques II-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| This course offers a practical teaching approach assisting an instructor with an applied riding class. Observing class management and teaching skills, as well as riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisite:EQS212, PED 104 and current Red Cross or American Heart Association Adult First aid and CPR certification credits: | Teaching Techniques II-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| This course offers a practical teaching approach assisting an instructor with an applied riding class. Observing class management and teaching skills, as well as riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisite: EQS212, PED 104 and current Red Cross or American Heart Association Adult First aid and CPR certification credits: | Teaching Techniques II-Western | 2 |
**Teaching Tech III - 2 Credits
| A practical teaching class which continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques II and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques III-Dressage | 2 |
| A practical teaching class which continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques II and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques III-Hunter/Jump | 2 |
| A practical teaching class which continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques II and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques III-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| A practical teaching class which continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques II and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques III-Western | 2 |
**Teaching Tech IV - 2 Credits
| A practical teaching course that continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques III and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques IV-Dressage | 2 |
| A practical teaching course that continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques III and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques IV-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| A practical teaching course that continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques III and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques IV-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| A practical teaching course that continues the development of applied teaching skills. Assistance with an applied riding class will occur. Observation, class management, teaching skills, and riding student and peer teaching assessment will be practiced. Students will meet at the scheduled course time with all teaching techniques students in their discipline and will also serve as a teaching assistant for one applied riding course. Prerequisites: Any Teaching Techniques III and PED104 (must pass & receive Adult First aid and CPR certification) credits: | Teaching Techniques IV-Western | 2 |
Issues of Riding - 2 Credits
| This course addresses a wide range of topics geared to developing the student’s knowledge as it relates to the history, breeding, and selection of the dressage horse. The progressive training scale and development of both national and international issues as they relate to competition and governing associations which address local, regional, national, and Olympic goals will be considered. credits: | Dressage Issues | 2 |
| This course is designed to give the student a better understanding of the theories of riding hunt seat and important issues the hunter jumper industry faces today. The course will cover a brief history of hunt in the U.S., theories of riding and training, USEF rules, bits and equipment, shoeing, suitability of horses to the intended use, course design, judging hunters and jumpers, jumping mechanics, and problem solving for the hunters and jumpers. credits: | Hunter/Jumper Issues | 2 |
| Current issues in riding and showing saddle seat and the breeds of horses that emphasize this style of riding. Topics will include the theories and systems of riding, training theories as they apply to riding, the recent history of the seat and show ring rules and strategies. credits: | Saddle Seat Issues | 2 |
| This class explores current issues and debates within the western horse industry. Various training methods and future trends are discussed. Aspects of the industry will be covered through research and lecture and students will utilize a variety of learning methods including, case studies, presentations, essays and a major research project. credits: | Western Issues | 2 |
Applied or Practicum Electives - 13 Credits
| This course will look at the daily operation, methodology and practice of equine facility management. It will introduce the student to how equine facilities are organized, how they operate and give the student hands-on experience in these areas. Topics related to the equine facility operations will be covered. This course will introduce the student to developing the techniques, working skills and habits of a professional equestrian. Managerial positions require the individual to be a self starter, to have the self discipline to establish and maintain their own work schedule and the perseverance to see the job to its completion. Those skills will be practiced in this class. credits: | Facility Management Practicum I | 2 |
| This course will further the students understanding of the mechanics and techniques of running of a successful equestrian facility. Students will practice hands on application of a variety of facility management skills in several areas. Prerequisite: EQA205 credits: | Facility Management Practicum II | 3 |
| Students will learn groundwork theories and ground training methodologies from popular, Natural Horsemanship trainers and relevant industry trainers. These skills will then be practiced in the lab portion of class with skills including, but not limited to lunging, join up, yielding the hindquarters, yielding the forequarters, dealing with problem horses, handling leg shy horses, clipper training, showmanship training, and more. Corequisite: EQS209 credits: | Survey of Groundwork Techniques | 2 |
| Students will practice groundwork theories and ground training methodologies from popular, Natural Horsemanship trainers and relevant industry trainers. These skills will then be practiced in the lab portion of class with skills including, but not limited to lunging, join up, yielding the hindquarters, yielding the forequarters, dealing with problem horses, handling leg shy horses, clipper training, showmanship training, and more. Corequisite: EQS208 credits: | Survey of Groundwork Techniques Lab | 0 |
| The student will learn basic techniques of the construction and the repair of tack. credits: | Tack Construction & Repair | 1 |
| This course will provide opportunities for further development of teaching skills through observation of teaching methods and practical teaching experience. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisites: Teaching Tech IV any discipline credits: | Advanced Teaching Practicum | 2 |
| Students will explore a variety of veterinary techniques used to manage performance horses as well as routine health management in the classroom and lab setting. Emergency care and treatment will be addressed as well as aftercare. Concurrent enrollment in the Veterinary Techniques Lab is required. Prerequisite: EQS306 and EQU391 Corequisite: EQS376 and EQS 417 Veterinary Techniques Practicum Lab credits: | Veterinary Techniques Practicum | 3 |
| Students will explore a variety of veterinary techniques used to manage performance horses as well as routine health management in the lab setting. Emergency care and treatment will be addressed as well as aftercare. Prerequisite: (EQS306 and EQU391) or EQS376 Corequisite: EQS 416 Veterinary Techniques Practicum credits: | Veterinary Techniques Practicum Lab | 0 |
| In this course, students will develop leadership and supervision skills through active practice. Such areas as motivating others, team building, group dynamics and decision making will be explored in the practical environment of the Equestrian Complex. Prerequisites: EQU391 and permission of the instructor credits: | EQS Supervision and Leadership | 2 |
| This course offers an overview of the creation and distribution of digital media in the equine industry; students will work with a faculty mentor to create a professional portfolio including examples of digital media such as images, web pages, podcasts, webinars, websites, social media, apps, and online advertising. Technology Requirements: Access to digital cameras/video cameras, high-speed internet. Prerequisite:BUS332 or EQA312 credits: | Applied Digital Media for the Equine Industry | 3 |
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Equestrian General Elective - 3 Credits
| This course explores the creative process of equine photography, including an understanding of lighting, composition, editing, and post production specific to the industry. Projects will develop student’s photographic skills and allow for experimental practice in creative image-making. Prerequisites: ART140 credits: | Equine Photography | 3 |
| Students will evaluate and develop a variety of communication techniques for the equine industry. The course includes exposure to innovative communication methods in the field. Prerequisite: ENG102 credits: | Equestrian Communication | 3 |
| A theoretical and practical approach to managing horse shows, clinics, equine expositions, or events. Students obtain applied experience managing campus horse shows and clinics during the semester. credits: | Equine Event Management | 3 |
| This course will cover the training methodologies of several Missouri saddle horse trainers. Students will have the opportunity to visit nearby training barns and observe the training methods for themselves. It will be a comparative study of each trainer’s approach to preparing a horse for the show ring. Students will also learn about techniques used by trainers throughout the United States by reading the most recent magazine articles. credits: | Survey of Saddle Seat Training Meth | 1 |
| This course will provide the student with a survey of equine behavior and training techniques through videos, research and required reading. The physical and mental processes that contribute to equine behavior will be covered. A variety of methods of working with the foal, haltering, leading, early handling procedures, longeing, long lining, bitting and backing the colt will be covered. Prerequisite: Junior/Senior standing or permission of instructor credits: | Theory Equine Behav & Train Methods | 3 |
| This course will explore the horse/human relationship from prehistory through modern times and how that relationship has evolved. The development of modern riding will be explored through equestrian literature and artwork. credits: | Origins of Modern Riding | 3 |
| A historical survey course on the development of the world’s horse breeds with emphasis on breeds developed in the United States. Course topics include horse evolution, domestication, the emergence of specific horse ”types” leading to actual breeds and the influence that the horse has had on all aspects of human culture. A multifaceted research project of the student’s choice will be required. credits: | History of Breedsand Bloodlines | 3 |
| This course is designed to develop an understanding of equine anatomy and physiology. Special attention will be given to the field of exercise physiology as it relates to the equine athlete. Students in this course will investigate the structure and function of the equine musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous and endocrine systems. Equine specific adaptions will be emphasized throughout the course. Prerequisites: EQS306 or (EQU117, EQU118, BIO124/125 and CHM124/125) credits: | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| This course will explore the evolution of controlling the horse as well as types, mechanics and regulations of bits and bridles as they pertain to modern day use and competition. credits: | Bits and Bridles: History, mechanics and regulations | 3 |
| This course provides an overview of Equine-Assisted Services in the U.S. and abroad. Students will learn about Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding, Equine-Assisted Therapies, Equine-Assisted Learning, and other topics pertinent to the rapidly growing field of Equine-Assisted Services. Students will explore options for certifications as a professional in the field and begin to build their portfolio should they wish to pursue such credentialing. Students will be required to attend regular off-campus labs to gain hands-on experience in the field. credits: | Survey of Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |
| Students will explore ethical and moral dilemmas within the Equine Industry. Issues may include slaughter, euthanasia, unwanted horse solutions, Mustangs, cloning, embryo transfer, federal land use, GMOs, land use regulations. Students expected to form educated opinions on these subjects and be able to respond in a non-emotional way to someone outside the Industry. Major project centered on a bill currently in progress which will impact the industry. credits: | Conflicts & Contrvs Equine Indstry | 3 |
| Emphasis upon equipping current and prospective leaders in the horse industry with the background and skills to achieve their potential while focusing on the specific nuances of the equine industry. Development, application and reflection of personal leadership capabilities through self-assessments and experiential learning activities. Prerequisites: EQU 111, EQU 117, EQU 118 credits: | Equestrian Leadership Strategies | 3 |