English 
Combine your love of horses with your passion for _________.
You know you want to work in the equestrian industry but you have other interests as well — maybe it’s art, business or communications. The William Woods University Bachelor of Equine General Studies degree program prepares you for many ‘behind-the-scenes’ opportunities. There is fundraising, organizing, promotion and purchasing. There is therapy, leadership, media and art. This bachelor’s degree helps you pursue your dream vocation, while specializing in the industry you love. Whether you want to ride, write, photograph, manage, create art or any other, the equine general studies major will put you on course to pursuing your dream.
Extracurricular learning:
Organizations
We have six 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. The Paddock Club is the oldest equestrian club on campus and is for all students. The Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team is both a student organization and a team that competes nationally.
Shows
William Woods participates in many local, regional, and national horse shows each year. Showing and working at these events provides opportunities to connect 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.
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.
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.
Facilities
On-campus equestrian facilities: 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 students and our full-time, on-site veterinarian.
The Center for Equine Medicine
Our large, modern equestrian complex will provide you with an excellent educational experience in both the 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, an indoor riding facility, isolation stalls, and a home for the veterinarian and his family, which allows him to be on-site in case of 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, treatment, research, and gain hands-on clinical experience
Pursue concentrations in Equestrian Studies, Equine Media or Equine Assisted Therapies. Start one morning in entrepreneurship class and finish the day with a sunset ride from the applied riding ring. This major is also designed so you can expand with a second major, and it’s customizable to help you achieve your personal career goals.
Skills you will learn include:
- The ability to communicate effectively through social media and other marketing platforms
- The ability to understand issues in the horse industry from both the livestock and companion animal viewpoint
- Knowledge of current political issues involving the horse
- Skills to excel at communicating with clientele, professionals and peers
- The exceptional ability to problem solve and think creatively
- The specific skills and techniques required in each selected concentration
Our Equine General Studies degree at work
The list of opportunities within equine industries and business organizations is endless.
Trot, canter or gallop into a rewarding career as a:
- Equine journalist
- Equine assisted services instructor
- Equine assisted services facility owner/manager
- Equine photographer
- Equine artist
- Equine rescue manager/owner
- Breed Association employee
- Equine Non-Profit employee/manager
- Graphic designer (equine publication)
- And more
- Or, pursue graduate school in equestrian education, business and more
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
The sky’s the limit. This place will put you in touch with people you should know.— Jennifer Petterson, Division Chair, Equestrian Studies
There’s no finish line. You just keep learning and getting better for the rest of your life.— Gayle Lampe, Professor Emeritus, Equestrian Studies
Equine General Studies – 55 Credits
(Core – 25 Credits and Selected Concentration – 30 Credits)
The Bachelor of Science in Equine General Studies degree at William Woods University consists of 120 distinct credit hours for graduation—including 25 core major credits, 6-10 required elective credits, and a 18-21 credit concentration in Equestrian Studies, Equine Media or Equine Assisted Therapies.
Students majoring in Equine General Studies will complete a concentration in Equestrian Studies, Equine Media or Equine Assisted Therapies.
Major Requirements
Core Credits: 25.00
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQA 312 | Equestrian Communication | 3 |
| EQU 101 | Equestrian First Year Seminar | 1 |
| EQU 111 | Introduction to the Horse Industry | 3 |
| EQU 118 | Theory Prfrmnc Horse Hlth Mngmt II | 3 |
| EQU 202 | Foundations of Equestrian Teaching and Learning | 2 |
| EQU 206 | Introduction to Equine Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| EQU 221 | Stable Management | 3 |
| EQU 395 | Equestrian Proficiency | 1 |
| EQU 403 | Equestrian Senior Seminar | 3 |
| EQU 415 | Equestrian Senior Portfolio | 1 |
Issues of Riding – 2 Credits
(choose from the following options)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQS 330 | Dressage Issues | 2 |
| EQS 331 | Hunter/Jumper Issues | 2 |
| EQS 332 | Saddle Seat Issues | 2 |
| EQS 335 | Western Issues | 2 |
Concentrations
Equine Assisted Therapies Concentration – 30 Credits
Required Credits: 23.00
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDU 231 | Exceptional Child | 3 |
| EQS 212 | Theory of Teaching Techniques I | 3 |
| EQS 390 | Internship I | 3 |
| EQU 301 | Horse Management Practicum I | 3 |
| EQU 211 | Survey of Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |
| EXS 104 | First Aid and CPR | 2 |
| EXS 123 | Examination of Human Anatomy & Physiology -Q | 3 |
| PED 350 | Adapted Physical Education | 3 |
Teaching Tech II – 2 Credits
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQS 230 | Teaching Techniques II-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 231 | Teaching Techniques II-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 232 | Teaching Techniques II-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 235 | Teaching Techniques II-Western | 2 |
Equine General Studies Elective – 5 Credits
(Must complete at least 2 Applied or Practicum Credits)
Applied or Practicum Electives – 2 Credits
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQA 205 | Facility Management Practicum I | 2 |
| EQA 395 | Facility Management Practicum II | 3 |
| EQS 208 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques | 2 |
| EQS 209 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques Lab | 0 |
| EQS 306 | Practical Equine Anatomy & Conditng | 3 |
| EQS 311 | Tack Construction & Repair | 1 |
| EQS 340 | Teaching Techniques III-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 341 | Teaching Techniques III-Hunter/Jump | 2 |
| EQS 342 | Teaching Techniques III-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 345 | Teaching Techniques III-Western | 2 |
| EQS 351 | Teaching Techniques IV-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 352 | Teaching Techniques IV-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 353 | Teaching Techniques IV-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 355 | Teaching Techniques IV-Western | 2 |
| EQS 412 | Advanced Teaching Practicum | 2 |
| EQS 416 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum | 3 |
| EQS 417 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum Lab | 0 |
| EQU 391 | Horse Management Practicum II | 4 |
| EQU 401 | EQS Supervision and Leadership | 2 |
| EQU 410 | Applied Digital Media for the Equine Industry | 3 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
Equestrian Electives
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 324 | Equine Video Production | 3 |
| EQA 320 | Equine Event Management | 3 |
| EQS 205 | Survey of Saddle Seat Training Meth | 1 |
| EQS 304 | Theory Equine Behav & Train Methods | 3 |
| EQS 320 | Origins of Modern Riding | 3 |
| EQS 328 | Equine Evaluation | 3 |
| EQS 333 | History of Breedsand Bloodlines | 3 |
| EQS 376 | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EQS 380 | Bits and Bridles: History, mechanics and regulations | 3 |
| EQS 404 | Veterinary Medicine & Reproduction | 3 |
| EQU 327 | Conflicts & Contrvs Equine Indstry | 3 |
| EQU 402 | Equestrian Leadership Strategies | 3 |
| EQU 405 | Equine Business Practices | 3 |
Equine Media – 30 Credits
Required Credits: 24.00
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 256 | Introduction to Photography -X | 3 |
| COM 110 | Writing for Multimedia | 3 |
| COM 150 | Visual Communication & Design | 3 |
| COM 221 | Contemporary Media Ethics -U | 3 |
| COM 324 | Equine Video Production | 3 |
| COM 337 | Social Media | 3 |
| EQS 390 | Internship I | 3 |
| EQU 410 | Applied Digital Media for the Equine Industry | 3 |
Equine General Studies Elective – 6 Credits
Applied or Practicum Elective – 3 Credits
No more than 2 Applied Riding Credits can be applied
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQA 205 | Facility Management Practicum I | 2 |
| EQA 395 | Facility Management Practicum II | 3 |
| EQS 208 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques | 2 |
| EQS 209 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques Lab | 0 |
| EQS 230 | Teaching Techniques II-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 231 | Teaching Techniques II-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 232 | Teaching Techniques II-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 235 | Teaching Techniques II-Western | 2 |
| EQS 306 | Practical Equine Anatomy & Conditng | 3 |
| EQS 311 | Tack Construction & Repair | 1 |
| EQS 340 | Teaching Techniques III-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 341 | Teaching Techniques III-Hunter/Jump | 2 |
| EQS 342 | Teaching Techniques III-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 345 | Teaching Techniques III-Western | 2 |
| EQS 351 | Teaching Techniques IV-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 352 | Teaching Techniques IV-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 353 | Teaching Techniques IV-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 355 | Teaching Techniques IV-Western | 2 |
| EQS 412 | Advanced Teaching Practicum | 2 |
| EQS 416 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum | 3 |
| EQS 417 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum Lab | 0 |
| EQU 301 | Horse Management Practicum I | 3 |
| EQU 391 | Horse Management Practicum II | 4 |
| EQU 401 | EQS Supervision and Leadership | 2 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
Equestrian Electives
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 258 | Equine Photography | 3 |
| EQA 320 | Equine Event Management | 3 |
| EQS 205 | Survey of Saddle Seat Training Meth | 1 |
| EQS 212 | Theory of Teaching Techniques I | 3 |
| EQS 304 | Theory Equine Behav & Train Methods | 3 |
| EQS 320 | Origins of Modern Riding | 3 |
| EQS 328 | Equine Evaluation | 3 |
| EQS 333 | History of Breedsand Bloodlines | 3 |
| EQS 376 | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EQS 380 | Bits and Bridles: History, mechanics and regulations | 3 |
| EQS 404 | Veterinary Medicine & Reproduction | 3 |
| EQU 211 | Survey of Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |
| EQU 327 | Conflicts & Contrvs Equine Indstry | 3 |
| EQU 402 | Equestrian Leadership Strategies | 3 |
| EQU 405 | Equine Business Practices | 3 |
Equestrian Studies Concentration – 30 Credits
Required Credits: 17.00
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COM 324 | Equine Video Production | 3 |
| EQA 205 | Facility Management Practicum I | 2 |
| EQA 320 | Equine Event Management | 3 |
| EQU 301 | Horse Management Practicum I | 3 |
| EQU 327 | Conflicts & Contrvs Equine Indstry | 3 |
| EQU 405 | Equine Business Practices | 3 |
Equine General Studies Elective – 13 Credits
Applied or Practicum Elective – 4 Credits
No more than 2 Applied Riding Credits can be applied
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EQA 395 | Facility Management Practicum II | 3 |
| EQS 208 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques | 2 |
| EQS 209 | Survey of Groundwork Techniques Lab | 0 |
| EQS 230 | Teaching Techniques II-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 231 | Teaching Techniques II-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 232 | Teaching Techniques II-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 235 | Teaching Techniques II-Western | 2 |
| EQS 306 | Practical Equine Anatomy & Conditng | 3 |
| EQS 311 | Tack Construction & Repair | 1 |
| EQS 340 | Teaching Techniques III-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 341 | Teaching Techniques III-Hunter/Jump | 2 |
| EQS 342 | Teaching Techniques III-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 345 | Teaching Techniques III-Western | 2 |
| EQS 351 | Teaching Techniques IV-Dressage | 2 |
| EQS 352 | Teaching Techniques IV-Hunter/Jumpr | 2 |
| EQS 353 | Teaching Techniques IV-Saddle Seat | 2 |
| EQS 355 | Teaching Techniques IV-Western | 2 |
| EQS 412 | Advanced Teaching Practicum | 2 |
| EQS 416 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum | 3 |
| EQS 417 | Veterinary Techniques Practicum Lab | 0 |
| EQU 391 | Horse Management Practicum II | 4 |
| EQU 401 | EQS Supervision and Leadership | 2 |
| EQU 410 | Applied Digital Media for the Equine Industry | 3 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
| EQR ____ | _________________________________ | 1 |
Equestrian Electives
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ART 258 | Equine Photography | 3 |
| EQS 205 | Survey of Saddle Seat Training Meth | 1 |
| EQS 212 | Theory of Teaching Techniques I | 3 |
| EQS 304 | Theory Equine Behav & Train Methods | 3 |
| EQS 320 | Origins of Modern Riding | 3 |
| EQS 328 | Equine Evaluation | 3 |
| EQS 333 | History of Breedsand Bloodlines | 3 |
| EQS 376 | Equine Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| EQS 380 | Bits and Bridles: History, mechanics and regulations | 3 |
| EQS 404 | Veterinary Medicine & Reproduction | 3 |
| EQU 211 | Survey of Equine-Assisted Services | 3 |