Equestrian study programs

All students in the Equestrian Studies major, regardless of concentration, take the following key courses:. These courses provide the basis for skilled riding, effective care of horses, and career development in any area of the equine industry. All students also undertake an internship in the field in order to develop hands-on experience and begin building a professional network.

In the Dressage concentration, students develop skills and a base of classical theory for eventing, training, competing, teaching, and writing about Dressage.

Students in the Equine Management concentration prepare students with equine industry-specific business administration skills. Graduates are prepared for careers managing shows, facilities, and more.

In the Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy concentration, students gain an understanding of psychology and the human-horse relationship, and learn the skills necessary to plan, guide, and evaluate equine therapy experiences for a variety of human patient populations.

The Eventing concentration teaches classical theory and practice for competing, training, and teaching eventing. We also offer Equestrian Studies as a field of study for an undergraduate minor. Students can choose from general Equestrian Studies, Equestrian-Assisted Psychotherapy, or Equine Science, taking credits in each area, respectively.

Tailor your program to your goals. Equine studies majors will choose one of two tracks: Equine Business This track is designed for students interested in the organizational, managerial and commercial aspects of the equine industry, as well as for students interested in advanced performance horse care and stable management. Equine Science This track is designed for students interested in pursuing careers dedicated to equine health and management.

Related Program. Equestrian Program Supplemental Application In addition to applying to Stephens College, students interested in majoring in Equestrian Studies must complete a supplemental application. Riding Experience No prior riding experience is required for either track. Equestrian Studies at Stephens. Contact Us Equestrian Studies. Site Menu Stephens College. Utility Navigation. Life at Stephens. After Stephens. Search Submit. Mobile Utility Navigation. Request Info.

Plan a Visit. Make a Gift. Lab skills include: loping circles, lead changes, spins, run downs, sliding stops, and roll backs. Skills taught include: Origin and background on draft horse breeds, harnessing, ground driving and handling the lines while driving both single and doubles.

Also included are showing procedures, breeding, foaling and training. Laboratory consists of hands-on experience in the handling, harnessing, hitching, driving, care and management of draft and driving horses. Riders are given the opportunity to participate in schooling shows in the jumper division. An asset to show preparation.

Hands on assignments and demonstrations using the University horses are part of the class. Speakers from various professions in the industry are also part of the class. In time the student acts as an apprentice teacher under the instructor's supervision. When ready, the student assumes the role of instructor with the responsibility of setting up safety rules and class curriculum.

The student's efforts are reflected in the riders' progress. Students will learn to teach beginning western pleasure skills. The student will progress from observation to discussion of methods and teaching safety practices, to actually working with a beginner student in a supervised setting. Topics will include: stable management, general knowledge and observation of horse health, condition, dentistry, hoof care, internal and external parasites.

Lab skills will include: bandaging, taking vital signs, clipping, fitting and showmanship. Students will learn how to evaluate and place conformation, halter and performance classes according to the standards set by various organizations and breeds of horses.

Hands on applications will be provided by assisting show managers with course design at shows held at the Equestrian Center along with assisting instructors with setting jumps for jumping classes. Also, a practical approach to proper feedstuffs and use of quality feedstuffs to maintain health and productivity of horses. Thanks to a generous donation from Maris Cuneo, a new 60' x ' pole barn clear span with an overhang for equipment storage has been added to the facility. The barn is being used primarily for hay storage and the rest of the space will be available to set up stalls to use for quarantine or for horse shows.

Equine classes, student boarding, varsity and JV teams for both English and Western disciplines, clinics and horse shows are all offered. The spacious facility located on acres is within a five-minute drive of campus. Although transportation is not provided by the University, students have no problem arranging for rides.

The Equestrian Center has:. I have spent more time in Alfred than any other place in my life, and this will always be a home to me.