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Department of Equine Studies

The Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies prepares students to meet the challenges of an expanding equine industry. By linking the College’s distinctive liberal arts curriculum with specialized instruction in equine science and management, as well as disciplined training in equitation, students prepare for a variety of interesting careers. 

The Equine Studies Program focuses on the development of the professional, technical, and soft skills employed in the equine industry. Students receive comprehensive education in the care and management of the horse, riding theory and training concepts, farm facility design and management, equine physiological systems and disorders, nutrition and the musculoskeletal system and their relationship to athletic performance, equine breeding techniques, training in equine ultrasonography, equine business management and management of equestrian activities. 

For our A.S. in Equine Racetrack Management, students will learn the purpose of Quarter and Thoroughbred racetracks, the role in local community, the departments that make up the racing administration at a racetrack, and the roles and duties of each office and employees within these offices.  Upon graduation students will be prepared to begin their career in racetrack administration at any racetrack in the US.

For the concentration of Equine Training and Instruction, students are required to participate in equestrian skills courses, in which their riding abilities are developed and honed. Students are assigned to classes appropriate to their levels of riding experience and capabilities.

For the concentration of Equine Pre-Vet, students will be required to complete all prerequisite courses for applying to vet school. Our equine studies core for Pre-Vet students is designed to give students “hands-on” experience in handling and general care for horses – that will be extremely valuable for vet school – in addition to nutrition, general equine health, equine genetics, anatomy and physiology, reproductive physiology and equine lameness courses. Upon graduation, not only will our students be prepared to apply to vet school they will be prepared to excel in vet school.

For the concentration of Equine Science, students will be taught the anatomy and physiology of the horse, including nutrition, applied feeding, genetics, endocrinology and reproduction. Students in this concentration will be prepared to work in any field of the equine industry or animal science industry. This concentration can be paired with the equine breeding management minor to be prepared to work or supervise a breeding farm or the therapeutic riding minor so they will be prepared to work in the growing field of equine therapy.

For the concentration of Equine Business Management, students will learn “hands-on” experience in the handling and routine care of a horse that occurs at any stable. These students will also learn equine facilities design, learn business management principles, and can pair this concentration with the therapeutic riding or equine breeding management minor. Students completing this concentration will be prepared to “work at” or supervise horse stables.

All students are welcomed to take riding courses within all concentrations, however, for those students who prefer not to participate in riding classes, the concentrations of Equine Business Management, Equine Science, and Equine Pre-Vet may be completed as a non-riding major.

  1. Mission & Vision Statement

    Mission

    The Department of Equine Studies is responsible for the education, critical thinking, lifelong leadership, service and social responsibility of the college. The mission of the department of Equine Studies is to share, discover and apply current knowledge, concepts, and skills on the health, welfare, behavior modification, and management of the horse and its industry.

    Vision:

    The vision of the Department of Equine Studies is to grow national recognition as a program which serves the equine industry by preparing students who are knowledgeable lifelong learners that apply strong ethical basis for improving the industry.

     

  2. Student Requirements/ Admission Procedure

    Students who wish to take riding courses must take a riding proficiency exam the day before school in order to be placed in appropriate level riding courses.  

  3. Transfer Policy

    We accept transfer students and contemporary courses transferred will be reviewed for possible equine studies credits.

     

  4. Grade Policy

    A grade of C or higher must be earned in all equine studies courses to be counted as credit towards degree for equine studies majors.

     

  5. Educational Goals/Program Learning Outcomes

    Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

    Formulate and support positions using written, oral and visual communication skills.

    Demonstrate knowledge of current principles and the application of those principles to equine management systems.

    Effectively gather, assimilate, analyze, and express the science, care, and husbandry of the equine species.

    Model personal and professional conduct consistent with best practices within the equine industry.

  6. Leadership Opportunities

                IHSA Western Team

                IHSA English Team

                Intercollegiate Horseman’s Club

                Pre-Veterinary Club

The department offers the following majors and minors: