Equine Studies
Degree Offered
Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies.
Learn more about the academic content of key program courses. Read our equine course descriptions.
Program Summary
This program was designed for students who are passionate about working with and learning about horses and the many career opportunities in the equine industry. The core of the Equine Studies program is a combination of theory and hands-on experience working with horses and clients. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in a range of topics designed to increase student success in the workplace after graduation. Specific equine topics include equine anatomy and disorders, nutrition, genetics and reproduction, training (beginning and advanced), riding instruction techniques, therapeutic riding, ferrier practices, and equitation. Courses in training and riding instruction methods provide both theory and hands-on experience working with horses (and sometimes clients!).The six semesters of weekly small group riding lessons increase students' abilities as horsewomen/men, with opportunities to experience dressage, hunt seat, stock seat, hunter-jumper, and driving. These and other equine-centered courses equip students to work at equine facilities - or even to start up one of their own in the future.
"We look for students who are committed to learning - about horses and how to effectively work with them - about successful business practices - and about their own abilities and career interests," says Dawn Carleton, Equine Studies Program Director.
For the students who love horses but do not want to work in a stable setting, the Equine Studies program's courses in business and agriculture provide a strong foundation of broader skills. Graduates will be qualified to work in many equine-related businesses or organizations. General areas of study include business management, marketing, accounting, and legal considerations for equine professionals; communication; and computer use in business settings.
"This degree has been designed to give students as many marketable skills as possible, increasing their flexibility and ability to move into different areas of an equine industry that is growing in Vermont, in America, and around the world," notes Carleton.
Career Opportunities
Students graduating with a degree in Equine Studies can explore a variety of opportunities, depending on their areas of interest. Careers in direct equine service facilities include barn manager, instructor, or assistant trainer. Job opportunities in businesses supporting the equine industry include equine consultant, sales, marketing, specialized service provider, and many others limited only by graduates' imaginations..
Equine Center Facilities
The Vermont Technical College program is housed at Rough Terrain Farm, a well-established full service boarding and training facility located approximately seven miles from the Randolph Center campus. Students are able to observe and participate in a functioning equine business, where theory becomes reality. They also can attend events sponsored by Rough Terrain Farm, like dressage demonstrations by leading riders and driving clinics by Sterling Graburn, the 2004 North American Top Driver Single Horse Champion. Additionally, Vermont Tech will organize workshops and lectures on other topics, including saddle fit, safe trailering techniques, equine massage, and other areas of interest to students.
Students have the opportunity to board their own horses in a direct arrangement with Rough Terrain Farm. Board includes all feeds, private turnout every day, scheduling of horse care, on-site supervision of the horses, night check, and the use of the 85 foot by 140 foot indoor arena for schooling. The extremely clean facility includes roomy stalls for horses that are thoroughly cleaned every day. For specific guidelines regarding boarding a horse, contact Dawn Carleton, the Program Director. For more information about Rough Terrain Farm, use the hotlink above to view the farm's website or call Leslie Bancroft Haynes at 802-728-5945.