The Minor
This week’s featured program is the Equine Studies Minor at Goucher College. From the program’s website:
This program offers students unique opportunities to learn about many aspects of equine health and the equine industry. Students pair classroom experiences with applied classes at our on-campus stables, which house Goucher’s 26 performance horses. Alumnae/i have donated many of the horses that flex their skills with Goucher’s nationally recognized equestrian team. (All students, not just team members, can minor in equine studies.) Additionally, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association is located on campus, drawing horse industry leaders to Goucher and providing students additional resources to study the business, management, and breeding of horses through internships.
Students enrolled in the minor must take five required courses, including in biology, business, and equine studies. Students then choose an elective course to support personalization of the minor.
Two Interesting Courses
EQS 100 Introduction to Equine Studies
A survey of the equine industry, exploring the history of the horse, management of the equine athlete, the state of the equine industry and its vast career opportunities. The course will include a basic study of anatomy, conformation, gait analysis, and biomechanics of movement, which will be examined in the context of different equine disciplines. The major organ systems will be reviewed from both the perspective of health and disease. Nutrition, reproduction, lameness and sport horse topics will be covered. The course will examine timely current topics affecting the equine industry today.
EQS 200 Equine Practicum
A practical and comprehensive study of the care and management of the equine athlete, relevant to a variety of equine-related career fields. EQS 200 is the practical implementation of equine topics, including nutrition, anatomy, biomechanics and handler safety. Students will participate in hands-on equine behavior and learning demonstrations and develop proficiency with emergency equine care and vital signs. The importance of equine dentistry and farriery will be discussed and demonstrated.
Five Possible Complementary Majors at Goucher College
- Biological Sciences
- Business Management
- Communication & Media Studies
- International Business
- Professional & Creative Writing
Unique Opportunities within the Major/Minor
A credit-bearing internship is available in Equine Studies:
The Internship in Equine Studies provides students with a practical, hands-on experience in a facet of equine studies. The internship requires students to be off campus in a related professional equine environment during which they learn practical aspects relating to their particular profession.
Sample Similar Programs
- Colorado State University: Equine Science Major
- Otterbein Unviersity: Equine Business Management
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD): Equestrian Studies Major