Horse Schools: The International Guide to Universities, Colleges, Preparatory and Secondary Schools, and Specialty Equine Programs 5th Edition

Introduction

How To Use This Book

This book has been created as a resource to aid you in the search for a horse school. In the pages to come, you will find the following:

Introduction: A discussion of different kinds of horse schools and tips on how to choose one that’s right for you.

Horse School Questionnaire: A list of questions to ask school representatives, both on the phone and during visits. Add to the questionnaire as you think of things you may want to know about a school.

Possible Careers: An extensive list of over 250 careers involving horses.

Descriptions of Programs: Basic information on each school, including the type of school, the kind of majors and degrees offered, and a summary of costs (tuition, room, and board). Also included is a short description of the school or program, a description of the equestrian facilities, the ratio of classroom courses to hands-on equine courses, opportunities for competition, and contact and website information. The description notes whether the school is approved or accredited by any association or organization.

Please note that whenever possible, school information has been provided by the school itself and was correct at the time that it was provided. All websites were up-to-date at the time of publication. All tuition costs listed are correct for the 2017-2018 school year. However, be aware that, because of fluctuating exchange rates, any international tuition entries listed in American dollars are approximate and were correct only at the time of publication. Most international costs were provided in foreign currencies.

Readers should also consider the issue of language when researching study abroad. When the information was provided, I have listed whether classes are taught in English or in another language. If international schooling appeals to you, I urge you to include on your Horse School Questionnaire queries regarding language requirements and what opportunities might be available to learn the native language, should it be necessary.

Be sure to verify the information provided in this manual when you contact your list of possible schools. Contact persons, tuition costs, facilities, requirements, etcetera, often change from year-to-year.

Scholarships: A list of equine-oriented scholarships.

Intercollegiate Associations: Descriptions and contact information for intercollegiate associations that offer students a chance to compete, as well as a list of schools that participate (if applicable).

Bibliography: A list of the books and websites used to create this book.

Index of Schools: The easy way to find any school in this book.

School listings have been organized as follows:

Name of School or Program

Descriptive Icons: List of images below icons to help you determine with one glance whether a school offers the kind of opportunities you are looking for.

School’s mailing address. Contact person. Phone and fax number. Email address. Website.

Type of School: Tells whether the school is a college, specialty school, etc.

Accreditation: Associations and organizations that the school is accredited or approved by.

Degrees Offered: The level of degree that is offered in an equine subject. Example: Bachelor of Science.

Majors Offered: The subject area that the degree is offered in. Example: Equine Science.

Tuition Costs: Form of currency if not U.S. dollars. Cost for attending school. Housing and additional fees will be included if available.

Description of Program: A short description of the equine program.

Facilities: A description of the equestrian facility.

Classroom/Hands-On Equine Classes: The ratio of equine classroom time to equine hands-on time.

Showing: Indicates competition opportunities for students while attending the school.

Icon Key

School offers English and/or Western riding.

School teaches and/or competes in rodeo and Western show events.

School teaches and/or competes in dressage.

School teaches driving.

School teaches horseshoeing or natural trimming techniques.

School teaches and/or competes in jumping and/or eventing.

School teaches breeding management and/or hands-on techniques.

School teaches performance skills: jousting, reenactments, vaulting, tricks, circus, etc.

School teaches horse racing (flat/harness): jockey, management, groom, driver, trainer, etc.

School teaches business and/or horse/barn management.

School has a pre-vet or veterinarian program.

School teaches alternative therapies such as equine massage, Acupressure, chiropractic, etc.

School offers graduate programs (non-vet) in equine specific studies.

Schools offers distance learning/independent study programs.

What is a Horse School?

The term horse school covers a wide range of educational opportunities, from secondary schools and accredited universities, to the clinics and camps of well-known trainers and specialty riding programs. As long as the focus of what you are learning involves horses, the place in which you are learning can be termed a horse school. The two main classifications of horse schools are (1) universities and colleges, which offer an accredited degree (A.A., A.S., B.A., B.S., etc.), and (2) specialty schools, which typically offer a certificate or diploma upon completion of the program.

If you choose to pursue a degree, you will learn about a lot more than just horses. Every college or university has general education requirements that are mandatory for all degree candidates. Classes typically include math, English, history, and a foreign language. However, if you choose to pursue a certificate or diploma from a specialty school, typically you will only take classes in the equine skill you are learning.

Questions to Ask Yourself

When choosing a horse school, first decide what you’re looking for. Be specific! Here is a list of questions that may prove helpful in deciding which school is right for you.

• Do you want a career in the equine industry, or do you just want to keep horses in your everyday life?

• What do you want to learn from this experience? Do you want to improve your riding skills, learn about breeding, learn how to manage a stable, become a certified instructor, or learn how to retrain problem horses? (Be specific in stating your goals.)

• How much time can you devote to your education? (For example, a bachelor’s degree will take four years or more; a certificate or diploma program usually requires a year or less.)

• Do you have your heart set on attending a prestigious or highly ranked university? (Unfortunately, none of the Ivy League universities offer equine degrees, though several of them have very active equestrian teams.)

• Is it important to receive a certain type of degree? How would this degree impact your career goals?

• Do you want or need to stay close to home, in the state, or in the same geographical area? Do you have a specific area in mind?

• Do you want to travel to other countries? (If so, you may want to consider schools located in other countries, or schools that provide internships, apprenticeships, and/or study abroad programs in other countries.)

• Will you be more comfortable in a small school or a large school?

• Do you have a specific career path in mind? Or are you still undecided? If you are undecided, take a look at the list of possible careers. Do any of them appeal to you? (If you still aren’t sure, a generalized degree, such as Equine Science or Animal Science with an equine concentration, may be a good place to start.)

• Do you want to have your own business or work for others?

• Do you want mostly hands-on experience (riding and training) or more class room work (business management classes, lectures, labs, etc.)?

• Do you want to pursue a graduate degree (master’s, Ph.D.) eventually? Will that degree also be horse-related?

• Do you want exposure to lots of different types of horses?

• Do you want to take your horse with you to school? (Some schools don’t allow students to bring their horses. If this is the case, you will need to find and pay for an outside boarding facility, and make time to see your horse.)

• How much can you afford? (If your parents are providing financing, you need to discuss this with them. Remember to factor in living expenses for yourself, and possibly, your horse.)

• Will you need to have a part-time job while attending school?

• Do you want job placement after you graduate?

Why Choose a College or University?

Many students choose a university because that’s what their parents want. But there are other advantages. When you complete a college or university, you will have an associate or bachelor degree in hand. That can be a big advantage in any career.

Your parents may also be concerned about your choice of majors. Attending a college or university can be a good compromise for horsey teenagers and their parents. The student satisfies the parents by attending a university, and the equine major allows the student to pursue something that he or she loves and is interested in.

Some college students are adults who generally fall into two categories: horse professionals seeking a degree, or individuals who have decided to change careers and enter the horse world.

Why Choose a Specialty School?

Most people choose a specialty school to learn a certain technical skill or to study with a specific person. Many specialty schools, such as farrier schools and equine massage schools, are designed to provide you with a skill that will enable you to find employment immediately after graduation. Some schools offer apprenticeships or working-student arrangements that provide hands-on experience for successful graduates.

You may also decide to supplement a university education with a specialty school. Some specialty schools are linked with universities or community colleges, so be sure to ask them about the possibility of college credit and its transferability.

Combining a College/University Education with Specialized Schooling

If you want a traditional degree, but are very interested in a specialty school, you may be able to combine the two. Many universities offer internship credit, which allows you to earn college units for attending a specialty school, or for working in an apprenticeship or specialized job. Once you are enrolled in the university, you may be able to attend a specialty school during your summer break (typically, three months) or arrange a leave of absence from the college if the specialty school is longer.

To obtain internship credit, be sure to talk to your college advisor first. Often, you will have to fill out forms just to get the process started. At the end of your internship, the college may want to see your contract (for an apprenticeship or a job) or certificate (for a specialty school) with the dates of attendance (start date to finish date). You may also be required to write a paper and/or give a presentation on the experience.

If you have already attended the specialty school, or your college doesn’t offer internship credit, ask about life credit. If such credit is available, you will often be required to submit a portfolio or take a written/verbal test to prove what you know about the topic. Then, credit is granted for what you have already learned.

I've used the terms internship and life credit as many schools use that terminology, but these options might be listed under other names so be sure to check internship, apprenticeship, portfolio, life credit, work experience, etc. Your college advisor can direct you if you can't find it easily in their catalog.

Taking Your Education International

Don’t limit yourself to the borders of your own country. Check out the international programs in this book. Many people who have studied abroad consider it one of their best experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity if there are several strong international schools in the area of your interest. For instance, the British Horse Society has one of the most organized and well-respected certification processes for riding instructors. In fact, most of the riding instructor certification programs in the world are based in the United Kingdom. In contrast, while there are trainers throughout the world in Natural Horsemanship, some of the best-known trainers are based in the United States. If you want to become a professional dressage, combined training, or jumper rider, several large and well-respected schools are located in Europe. Studying abroad can also be a great opportunity to learn to speak a second language.

Financial Concerns

Are you worried about getting your money’s worth from a program? If you choose a college or university education, you will earn a degree that will be recognized nationally, but it may or may not help you get a job in your chosen field. And, a certificate or diploma from a specialty school or program may not be recognized in other areas of the equine world or in a different state or country.

To check out a college, university, or specialty school, contact your local Better Business Bureau or the one closest to the school. (A complete list of offices is available at www.bbb.org.) Find out from the BBB if any complaints have been issued. If so, were the complaints settled, with both sides satisfied? Also, talk to current students and previous graduates of the program. Contact the associations and organizations that accredit or approve the school.

You might also be worried about tuition costs. Most university and college equine programs have equine fees, which are not included in the normal tuition costs. And, many colleges offering equine programs are private schools–therefore, the tuition will be higher than the in-state tuition of state universities.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of books available to help you finance your education with loans, grants, and scholarships. You should be able to qualify for financial aid at any college or university, and many specialty schools are starting to offer financial aid and scholarships. Ask potential schools about financial aid, and request a list of scholarships and grants that they offer. Be sure to check the Scholarships section of this book for an extensive list of equine-oriented scholarships.

Making Your Own Education

Perhaps what you are looking for isn’t in the pages of this book. You want to learn a particular skill or go into a certain field that has few (if any) schools representing it. Don’t despair! With a little legwork, you can design your own education. Start by identifying the field that interests you. Are there any associations or organizations that represent that field? Include sport and breed associations on your list. Contact these associations and ask them how you could find out more information about your particular field of interest. Can they direct you to a particular person or to another association? Is there any organized form of certification or licensing for that field? How would you go about obtaining the education necessary to receive a certificate or license? This experience may include jobs, working student positions, apprenticeships, etc. If there is not a form of certification or licensing available, then what is the average background of someone with a career in that field?

Another option is self-designing your own college degree. You will find several schools that offer the self-designed degree option listed in this book. With a self-designed degree you will have the same general education requirements and will design your Major and Course of Study with the assistance of an advisor. This option can appeal to someone who is already in the Industry and is looking for a way to gain college credit (and a degree) in the hands-on experience they already have (portfolio and life credit would factor heavily in this self-designed degree) or for the individual that wants to have a horse career, but can't leave home and no school near them offers an equine degree. If you are of the latter group, also check your local colleges to see if they have a