Equestrian Studies
February 3, 2022 2025-11-13 20:13Equestrian Studies
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Equestrian Studies at Rocky Mountain College
Be part of a nationally recognized tradition—where passion for horses meets practical, professional training and opportunity.
At Rocky Mountain College, equestrian studies go far beyond the classroom. With a foundation in classical instruction, integrated with modern training and management practices, our program prepares you for leadership and success in every corner of the multi-faceted equine industry. Whether your dreams are in equine healthcare, business, riding instruction, training, management, or therapeutic horsemanship, you’ll find a path here.
Why Choose Equine Studies at Rocky
RMC offers five equestrian studies majors and a pre-vet option—making it one of just a handful of colleges nationwide with this breadth. Our small classes mean you’ll enjoy individualized instruction and mentoring, and facilities like White Aspen Ranch provide an authentic, hands-on experience. Nationally recognized instructors, internship placements, and real-world competition opportunities set our students up for leadership in any equine field they choose.
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Equestrian Studies program will:
- Demonstrate strong foundational horsemanship skills in both Western and English disciplines, including horse care, training, and riding techniques.
- Apply knowledge of equine anatomy, health, nutrition, and management to real-world situations in barns, clinics, or competitions.
- Employ modern business practices, legal considerations, and ethical standards unique to the equine industry.
- Communicate professionally—both verbally and in writing—with clients, team members, and the broader equine community.
- Analyze and solve common challenges within training, management, or instructional roles, exercising leadership and sound judgment.
- Develop specialized expertise in their chosen concentration—whether it’s equine management, pre-veterinary preparation, training and instruction, or therapeutic riding.
- Complete hands-on fieldwork and internships that prepare them for direct entry into the workforce or for graduate/professional study in veterinary medicine, therapy, or business. sound judgment.
$44K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in Equine in Montana according to ZipRecruiter
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
Your journey begins with foundational classes in horsemanship, horse anatomy, and management, and then expands as you pursue your chosen concentration. You’ll complete specialized courses in business, science, pre-veterinary preparation, instruction, or therapeutic riding—supported by practical experience, labs, and internships. The curriculum also encourages double-majoring, making it easy to combine equine studies with fields like business, education, biology, or communication.
Information
Majors:
Equine Management
Minors:
Equestrian Studies
Concentrations:
Equine Management
Equine Science
Equine Science Pre-Vet
Equitation, Training, and Riding Instruction
Therapeutic Riding
Faculty
Christi Brown, M.S.
Amy Neuman, M.S.
Emily Brester
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Course highlights include:
Explore Areas in Equine
Equine Management
Equine Management is perfect for students drawn to the business side of the industry—boarding facilities, show management, or entrepreneurship. You’ll focus on horse care, facility operations, marketing, accounting, and human resources, along with legal and regulatory issues specific to equine enterprises.
Pair With:
→ Business or Accounting: for launching and managing your own facility, service, or event company.
→ Communication Studies: for launching and managing your own facility, service, or event company.
Career Pathways: Barn manager, show manager or promoter, equine business owner, stable or facility operations director, event planner, clinician, sales/marketing coordinator in the equine industry.
Equine Science
This major offers a well-rounded foundation in horse health, anatomy, nutrition, genetics, and disease prevention. You’ll also gain practical training and experience in shows, clinics, and community youth programs. This path suits students with broad interests—from hands-on horse work to animal science and education.
Pair With:
→ Biology or Pre-Vet: for more advanced animal health or veterinary careers.
→ Education: to work with youth programs, 4-H, FFA, or become an equine science educator.
→ Therapeutic Riding: for organizing or running adaptive/therapy programs.
Career Pathways: Equine health specialist, nutrition consultant, show or breeding program staff, non-profit equine organization staff, equine educator, grad/professional school in animal science or veterinary medicine.
Equine Science: Pre-Vet Option
This rigorous, science-heavy concentration is excellent preparation for veterinary school. You’ll complete all the lab sciences and hands-on animal handling required by top vet schools, while also developing strong communication and business skills to set you apart as a future professional.
Pair With:
→ Business or Accounting: to run your own training barn or lesson program.
→ Biology: for launching and managing your own facility, service, or event company
→ Therapeutic Riding: for future equine veterinarians interested in adaptive/therapy work.
Career Pathways: Veterinarian (DVM), vet tech, animal research specialist, regulatory/inspection roles, private or clinical practice, advanced animal health research.
Equitation, Training & Riding Instruction
Ideal for aspiring horse trainers or riding instructors, this major centers on starting young horses, finishing show horses, and teaching riders at all levels. You’ll study training theory, equitation, show ring strategy, client relations, and horse care—blending technical mastery with teaching skill.
Pair With:
→ Business: to run your own practice or equine clinic.
→ Equine Management: to run your own training barn or lesson program.
→ Therapeutic Riding: if you want to work with a wider variety of riders, including those with disabilities.
Career Pathways: Professional trainer, riding instructor, clinician, competitive coach, lesson program director, barn manager, freelance instructor.
Therapeutic Riding
Perfect for students passionate about making a difference through equine-assisted activities. You’ll train in adaptive riding instruction, therapeutic program management, rider assessment, horse training/adaptation for therapy, and safety/ethics in the industry.
Pair With:
→ Psychology: for roles in adaptive programs or equine-facilitated mental health.
→ Education: if you’re interested in working with children or adults with disabilities.
→ Equine Management: if you aspire to direct or own a therapeutic riding center.
Career Pathways: PATH International instructor, therapy program director, adaptive riding instructor, equine-assisted therapy facilitator, barn manager at a therapy center, outreach coordinator.
Equestrian Studies
The minor provides practical horsemanship, horse care, and industry-specific knowledge for students in any major.
Pair With:
→ Business: for entrepreneurship in the equine sector.
→ Biology or Pre-Vet: to boost credentials for animal science, research, or vet school.
→ Education: for careers in 4-H or youth education.
→ Psychology: to work in therapeutic horsemanship or animal-assisted counseling programs.
→ Communication Studies: for careers in equine public relations, journalism, or event promotion.
Career Pathways: Lesson program assistant, horse show staff, support roles in equine business, 4-H leader, therapeutic program staff, communications specialist in the equine world, veterinary or grad school preparation.
Career & Graduate School Ready
Since 1987, RMC equestrian graduates have become leaders across the industry—as trainers, instructors, managers, show organizers, business owners, vet techs, public speakers, and more. Many alumni work in top stables, clinics, and therapy centers across the country, while others compete successfully at national and world levels or advance to veterinary school.
Field Experience and Mentorship
You’ll be learning from world-class trainers, judges, and coaches with decades of experience and connections. Every student completes internships matched to their goals—be it with elite show barns, therapeutic riding programs, business offices, or vet clinics. There’s also the one-of-a-kind colt training program, the IHSA Team, Judging Team, and opportunities to show, teach, and lead. With small class sizes and personalized faculty guidance, you’ll find mentorship and support every step of the way.
Information
Majors:
Equine Management
Equine Science
Equine Science Pre-Vet
Equitation, Training, and Riding Instruction Therapeutic Riding
Minors:
Equestrian Studies
Concentrations:
Equine Management
Equine Science
Equine Science Pre-Vet
Equitation, Training, and Riding Instruction Therapeutic Riding
Faculty
Christi Brown, M.S.
Amy Neuman, M.S.
Emily Brester
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Connect and Learn More
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