Explore Careers
May 1, 2023 2025-11-13 20:21Careers
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Launch Your Equine Career at RMC
Graduates of the Rocky Mountain College equestrian program step confidently into a wide range of fulfilling careers—whether it’s running elite barns, launching thriving businesses, teaching the next generation of riders, supporting therapy clients, or advancing the science of equine health. Our alumni don’t just follow the industry—they shape it, earning recognition as trainers, instructors, therapists, researchers, and leaders across the United States and beyond.
RMC’s emphasis on internships, daily barn experience, and personal faculty mentorship ensures you graduate with the skills, network, and professional confidence to excel. Here, your education is more than coursework; it’s a launchpad for wherever your horse passion and ambition take you.
Internship Requirement & Industry Placements
All equestrian majors complete a required internship, customized to your goals and strengths. RMC’s faculty and alumni network help place students in:
- Training barns: Learn from award-winning professionals like Todd Crawford, Sandy Vaughn, Steve and Carol Metcalf, Francesca Sternberg (England), Jim Searles, and more.
- Therapeutic programs: Gain clinical experience at Victory Junction (Kyle Petty Foundation), Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch, or local PATH centers.
- Business & show management: Work with Mark Harrell Horse Shows, Excel Horse Show Management Company, and major event teams.
- Breeding & veterinary clinics: Get first-hand knowledge with Dr. McCarroll (Oklahoma), Dr. Randall (Montana), and other top facilities.
- International opportunities: Recent sites have included Great Britain, Israel, and Ireland.
- Youth & summer camps: Teach and manage programs for riders of all ages and needs.
Your Pathways, Your Possibilities
If you focus in Equine Management
You’ll be ready to oversee stables, manage boarding and training operations, run horse shows, and coordinate large-scale equestrian events. Many graduates of this concentration move into roles such as barn manager, business owner, operations director, or event coordinator—often combining this expertise with a business or communication minor to expand into consulting or entrepreneurship.
If you’re driven by horse health and science
The Equine Science and Pre-Vet tracks prepare you for veterinary clinics, animal research and breeding programs, regulatory work, and even advanced graduate or veterinary studies. Graduates have gone on to become veterinary technicians, equine nutrition consultants, animal health researchers, and practicing veterinarians after further study.
Those passionate about teaching and performance
Who pursue the Equitation, Training, and Riding Instruction concentration, frequently work as trainers, lesson program managers, competitive coaches, or freelance clinicians. Many find themselves in leadership roles at top barns, starting their own businesses, or advancing quickly within nationally recognized show programs.
Students drawn to service and adaptation
Often select the Therapeutic Riding concentration. These graduates become PATH International certified instructors, run adaptive riding programs, or work with therapy teams in hospitals or community centers. The demand for skilled professionals in this fast-growing field continues to increase, and RMC grads are well-prepared through both coursework and client experience.
If you focus in Equine Management
You’ll be ready to oversee stables, manage boarding and training operations, run horse shows, and coordinate large-scale equestrian events. Many graduates of this concentration move into roles such as barn manager, business owner, operations director, or event coordinator—often combining this expertise with a business or communication minor to expand into consulting or entrepreneurship.
Students drawn to service and adaptation
Often select the Therapeutic Riding concentration. These graduates become PATH International certified instructors, run adaptive riding programs, or work with therapy teams in hospitals or community centers. The demand for skilled professionals in this fast-growing field continues to increase, and RMC grads are well-prepared through both coursework and client experience.
For students in other majors, the Equestrian Studies minor
Adds valuable, practical horsemanship and industry knowledge. Business, psychology, biology, pre-vet, or education majors who add this minor stand out when applying for roles at camps, nonprofits, vet clinics, 4-H/FFA, animal-assisted therapy, and more.
Career Highlights
- Cheyenne Aldrich is a middle-school teacher in the Billings Catholic School system.
- Allison Badger earned a master’s degree in history at the University of Montana.
- Bill Dreikosen is head men’s basketball coach at Rocky Mountain College.
- Mike Elliott worked in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua and is now studying sustainable development at Ohio State University.
- Coleen Hoesly is a graduate student in public policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Burt Hurwitz attended law school at the University of Montana and practices law in Great Falls.
- Tyler Matsdorf is the communications director for Senator Max Baucus.
- Allison Palser is an environmental education intern at Shangri-La Gardens and Nature Center.
- Jenna Rakes works in student affairs at the University of Oregon.
- Heather Rathbun Nitz, former Miss Montana, has served in the Peace Corps, worked in alumni relations for Rocky Mountain College, and is currently studying social work in graduate school.
- Luke Shealy is a Peace Corps volunteer working in Gambia.
- Cody Yerger is an environmental impact supervisor.
- Troy Zickefoose is the principal of an elementary school in Laurel, Mont.
Internships
Rocky Mountain College is very proud of its equine internship program. All graduates of the equine program must complete three to six internship credits. Students are paired with sites according to their personal choices and their abilities. Opportunities are available in all facets of the equine industry. Students have interned in equine reproduction, with notable trainers in variety of fields, therapeutic riding programs, international sites, veterinary assistance programs, equine business, and about any combination one can imagine.
Internship sites include:
- Training sites – Todd Crawford, Sandy Vaughn, Don Murphy, Gary and Kelly Roberts, Steve and Carol Metcalf, Pete and Tamera Kyle, Francesca Sternberg (England), Jim Searles, John Briggs, and many others.
- Therapeutic riding sites – Victory Junction (associated with the Kyle Petty Foundation) and the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
- Equine reproduction – Dr. McCarroll in Oklahoma and Dr. Randall in Montana.
- Equine business – Mark Harrell (horse show management), Excell Associates (horse show management), and Kyle Tack.
- Students have also worked at various ranches and summer camp riding programs.
- International opportunities have included Great Britain, Israel, and Ireland.
Beyond the Barn—Transferable Strengths
No matter which path you choose, you’ll build—and be recognized for—skills in leadership, teamwork, business management, ethical standards, and real-world problem solving. RMC equestrian alumni are valued not just for technical skills, but for their adaptability, confidence, and the ability to connect with people as well as horses.
Many of our graduates discover additional interests and opportunities—transitioning into roles in education, communications, non-profit leadership, or even advancing to graduate or veterinary school. The strength of your foundation at Rocky means your options after graduation are broad and meaningful.
Support at Every Step
You’re never on this path alone. From your first internship to your first job search, RMC’s faculty, career services, and alumni network are ready to guide, mentor, and help you connect with leaders across the equine world. Annual career panels, industry visits, resume workshops, and in-course professional development sessions keep you moving forward confidently.
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