Field Experience & Student Life
May 2, 2023 2025-11-13 21:45Field Experience & Student Life
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At Rocky Mountain College, “hands-on” truly means hands-on. Our equestrian students don’t just study horses—they live, work, learn, and grow alongside them every week. You’ll apply classroom knowledge in real barns, arenas, clinics, shows, and outreach programs, graduating as a confident, adaptable professional.
IHSA Team & Collegiate Judging
Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team:
Compete regionally and nationally in both hunt seat and western events. Learn to ride new horses on the fly, develop poise under pressure, and build lifelong friendships. RMC’s IHSA riders regularly place at zone and national championships.
Judging Team:
Represent RMC at NRHA Futurity, Quarter Horse Congress, AQHA World Show, and more. Practice public speaking, horse evaluation, and real-time decision-making. Judging team members mentor local youth teams, serve as reasons judges at state events, and facilitate competitions for 4-H and FFA.
Colt Training Program
A stand-out experience exclusive to Rocky: students in their junior year may take a young colt and develop it from green to finished under saddle, culminating in a public demonstration and competition. This is a badge of honor for future trainers and a true test of skills in groundwork, communication, and patience.
The Barn as Your Classroom
Riding, training, and horse care aren’t just course credits—they’re daily life. Students are part of a tight-knit barn community and engage in:
- Riding classes three days a week, plus recommended independent ride time.
- Team-based stall and barn chores: Feed, exercise, and care for horses with your group.
- Weekend and break rotations: Ensure all horses receive top-tier care, building responsibility and teamwork.
- White Aspen Ranch: Home to 75+ box stalls, two indoor arenas, a large outdoor arena, turnout pens, and miles of scenic trails for riding and training.
You may lease a program horse or bring your own—RMC makes both options accessible and rewarding.
Therapeutic Riding & Community Service
RMC’s PATH International therapeutic riding center gives students hands-on opportunities to work with riders of all abilities. You’ll gain field hours toward certification, connect with therapists and educators, and make a direct impact in the Billings community and beyond.
Students also volunteer for clinics, camps, and youth events and help support regional and national outreach by providing horses and equipment to 4-H, NILE, and FFA competitions.
Student Life, Clubs, and Community
Equine students form a warm, inclusive community—on campus, in the barn, and at events.
- Barn community: Upperclassmen lead responsibilities, welcoming and guiding new students.
- Clubs & competitions: Join the IHSA team, Judging Team, or help organize campus horse shows and open barns.
- Lifelong friendships: Shared responsibility and mutual respect build strong bonds—your early morning chore partners may become professional references or best friends for life.
- Campus traditions: Hunter hack classes, special clinics, and end-of-year celebrations add fun and peer recognition to your journey.
Travel, Events & Special Opportunities
Throughout your time at RMC, you might:
- Travel for horse shows, clinics, or judging competitions across Montana, Idaho, Utah, and the wider U.S.
- Host and participate in campus-based clinics, camps, guest trainer visits, and student-led demo days.
- Meet and learn from international trainers, world-title judges, and equine entrepreneurs.
