Equine Studies Degree at Christian Colleges

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

The partnership between man and horse is, perhaps, as old as history. Where there have been men, there have been horses assisting in roles from field work, farming, and travel companion to warrior and great steed. Our connection with these powerful creatures spans not just history but modern culture and media, with movies, rodeos, races, farming, and cowboy culture as just a few examples. An Equine studies degree explores the connection that we have with horses through the different arenas of our interaction, such as riding, biology, business, athleticism, and everything in between.

Though not many Christian colleges offer an equine studies degree, those that do can offer more than the average university. While developing the skills and knowledge needed by those who major in equine studies, they can also provide Spiritual nurturing, Biblical teaching, and an understanding of creation as belonging to God, stewarded by us. Christian colleges offering an equine studies degree can give students a space to grow spiritually and learn relevant skills and information for their desired career.

Example careers for those who choose to major in equine studies:

• Horse Trainer: Horse Trainers are responsible for preparing horses to accomplish specific tasks, such as riding, competition, or work. They have to know about horses’ behavior and psychology, so as to develop discipline, obedience, and teach them specialized skills. Building trust with the animals is a key aspect that makes a trainer effective. They also provide guidance about care and handling of the horses to owners.
• Riding Instructor: Riding Instructors teach individuals the trade of horseback riding. There are different styles of riding that instructors teach students, in addition to the basics, such as balance, riding techniques, and communication. Riding Instructors gauge the skill of a rider and tailor their instruction to meet students’ specific goals.
• Equine-assisted Therapist: An Equine-assisted Therapist helps individuals dealing with trauma, addiction, behavioral issues, or disabilities through therapeutic practices and horse interactions. These interactions help build confidence, trust, communication, and develop motor skills through riding or groundwork.
• Equine scientist: Equine Scientists study horses’ biology, physiology, genetics, and behavior in order to improve their care, performance, and management. They research areas like reproduction, nutrition, disease-prevention, and physical performance, contributing to advancement in a number of equine-related fields, such as veterinary care and stable management.
• Breeding Manager: Breeding Managers are vital to the breeding process and maintenance of successful reproductive programs. They oversee the stallion and mare care, breeding schedules and methods, monitor the pregnancies, and assist with the births to ensure healthy foals. Keeping genetic records is also part of the job. Often, they work closely with veterinarians, trainers, and stable workers/managers.
• Rodeo Professional: A Rodeo Professional may compete in an event at a Rodeo or work within the Rodeo Industry. They often specialize in one event, like bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, or roping. Their work may involve training to stay in peak condition, traveling to compete, managing and preparing the livestock, or judging the shows.

The Equine Studies degree boasts of relatively high placement rates, with some colleges listing 100% of their graduates placed in careers within a year of graduation. However, it is important to note that Equine studies is a small major, with most colleges that offer the equine studies degree turning out less than 30 graduates in the major per year. These small numbers may contribute to the high placement rates, but they certainly don’t discount the benefit of likely employment following graduation. The small number of graduates combined with a field full of opportunities and a salary outlook of around $55,880 makes the choice to major in equine studies seemingly a no-brainer for horse-lovers.

A big part of landing the career you want with an equine studies degree is zeroing in on the specifics early. What specific career are you looking for? How can you tailor your classes, your extracurriculars, and your internships to that career? For the different possible careers you can land in with an equine studies degree, there are different skills and knowledge to be acquired. Finding out early what your desired career is can help you start laying the groundwork during your college years to make success not just possible, but likely.

Once you know what you want, you can start focusing your studies, experiences, and potential internships and mentorships to meet your specific, equine-related goals. This is where networking and extracurriculars come in. You’ll want to join some Equine organizations, depending on the area you want to focus on, and attend some meetings to make connections within your arena of interest. Find mentors in the field, if you can, who can offer you relevant advice and tips to bolster your professional profile. Look for events that you can attend or volunteer at to get your foot in the door and build up experience, and get exposure to the animals and the environment you would be working in. Volunteer opportunities show that your interest goes deeper than paid experience and paint you as a passionate and dedicated individual, which is a great way to make you stand out when you get to the employment process. You’ll also want to invest your time in internship opportunities to give you consistent time and practice in the workplace and with the animals, giving you a feel for what realistic expectations to have about your future career (and how to prepare for it).

As with any career, there are important characteristics that will make you more likely to succeed, such as being a good communicator. Not only will you need to be able to work with and communicate with other people, as any career related to an equine studies degree likely involves working with other people, you’ll also need to be good with horses. Being fond of them is one thing, being able to pick up on the slightest change in mood through the smallest physical or behavioral cues is another—and it’s essential. Horses, while often friendly, are powerful and dangerous when out of control. It’s imperative that you are able to handle and identify mood shifts, be a calming presence for the animals, and connect with them. Much of the work requires patience, adaptability, and leadership skills. Being physically capable is also a key component in this line of work, as much of the day-to-day with the animals will involve directing them, manual labor, and working outside. These characteristics, paired, of course, with a strong passion to work with horses, will make for an ideal candidate in any of the equine-related careers, and, potentially, a ministry setting.

Works Cited:

• “Equestrian Studies.” Data USA, datausa.io/profile/cip/equestrian-studies. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
• “How Much Money Can You Make with an Equine Science Degree?” CareerExplorer, www.careerexplorer.com/degrees/equine-science-degree/salary/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
• “School of Equine Studies.” School of Equine Studies | Lake Erie College, lec.edu/school-of-equine-studies/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
• College, Stephens. “Equestrian Studies.” Stephens College Home Page, www.stephens.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/equestrian-studies/. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Throughout the Bible, we are shown that a horse is not just powerful, beautiful, and a symbol of wealth and blessing, but also a companion to man and heavenly hosts. Horses are a steed, a partner in Battle and might, but also a reminder that strength comes from the Creator, God, who is powerful in His creating.

Revelation 19:14
“The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.”

Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

An equine studies degree can give someone the valuable skills needed to open multiple doors for ministry and outreach. With the right education, equine therapy or counseling is a great ministry opportunity, catering to those in need of healing from addiction, trauma, or disabilities. Horses are great companions, and equine therapy can provide a safe space to heal and gain confidence and open up an avenue for gospel conversations and Biblical healing. Christian Horse camps and riding schools are another great way to engage with kids and horse-lovers while teaching Biblical values, providing a space to worship, and sharing testimonies.

Those who choose to major in equine studies also have the unique position of offering their knowledge in more rural settings around the world where horses are more widely used for one reason or another. These individuals can teach locals how to care for the animal, ride them, breed them, and so on, while also sharing the gospel, acting out the love of God, and fostering a safe community. Whether abroad or local, this work can have a profound impact, create trust in a community, and showcase the heart of God.

Those who choose to major in equine studies can make a difference in the lives of both horses and people, pursuing ministry, business, or something else entirely. If you are passionate about horses, a strong communicator, patient, and prepared for physical labor, then the Lord may be calling you to an equine studies degree!