Equestrian Studies
Program Features
- Small class sizes and individualized instruction
- Extensive opportunities to ride with instruction
- Hands-on interaction and responsibilities from day one
- Opportunities to compete and participate in national, regional and community horse shows
- Visiting industry professionals and experts who present clinics on campus and network with students
- Prince of Wales Club, the country’s oldest continuously active riding club, as well as Stephens Equine Therapeutic Association
- Extensive career services and a network of alumni dedicated to helping students connect in the industry
- 100% job placement rate for five years in a row
Additional Application Required
In addition to applying to Stephens College, students interested in majoring in Equestrian Studies must complete a supplemental application.
The Stephens College Equestrian Center
It’s all about location — and the Stephens Equestrian program couldn’t ask for a better one. An easy walk from campus, our Equestrian Center is a vital part of the Stephens College footprint, nestled between campus and downtown on one side and a beautiful park on the other. Our Equestrian Center is also proud to be one of Columbia’s “Most Notable Properties.” For generations, the center has been home to a special group of horses including Quarter Horses, Saddlebreds, Paints and Pintos, and Warmbloods.
Our center is also the center of our commitment to mid-Missouri and the community we call home. Various public events and summer camps invite the community to enjoy the experience of riding as well.
Riding Experience
No prior riding experience is required for either track. Our curriculum is designed to help students understand equine behavior and horse handling to ensure they are prepared for the wide variety of careers involving the business and science aspects of the industry. Our equine behavior and horse handling courses make students particularly well attuned to equine behavioral signals to ensure their safety while working with young and potentially unpredictable animals.
The equestrian program gave me the opportunity to become the horsewoman I always wanted to be. The program opened doors I never would have found on my own, and fostered a love and respect for the animal and for equestrian sport that I could not have discovered anywhere else. To be able to network across the country with my former internships, old classmates, professors and alumni is a special gift. My coworkers are amazed at the vast experiences I gained in four short years.
Margaret Sheldon ’17, Equestrian Director at YMCA Camp Willson in Bellefontaine, Ohio
What does a block schedule look like?
Take a look at the below sample block schedule for a first-year Equine major. The Block offers the rare opportunity to focus on what matters: learning, doing, and getting ready for your future. Want to know more? Contact an Advisor academicaffairs@stephens.edu.
Four Disciplines, Two Tracks, One Family
No matter your focus, you’ll find a caring faculty who help you find your path, a sense of community and commitment, and a supportive culture. We offer four riding disciplines: Huntseat, Western, Saddle Seat, and Driving.
We also offer two focus areas, which we call “tracks”. Learn more below.
Equine Business Track
This track is designed for students interested in the organizational, managerial and commercial aspects of the equine industry, as well as for students interested in advanced performance horse care and stable management. Careers in this field include barn manager, broodmare or stallion management, bloodstock agent, equine insurance, pharmaceutical sales representative, breed organization employee, equine journalist, graphic design for equine publication, equine supply sales representative, tack store manager/owner, small business owner and social media manager.
Equine Science Track
This track is designed for students interested in pursuing careers dedicated to equine health and management. Our program works closely with other programs in the School of Health Sciences to ensure our students are prepared for a field in equine health. Professions dedicated to equine health include the always popular option of equine veterinary medicine. Other careers in equine health include massage therapist, equine farrier, equine chiropractor, equine dental technician, equine nutrition/sales representative and equine veterinary technician.
Equestrian Studies Minor
Please contact Sara Linde Patel at slinde@stephens.edu with questions about the equestrian studies minor and how it can enhance your major.
Minor Requirements
The minor in equestrian studies requires the completion of 20 semester hours of which 8 hours must be in applied riding.
EQS Riding: 4 classes (8 hrs.)
EQS 130: Equine Management I (3 hrs.)
EQS 137: Equine Management II (3 hrs.)
EQS 310: Stable Management I (3 hrs.)
EQS 410: Horse Keeper (3 hrs.)
Related programs
Contact Us
Equestrian Studies
Sara Linde-Patel, coordinator
(573) 876-7144
slinde@stephens.eduStephens College Equestrian Center