Equine College Programs in Minnesota

Equine science is the study of horse management, health, disease, anatomy, nutrition, riding, training, and business practices.  If you have plans to own a horse business, teach riding lessons, or train horses, this is a program that you should consider.  Equine science programs give students the tools they will need to succeed in the horse industry and an opportunity to network with other students and professionals.  Minnesota is home to three College Equine Programs.  Programs are located at the University of Minnesota – St. Paul (U of M), University of Minnesota – Crookston (UMC) and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC).

Students can now study Equine Science at the U of M in St. Paul.  The Animal Science Equine Option offers a great educational opportunity for students who want to obtain a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, and would also like to sub-specialize in the study of Equine Science. For students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, the Animal Science program has a close relationship with the College of Veterinary Medicine, and advises a Pre-Veterinary Club that brings together students with similar career goals and helps them prepare for veterinary college admission. For more information contact Christie Ward at malaz002@umn.edu or visit the website at:  www.ansci.umn.edu/prospective_students.htm

UMC offers both a 4 year Bachelor’s of Science degree and a 2 year Associates degree in Equine Science. In addition, within the Bachelor of Science degree program, UMC offers an emphasis in Pre-Veterinarian studies. All students participating in the 4 year program are also required to complete an internship in the horse industry, one of the most vital components of the degree program. Participating in an internship gives the student an opportunity to make contact with established professionals in the horse business community. For more information about the UMC equine program please contact Ron Del Vecchio at 218-281-8109 or delve004@umn.edu or visit the website at: http://academics.umcrookston.edu/agri/EquineIndustries/

RCTC, located in Rochester, MN, has a new equine science associate program (about 2 years to complete), and the only equine program that offers certificates (which take about 1 year to complete).  The degree majors at RCTC are Horse Husbandry, Riding and Training, and Equine Business Practices.   These programs offers courses in western horsemanship, hunt seat equitation, colt starting, and internship programs. Students who wish to complete a 4-year equine science degree can take 2 years of classes at RCTC and transfer directly to UMC to complete the degree in four years.  For more information contact Julie Christie at 507-398-2326 or Julie.Christie@roch.edu or visit the website at: www.rctc.edu/program/eqsc/

U of M, UMC, and RCTC also offers its equine students the opportunity to participate in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).  The IHSA has a circuit of Hunt Seat and Western shows at various campuses in the Midwest throughout the school year.  As a team, students travel to horse shows and compete against riders who are at a similar level.  These riders build lifelong friendships and acquire priceless competition experience.