Equestrian Studies | Houghton University

Prepare for your professional equestrian career while thriving in Christian community.

Known for academic excellence, professionalism and experiential learning, Equestrian Studies at Houghton will prepare you to ride, teach and train using the principles of classical dressage. Through this high-quality equine program, you'll be equipped to pursue a career as a professional coach, trainer, equine studies professor, riding program director, equine entrepreneur and so much more. Nestled in the hills of the beautiful Genesee valley, enjoy first-class facilities in a Christian environment.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's

Degree Types: BS in Sport, Recreation and Wellness Management with Equestrian Studies Concentration

Areas of Emphasis: Management, Performance

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s program in Equestrian Studies, you will:

Earn your Certified Horsemanship Association certification.
Compete in open and United States Equestrian Federation/United States Dressage Federation-recognized competitions.
Learn and train under Certified Horsemanship Association-certified professors and Fédération Equestre Internationale level clinicians.
Get hands-on by teaching lessons to children and adults in the community.
Enjoy first-class facilities on 386 acres of farmland, trails and cross-country.
Work with 30 school horses trained in multiple disciplines, or board your own horse.
Gain experience in five disciplines, dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, western and trail riding.

Why study Equestrian at Houghton?

Specialize Your Studies

Choose between equine performance or equine management. These tracks give you a solid foundation for preparing to enter the equestrian venue as a professional in teaching, training, facility management and related careers. Along the way, you will get involved in five disciplines:

Dressage
Hunter/Jumper
Eventing
Western
Trail Riding

Hands-on Learning Through Leadership

You’ll have opportunities to practice what you are learning in the classroom by stepping into positions of leadership. This includes managing shows, clinics and other events, becoming a teaching assistant for riding classes, teaching riding lessons to the community (after receiving Certified Horsemanship Association certification), serving as a club officer with the Equestrian Society and more!

Equine Assisted Therapy

Earn a minor in equine-assisted therapy to help individuals with disabilities in various settings using horses and a variety of facilitation techniques. You can pursue certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship through an internship field placement.

Equine Assisted Therapy Minor

Aerial view of Houghton University's Equestrian Center. One of the few equestrian colleges in NY.

First-Class Facilities in an Idyllic Rural Setting

Named one of the 20 Most Amazing College Equestrian Centers in the country by Best Value Schools, Houghton's Equestrian Center includes:

Event Center with geothermal heating and cooling, 100’x 220’ indoor arena, bleacher seating for 200, classroom, concession stand, restrooms, changing rooms, two wash racks and 12 box stalls
Five barns with 51 box stalls
A full cross-country course and a variety of riding trails
Multiple pastures ranging from three to seven acres
60’ × 145’ indoor arena with heated viewing/classroom attached
100’ × 240’ outdoor stadium jumping ring
20 m × 60 m dressage arena

Explore the Equestrian Center

Meet a Faculty Member

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses

EQST 222 Equestrian Pedagogy Methods

Become a certified riding instructor in both English and Western disciplines. Study lesson safety, planning, and implementation based on Certified Horsemanship Association standards and materials.

EQST 238 Equine Science I

This course provides a systematic approach to basic equine anatomy, physiology and important disease processes. This content is essential for any equine professional or educated hobbyist. This course also highlights current equine medical points of interest or disease outbreaks. You will also learn how to select and communicate with qualified equine medical professionals.

EQST 231 Equine Facility Management I

This course focuses on principles of horse management, equestrian competition, and equine programming. You will have the opportunity to obtain a certification through CHA’s Equine Facility Manager Program.

Degree Options

BS - 124 credits

55-63 credits
Required Courses

61-69 credits
Elective courses + general education

Degree Requirements - Management Degree Requirements - Performance

Areas of Emphasis

Management

Performance

What can I do with Equestrian Studies?

Career Opportunities

Students graduating from the Equestrian Studies program at Houghton University are prepared for careers as:

Barn Managers

Groomers

Horse Farm Managers

Animal Care and Service Workers

Breeding Managers

Veterinarians

See Pre-Veterinary Program

Required further education.

Graduate School

Master's degrees options for those studying equestrian:

Animal Science
Business Administration (MBA)
Equine Science
Veterinary Medicine

16%

Career growth for Animal Care and Service Workers.

From 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Recent equestrian studies alumni Natalie Sommons riding on horse at Houghton University's Equestrian Center in NY.

Fearless Adventurer

Natalie Sommons ’23 transferred to Houghton to follow her passion for horses at world-class equestrian facilities. Now, Natalie is confident for her future career in equestrian management thanks to the close camaraderie of students and professors and highly trained horses.

Learn more about Alumni Success and Outcomes