College of sciences
Equestrian Studies – Western Riding/Training Emphasis
Our Western Equestrian Studies program emphasizes advanced riding ability, horsemanship, and professional development for students pursuing careers working with horses in a variety of Western disciplines.
Overview
About the Program
The University of Findlay’s Western Equestrian Studies program provides students with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the Western performance horse industry. This program emphasizes advanced riding ability, horsemanship, and professional development for students pursuing careers working with horses in a variety of Western disciplines.
With five days of instructor-led riding each week, students gain extensive hands-on experience supported by an exceptional school horse herd and guidance from experienced, industry-recognized instructors. The program is designed to develop both riding proficiency and professional skills, preparing students for long-term success in the equine industry.
Program
Highlights
Work with nationally and internationally renowned instructors
Be exposed to all facets of the equine industry
Work individually with multiple horses through the semester
Have a guaranteed five days of instructor led riding and training time at the barn each week
College of sciences
At a Glance
College
College of Sciences
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies
Format
On-Campus
Required credits
120+ Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies must complete the following curriculum.
The curriculum consists of required courses. View the full curriculum in the University of Findlay Undergraduate Catalog.
The emphasis curriculum consists of required courses. View the full curriculum for in the University of Findlay Undergraduate Catalog.
opportunities
Clubs and Activities
There are many opportunities outside of the classroom to get involved, including:
- Block & Bridle
- Horse Club
- Collegiate Future Farmers of America
- Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
- Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)
- Ranch Horse Team
- Eventing Team
- IHSA Hunt Seat Team
- IHSA Western Team
incoming students
Student Requirements
- Work three (3) weekends per semester.
- As part of the hiring process at the University, you will need to complete Section 1 of the Federal Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation as listed on the ‘Lists of Acceptable Documents’ page of the I-9. Per this document, you must provide one document from List A OR one from List B AND one from List C. All documents must be original and unexpired.
- Students will be paid for 2 work weekends each semester.
- General chores around the barn, including, but not limited to: stall cleaning, sweeping, de-cobwebbing and cleaning buckets, walls and drains.
- Rotation of feeding chores for all horses on the property.
- Take and log your horse’s temperature daily.
- Adhere to the dress code at all times while at the barn.
- Occasionally unload and stack hay during assigned times or during work weekends.
Riding Video (only if you plan to bring your own horse) – submit by August 1
Liability Form – submit by August 1 (If student is under age 18.)
The dress code for the Western Equestrian Studies Program will be as follows:
- No facial piercings (no eyebrow or nose rings).
- Jewelry and earrings are to be kept simple and to a minimum.
- No shirts with less than 2-inch shoulder straps (no “spaghetti” straps or camisoles).
- All jeans must be loose enough to get on a horse – western style (example: Wrangler, Cruel Girl, Cinch, etc.).
- All shirts must be tucked in when riding – no crop tops (no backs or belly buttons showing).
- Clothing may not have concert promotions, suggestive or explicit language displayed.
- Absolutely no sandals, open-toed shoes or shorts are to be worn at the barn. This includes weekends, holidays, horse shows and evening visits.
- Long sleeve, button-down shirt with a collar for riding tests and finals is required.
- Helmet Policy: Wearing an ATSM/SEI certified helmet is encouraged when riding. An ATSM/SEI certified helmet is required when jumping or engaging in gymnastics or riding English. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are required to wear an ATSM/SEI certified helmet or hockey helmet when working with or riding an unbroken horse in a round pen.
- Please remember, the ring is a classroom, as is any time you spend at the barn. Address instructors, barn staff, interns and peers with respect. The ring is for students participating in a lesson or those taking notes on a lesson. All those participating and observing will be expected to pay attention and keep extraneous noise to a minimum.
All freshmen will need to bring their own tack and the equipment needed to care for a horse. Click the button below for a full list of required western tack.
Your equipment represents a large investment and we want to help you keep it safe and in good condition. Findlay provides tack lockers for each student, so it won’t be necessary to bring one.
Additional questions?
Please feel free to contact our Director of Equestrian Studies, at mmarsh@findlay.edu or 419-434-6364.
college of Sciences
Accreditation
The College of Sciences is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
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