College of sciences
Equestrian Studies – English Riding/Training Emphasis
Our English Equestrian program is a nationally recognized leader in collegiate equine education.
Overview
About the Program
The University of Findlay’s English Equestrian Studies program develops skilled, knowledgeable equestrian professionals through a strong emphasis on riding ability, horsemanship, and industry readiness. This program is designed for students who want to build careers working with horses and the people who shape the equine industry, while gaining advanced English riding skills and professional experience.
With five days of instructor-led riding each week, students receive intensive, hands-on training supported by an exceptional school horse herd and guidance from nationally and internationally recognized instructors. For more than 40 years, the program has set a standard of excellence in equestrian education, preparing graduates for success in the competitive equine industry.
Program
Highlights
Work with nationally and internationally renowned instructors
Be exposed to all facets of the equine industry
Work individually with at least one horse 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 these areas below.
Curriculum
Freshman Video Requirements
All incoming freshman riders need to submit a video of them riding. Depending on your discipline, your video should include the following:
Dressage: You may send a video of a dressage show test. No more than five minutes of walking, trotting, canter in both directions, and; any other movements that you are able to perform.
Hunter/Jumper and Eventing: Five minutes total that includes:
- Flatwork: walk, trot, canter in each direction, and any other dressage movements that you are able to perform.
- Jumping (if applicable): Provide footage of your current jumping skills and height ability (only include the height at which you are currently jumping in lessons and/or shows).
Videos accepted will be on YouTube or dropped into Google Drive and shared with Jill at jill.jewett@findlay.edu and Trisha at trisha.boutwell@findlay.edu.
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
Findlay’s Equestrian Studies program utilizes a hands-on approach to learning, designed to give you the most practical experience that will translate to success in the equestrian industry. Below, you will find important information about the English program and our expectations of you as an English equestrian student.
- 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 weekends each semester.
- General chores around the barn, including but not limited to, stall cleaning six (6) days per week, excluding special farm events.
- Rotation of feeding chores for all horses on the property.
- Take and log your horse’s temperature daily.
- Daily turn-out of your horse.
- Adhere to the barn dress code at all times, including holidays, weekends and evenings.
- Occasionally unload and stack hay during assigned times or during your work weekends.
Freshman Riding Video – submit by July 1
Liability Form – submit by August 1 (If student is under age 18.)
The dress code for the English Equestrian Studies Program will be as follows:
- All exposed piercings must be removed with the exception of small earrings. Jewelry and earrings are to be kept simple and to a minimum.
- A polo shirt is recommended, however a sleeveless shirt with a collar may be worn. Shirts must be tucked into pants with a belt at all times. No tank tops will be permitted.
- No riding “tights”; breeches only (example: Hoof and Woof, Tailored Sportsman, Ariat, Grand Prix, etc.). Conservative colors are recommended.
- Clothing may not have concert promotions, or suggestive or explicit language displayed.
- NO sandals, open-toed shoes or shorts of any kind will be permitted at the barn. This includes weekends, holidays, horse shows and evening visits.
- Always strive for a polished look – hair should be up and contained. Hairnets are required.
- Helmet Policy: Wearing an ASTM/SEI certified helmet is mandatory when riding.
- Cell phones must be turned off in any arena area.
- Please remember that 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. We will have retailers at the farm during the first few weeks of the fall semester. If you are unable to acquire all of your equipment before arriving or you have additional questions about your equipment, you can wait until you arrive to meet with the retailers.
See the following list for what you’ll need to bring:
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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