Equine Science, B.TECH.

This degree offering focuses on developing and enhancing the management and horsemanship skills of students at all levels. As students progress through the degree, they will select one of the following options as a specialization: equine science and management (hunt seat, western, or draft concentration); breeding management;  equine rehabilitation and therapy; or equine business management. The program concludes with a semester of work internship or international exchange program in which students work in real-world businesses outside of the college to complete the degree requirements.

The strengths of the Equine Science Program are mainly twofold: first in the range of courses, which offers ample practical experience in handling horses and provides the student with the opportunity to concentrate on breeding, training, nutrition, and management specifically with horses, rather than with a generalized group of livestock. The second strength of the program is the quality of the faculty, staff and facilities available to the student. The college has two 100-foot by 200-foot indoor arenas, an 80-foot by 264-foot indoor riding arena, two 100-foot by 200-foot outdoor arenas, a half-mile racing track, three horse barns, a 34,000 square foot breeding and training facility, four hot walkers, Eurociser, paddocks, and all of the associated equipment and supplies necessary for a suitable educational experience. The SUNY Morrisville Equine Rehabilitation Center (SUNY Morrisville ERC) facility includes a 22,000 square foot rehabilitation center building with classroom and administrative offices, a large rehabilitation treatment area, and ten stalls. Additionally, a 31-stall barn for Equine Rehab client over-flow, the Draft and Driving Horse Program, and a 140 by 300 foot indoor arena are also located at this facility. Therapeutic modalities available at the Equine Rehabilitation Center include aquatic therapies (underwater treadmill, cold salt water spa therapy, indoor swimming pool), therapeutic ultrasound, laser therapy (Class IIIB), cold compression therapy, solariums, and therapeutic exercises.

Faculty and staff have a broad range of industry experience, including licensure by the United States Trotting Association and/or New York State Racing and Wagering Board as trainers and/or drivers, certification for specific technical areas, and are carded judges for various breed organizations including AQHA, NRHA, and APHA. The college also has intercollegiate riding teams (hunt seat and western) and state-of-the-art equipment in all facets of the program.

All of the above provide for an industry-ready and quality equine education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate safe procedures, sound judgment and critical thinking skills in human and horse interactions when handling on the ground, astride or driving.
• Further develop and be able to evaluate proper body position and effective use of seat, leg, hands and/or voice aids for ground-handling, riding or driving.
• Conduct the necessary research, analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking skills required of equine management and demonstrate the ability to develop a well-organized approach to address common problems related to equine training and management.
• Utilize an understanding of equine behavior and to develop trained responses in project horses.
• Develop a balanced ration by evaluating potential feedstuff and utilize the principles of nutrition to meet the needs of horses that is commensurate with varied uses and workloads.
• Apply the principles and techniques of modern equine reproduction and evaluate current breeding management practices to improve breeding efficiency.
• Utilize a systematic method of evaluating conformation and observing performance to accurately gauge individual improvement and to make qualified comparisons between horses.
• Develop and implement health management practices and skills to recognize signs of lameness and a fundamental understanding of treatment therapies.
• Develop a positive, confident outlook and a responsible work ethic that is likely to attract success as an equine professional.
• Develop sound ethical principles and judgment when dealing with employers, employees, and clients.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement a business plan for a small to moderate-sized horse establishment.

SUNY General Education Requirements:  All SUNY Morrisville BTech degree programs require completion of at least 30 credits of SUNY GE, a minimum of seven (out of ten) knowledge and skills areas (including the four required knowledge and skills areas as indicated below), and completion of the two core competencies. The specific courses required within each knowledge and skills area/core competency for this degree program are outlined below.

Knowledge and Skills Areas:

Core Competencies:

Curriculum Requirements

A minimum of 120 credits is required for degree completion. Students must select an option in Equine Science & Management, Equine Business Management, Breeding Management, or Equine Rehabilitation & Therapy (see below for curriculum information).

Equine Science & Management Option

¹

ERID 200 Western Riding required for Western Specialization, elective for others.

²

ERID 220 Western Dressage for Western Specialization

Equine Business Management Option

Breeding Management Option

Equine Rehabilitation & Therapy Option

Sample Course Sequence

Equine Science & Management Option

Equine Business Management Option

Breeding Management Option

Equine Rehabilitation & Therapy Option