Equine Science & Management, A.A.S.

The strengths of the Equine Science and Management program are mainly twofold: first in the range of courses, which offer practical experience in handling horses. The program 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, two hot walkers, Eurociser, paddocks, and all of the associated equipment and supplies necessary for a suitable educational experience. Additionally, there are more than 250 horses on site.

The SUNY Morrisville Equine Rehabilitation Center (SUNY MorrisvilleERC) facility includes a 22,000 square foot rehabilitation center building with classroom and administrative offices, a large rehabilitation treatment area, and ten stalls. A 31-stall barn for Equine Rehab over-flow, the Draft and Driving Horse Program, and a 140 by 300 foot indoor riding 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.

SUNY Morrisville employs 14 full-time faculty and staff, with a wide range of professional experience, in the Equine Science program area. The curriculum provides for the development of skills including care and training of horses, riding, driving, breeding and business and stable management. Students who major in Equine Science have varied objectives. Many intend to pursue a career in some aspect of the horse industry, while others may take technical courses from other areas of study to expand their employment base.

The career option prepares students to directly enter the industry upon graduation or to continue their equine education in one of the options in the bachelor of technology in Equine Science. The general option enables students to experience the horse industry while preparing for an allied field of employment. Both options are very flexible and can be developed based on individual interests and goals.

Student 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.
• Develop and/or recognize 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.
• Demonstrate an understanding of equine behavior and how it relates to developing trained responses.
• Understand the importance of providing a balanced ration and be able to apply principles of nutrition to meet the needs of horses that is commensurate with varied uses and workloads.
• Understand the principles and techniques of modern equine reproduction and how utilization of sound breeding management practices can 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.

Curriculum Requirements

A minimum of 64 credits is required for degree completion.

General Option

Career Option

Suggested Course Sequence

General Option

Career Option