Goals and Objectives

The Equine Science Minor provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in an important agricultural industry. The United States horse industry is a $25.3 billion dollar business based on economic activity associated with 6.9 million horses and 7.1 million participants (American Horse Council, Dec. 1996). A combination of courses provides students with a firm foundation in equine breeding, genetics, nutrition, selection, evaluation, and management. This combination of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience prepares students to compete in the economically diverse and productive horse business. Many graduates work in the allied industries such as breed associations, feed companies, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. Others continue their education for a professional degree, such as veterinary medicine, or work toward a Masters or PhD.

The course work would provide the following:

1. An understanding of the scope of the industry and its economical value to society.
2. An understanding of the biological principles involved in the nutrition and production of animals.
3. An insight into animal behavior and man's ability to humanely use it for his benefit as well as for the animal's well being.
4. The ability to apply knowledge gained to solve problems and to integrate solutions to attain successful horse production and management.

Restrictions and General Information

1. This minor is not available to students majoring in Animal, Dairy, or Poulty Science.
2. A minimum overall CPHR for courses cmoprising the minor should be 2.0.
3. A minor should be declared at the time a student accumlates 90 hours.
4. A student may not double-count courses between the minor and other requirements except where approved by the University.
5. Courses taken on a pass/non-pass basis may not be applied to the minor.

CURRICULUM: 20-24 hours required

Required Courses: (14 hours)

Animal Science 201 Fundamentals of the Horse Industry (U 5)

Uses of the horse, the economic impact on society, and the basic science of equine nutrition, reproduction, genetics, disease control, housing, and general management.

Au qtr. 3 cl., 1 2-hr lab

Animal Science 331 Practical Horse Feeding (U 4)

The nutrient needs of the horse. The significance of supplements and feeds as they relate to the horse's nutrition and health.

Sp qtr. 4 cl. Not Available for ADP Science Major credit, not open for students having AS 632 or 430 credit.

Animal Science 541 Equine Reproduction Management (U 5)

Study of equine reproductive management and its use in a breeding and foaling program with emphasis in mare and stallion care for maximum reproductive efficiency.

Sp qtr. 3 1-hr cl. 2 2-hr labs Preq: 201 and 331 or 330

Required Electives: (6-10 hours)

Health, Physical Education, and Recreation 161 Horseback Riding (U 1)

Basic skills of equitation and an understanding of safety. Subdivided based on skill level. Repeatable to a maximum of 3 hours, subdivisions not repeatable for credit. Students will be charged a stable fee for these courses.

161.01 Beginning Equitation
Basic principles of riding and safety with horses.

161.02 Equitation - level 2
Advancement in equitation skills with emphasis on improved form and control.
Preq. 161.01 or Pass Riding Test

161.03 Equitation - level 3
Using and fine tuning equitation skills in patterns and over low jumps.
Preq. 161.02 or Pass Riding Test

Au, Wi, Sp, Su qtrs. 1 3-hr. lab

Animal Science 271 Equine Behavior, Conditioning, and Farrier Science (U 4)

Understanding behavior and the physiology of conditioning of the horse and using that knowledge to produce humane training methods. Also practical experience in Farrier Science.

Wi qtr. 5-2hr labs Permission of instructor. Not available for ADP Science Majors

Animal Science 301 Equine Selection and Evaluation (U 3)

Understanding the relationship of form to function. To be able to evaluate conformation and performance and to orally defend that evaluation.

Wi qtr. 2-3hr labs, Preq. AS 200 or 201

Animal Science 341 Equine Farm Operations and Marketing (U 4)

Designing a horse operation and using computer programs for farm management. Marketing includes promotion and sale strategies. Touring of local equine facilities.

Wi qtr. 2 1-hr cl. 1 2-hr lab Preq; 201 Not available for ADP Science Major credit. Agricultural Economics 401 or 402 may be taken in place of Animal Science 341.

Animal Science 593 Individual Studies (in Equine) (U 2-3)

Designing an independent project on a topic related to the equine or the equine industry.