Equine Science

Alumnus Mary Bamford, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist/Equestrian Specialist, Bethanna Farm

"My experience with horses at Penn State prepared me well for my profession as a horse therapist - I developed a high comfort level with the animals."

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Overview

The Equine Science Minor is designed for students who wish to supplement their academic major with studies in equine science. This minor is offered by the Department of Dairy and Animal Science.

Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 20 credits. The core prescribed courses develop a foundation in the basic disciplines of animal science and equine science. Additional courses may be selected by the student to allow further specialization and expertise in exercise physiology and training principles, selection and judging, business/farm management, animal genetics and breeding, nutrition, and physiology. With completion of this minor, students will have a foundation of theoretical and practical knowledge along with learning skills for adapting to changes in equine industry. Courses that make up the minor are appropriate for students with and without prior academic or practical experience with horses. The University Horse Farms and the Agricultural Arena are used extensively for supplementing classroom work with hands-on laboratories. Completion of this minor will enhance a student's ability to work directly in horse production and management and allied industries, or continue academic studies in graduate or professional school.

A grade of C or better must be obtained in each course in order to complete the minor.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR: 20-23 credits
(At least 8 credits must be at the 400 level.)

Prescribed Courses (15 credits)

AN SC 037 (2) - Horse and Man
AN SC 201 (4) - Animal Science
AN SC 217 (2) - Introduction to Horse Judging
AN SC 327 (3) - Horse Production and Management
AN SC 407 (3) - Advanced Horse Management

Additional Courses (5-8 credits)

The student must select 3-4 credits from the following list:

AN SC 300 (3) (GN) - Integrated Animal Biology
AN SC 301 (3) - Principles of Animal Nutrition
AN SC 317 (3) - Horse Handling and Training
AN SC 322 (3) - Principles of Animal Breeding
BA 250 (3) - Introduction to Kinesiology
KINES 180 (3) - Movement Bioscience
KINES 202 (4) - Applied Human Anatomy
VB SC 303 (3) - Principles of Animal Disease

400-Level Courses

The student must select, in consultation with the Equine Minor Coordinator, 2-4 credits at the 400 level from the following list:

AN SC 417 (2) - Horse Judging
AN SC 420 (4) - Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
AN SC 423 (3) - Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals
AN SC 426 (2) - Advanced Judging and Selection
AN SC 431W (4) - Physiology of Mammalian Reproduction
AN SC 447 (3) - Applied Equine Behavior
AN SC 457 (3) - Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management
AN SC 467 (3) - Equine Nutrition and Feeding
AGRO 423 (3) - Forage Crop Management

Enrolling

For additional information on the Equine Science Minor please contact the Coordinator, Karen Vines. You may also contact the Animal Sciences Program Coordinator, Dr. Harold Harpster.

Students interested in the Equine Science minor should consult with Karen Vines to complete an Application for Admission to a Minor Program form. Approval by the student's major program adviser is required.