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)

• 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.