What is the equine-assisted activities and therapies minor?
Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) are dynamic treatments that focus on the frequent, rhythmic, low-amplitude movement of horses to help individuals achieve specific physical, cognitive, social and emotional goals. The minor in program provides students with exposure to several disciplines within this diverse field. The required courses introduce students to key concepts in equine handling and EAAT, including equine skills and the opportunity to test for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding.
Why study equine-assisted activities and therapies at UNH?
UNH is one of a handful of PATH Intl. Level III Higher Education Centers. Through the PATH Intl. Premier Accredited UNH Therapeutic Riding Program, undergraduates have the opportunity to work with individuals who have physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities and learn how to create an environment that integrates members of the disabled and able-bodied communities. Students in the program can earn their Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International instructor certification, which enables them to teach at any PATH International operating center in the world. Students have daily opportunities to work with horses in numerous facilities that are located within a 10-minute walk from campus.
Potential career areas
- Counselor for mental health or youth at risk
- Veteran's programming
- Fundraiser
- Nonprofit manager
- Hippotherapy
- Therapeutic riding instructor
- Therapeutic riding center manager
- Volunteer coordinator
Curriculum & Requirements
The minor in Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) provides students with exposure to several disciplines within this diverse field. The required courses introduce students to key concepts in equine handling and EAAT, including equine skills and the opportunity to test for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding.
The elective courses list for the proposed EAAT minor are designed to provide students with supporting knowledge of equine-specific topics and non-profit challenges necessary for professionals working in the EAAT field.
Students in the EAAT minor will take a total of 20 credit hours. Students must receive a minimum grade of C- in any course used for the minor. Students failing to do this will need to retake the course in order to receive credit. In accordance with University policy, up to 8 credit hours may count for both the minor as well as for the major, second major, or dual major. Students pursuing a degree in Equine Studies will NOT be eligible to complete the minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ANSC 437 | Equine Husbandry Techniques | 4 |
| or ANSC 426 | Equine Conformation and Lameness | |
| ANSC 500 | Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies | 4 |
| ANSC 643 | Principles of Therapeutic Riding Instruction | 4 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives (Select at least 8 credits from the below) | ||
| Choose 1: | 2-4 | |
| ANSC 405 | Theory of Horsemanship | 2 |
| or ANSC 422 & ANSC 402 | Introduction to Horsemanship Theory and Horsemanship Lab | |
| or ANSC 522 & ANSC 402 | Ethical Horsemanship - Considerations and Theory and Horsemanship Lab | |
| ANSC 426 | Equine Conformation and Lameness | 4 |
| ANSC 437 | Equine Husbandry Techniques | 4 |
| ANSC 635 | Nonprofit Management for Agriculture Business | 4 |
| ANSC 640 | Principles of Riding Instruction (W) | 4 |
| ANSC 641 | Principles of Dressage Instruction | 2 |
| ANSC 744 | Advanced Concepts in Therapeutic Riding Instruction | 4 |
| ANSC 795W | Investigations | 1-4 |
| OT 510 | Exploring Occupational Therapy and Occupation | 4 |
| PSYC 561 | Abnormal Behavior | 4 |
| RMP 501 | Recreation Services for Individuals with Disabilities | 4 |
