Laurie Chapman-Bosco
PROGRAM COORDINATOR - EQUINE
PROFESSOR
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Elizabeth Johnson
SENIOR LECTURER -
Sarah Rigg
PRINCIPAL LECTURER
Equine Studies Major: Equine Science Option (B.S.)
Equine Studies Major: Equine Science Option (B.S.)
Beginning in Fall of 2023, a new option within the animal science major will be offered for students to pursue a course of study that includes equine-specific classes with strong hands-on components.
Current UNH students in our equine programs admitted prior to Fall of 2023 will continue to have access to the same high-quality education and resources until they graduate.
The equine studies major is no longer accepting new students.
For more information, please contact anfs.dept@unh.edu.
What is equine studies with an equine science option?
gaining a solid foundation in equine science. Core courses include genetics, equine disease, equine sports medicine, equine reproduction and animal nutrition.Students also may study subjects ranging from mammalian physiology to forage and grassland management to animal behavior and cognition. Many students in the program continue their studies in veterinary school or in other graduate-level subjects.
Why study equine science at UNH?
The UNH equine science degree program offers a unique and well-rounded curriculum that combines award-winning equestrian teams with strong academics and outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning, including on-site USEF/USEA-recognized horse trials and a center accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), giving students real-world experience in the equine industry. Students in the equine program have daily opportunities to work with horses on campus. Our facilities — all of which are located within a 10-minute walk from campus — include the 40-stall Tirrell Horse Barn, the W.C. Skoglund indoor riding arena, a lighted outdoor riding arena, a full cross-country course, three regulation-size dressage competition arenas and the Lou & Lutza Smith Equine Center.
Potential careers
- Equine rehabilitation specialist
- Equine breeding technician/manager
- Equine nutritional sales and marketing
- Equine pharmaceutical sales
- Equine physiotherapist
- Nutritionist
- Veterinarian
Contact
University of New Hampshire
Kendall Hall
129 Main Street
Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-2130
Curriculum & Requirements
Beginning in the 2022/23 academic year (Spring 2023), the Equine Studies Major: Equine Science option will no longer be accepting new students. Current students will continue to have access to the same high-quality education and resources until they graduate.
This option is designed for:
- Students interested in a career in the scientific or technical fields within the equine industry, including nutrition, rehabilitation, reproduction, and research.
- Students interested in pursuing graduate studies, including veterinary school.
This option combines equine classes with a more intensive science curriculum, which includes animal behavioir, reproduction, and nutrition.
In addition to the standard core courses for all Equine Studies majors, students in Equine Management take courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, reproduction, and statistics. Students then select 20 approved credits to allow them to focus in the areas most relevant to their desired career. Those courses may include classes in forages, equine training, animal behavior, animal rights, animal cognition, and infectious diseases. Students in this option may also use these 20 credits to take courses required to apply to veterinary school, including organic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, physics, and calculus.
Sample Student Schedule by Semester - Equine Science - Pre-Vet Intent
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ANSC 402 | Horsemanship Lab | 1 |
| ANSC 411 | Freshman Seminar in Equine Science | 1 |
| ANSC 437 | Equine Husbandry Techniques | 4 |
| ANSC 522 | Intermediate Horsemanship Theory | 3 |
| BIOL 411 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular | 4 |
| CHEM 403 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | 4 |
| CHEM 404 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENGL 401 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
| MATH 424B | Calculus for Life Sciences | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANSC 511 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| ANSC 538 | Equine Handling/Longeing | 1 |
| BIOL 528 | Applied Biostatistics I | 4 |
| CHEM 651 & CHEM 653 |
Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
5 |
| EREC 411 | Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANSC 512 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 652 & CHEM 654 |
Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
5 |
| ENGL 501 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANSC 504 | Equine Physiology | 4 |
| ANSC 547 | Equine Stable Management | 3 |
| ANSC 612 | Genetics of Animals | 4 |
| ANSC 665 | Principles of Horse Trials Management | 2 |
| PHYS 401 | Introduction to Physics I | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BMCB 658 & BMCB 659 |
General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab |
5 |
| BMS 503 & BMS 504 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory |
5 |
| PHYS 402 | Introduction to Physics II | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Summer | ||
| ANSC 600 or ANSC 795W |
Field Experience or Investigations |
1-4 |
| Credits | 1-4 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANSC 609 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | 4 |
| ANSC 725 | Equine Sports Medicine | 4 |
| ANSC 796 | Equine Senior Seminar | 2 |
| ZOOL 613 or BMS 718 |
Animal Behavior (Elective) or Mammalian Physiology |
5 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANSC 602 | Animal Rights and Societal Issues (Elective) | 4 |
| ANSC 724 | Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination | 4 |
| ANSC 797 | Equine Capstone Experience | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 139-142 | |
Dairy Program Courses
Some students pursuing veterinary school admission are interested in enrolling in courses with the UNH Dairy Program. In particular, the Cooperative Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) program is a popular enrichment course. CREAM is highly competitive to get into, and equine students must take it before their senior year due to conflicts with required equine courses.
It is suggested that interested students apply to the CREAM program in their freshman year, and that they plan to take AAS 425 Introduction to Dairy Herd Management, in the fall of their sophomore year. While it is unlikely that a freshman applicant to CREAM will be selected, priority in future semesters is given to students who have both previously applied and who have taken dairy courses. Students should then apply again to CREAM in their sophomore year to hopefully gain admission in their junior year. Advisors will work with effected students to modify the timeline for other courses in order to accommodate CREAM in the schedule.
Sample Student Schedule by Semester - Equine Science - (Non Pre-Vet Intent)
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ANSC 402 | Horsemanship Lab | 1 |
| ANSC 411 | Freshman Seminar in Equine Science | 1 |
| ANSC 437 | Equine Husbandry Techniques | 4 |
| ANSC 522 | Intermediate Horsemanship Theory | 3 |
| BIOL 411 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular | 4 |
| CHEM 403 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANSC 426 | Equine Conformation and Lameness | 4 |
| BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | 4 |
| CHEM 404 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| ENGL 401 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AAS 432 | Introduction to Forage and Grassland Management | 3 |
| ANSC 511 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| ANSC 538 | Equine Handling/Longeing | 1 |
| ANSC 547 | Equine Stable Management | 3 |
| BMS 503 & BMS 504 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory (Elective) |
5 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANSC 512 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| ENGL 501 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 4 |
| EREC 411 | Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANSC 504 | Equine Physiology | 4 |
| ANSC 612 | Genetics of Animals | 4 |
| ANSC 665 | Principles of Horse Trials Management | 2 |
| ZOOL 613 | Animal Behavior (Elective) | 5 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Spring | ||
| BMS 503 & BMS 504 |
General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory |
5 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Major Elective | 4 | |
| Major Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Summer | ||
| ANSC 600 or ANSC 795W |
Field Experience or Investigations |
1-4 |
| Credits | 1-4 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ANSC 609 | Principles of Animal Nutrition | 4 |
| ANSC 725 | Equine Sports Medicine | 4 |
| ANSC 796 | Equine Senior Seminar | 2 |
| BMS 718 | Mammalian Physiology (Elective) | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Spring | ||
| ANSC 602 | Animal Rights and Societal Issues (Elective) | 4 |
| ANSC 724 | Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination | 4 |
| ANSC 797 | Equine Capstone Experience | 4 |
| Choice of Major Requirement | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 140-143 | |
A minimum grade of C-minus or better must be earned in all Equine Studies courses required by the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Equine Studies Requirements | ||
| ANSC 411 | Freshman Seminar in Equine Science | 1 |
| ANSC 437 | Equine Husbandry Techniques | 4 |
| ANSC 504 | Equine Physiology | 4 |
| ANSC 522 | Intermediate Horsemanship Theory | 3 |
| or ANSC 405 | Theory of Horsemanship | |
| ANSC 547 | Equine Stable Management | 3 |
| ANSC 600 | Field Experience 1 | 1-4 |
| ANSC 612 | Genetics of Animals | 4 |
| or GEN 604 | Principles of Genetics | |
| ANSC 665 | Principles of Horse Trials Management 1 | 2 |
| ANSC 725 | Equine Sports Medicine | 4 |
| ANSC 796 | Equine Senior Seminar | 2 |
| ANSC 797 | Equine Capstone Experience | 4 |
| BIOL 411 | Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular | 4 |
| BIOL 412 | Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology | 4 |
| ENGL 501 | Introduction to Creative Nonfiction | 4 |
| or ENGL 419 | How to Read Anything | |
| or ENGL 502 | Professional and Technical Writing | |
| or ENGL 503 | Persuasive Writing | |
| or ANSC 543 | Technical Writing in Animal Sciences | |
| EREC 411 | Environmental and Resource Economics Perspectives | 4 |
| or ECON 402 | Principles of Economics (Micro) | |
| Equine Science Requirements | ||
| ANSC 511 & ANSC 512 | Anatomy and Physiology and Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 8 |
| ANSC 609 | Principles of Animal Nutrition 1 | 4 |
| or NUTR 750 | Nutritional Biochemistry | |
| ANSC 724 | Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination | 4 |
| or ANSC 701 | Physiology of Reproduction | |
| BIOL 528 | Applied Biostatistics I | 4 |
| CHEM 403 & CHEM 404 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | 8 |
| Equine Science Electives: Choose 20 credits from the following: | ||
| AAS 432 | Introduction to Forage and Grassland Management | 3 |
| ANSC 426 | Equine Conformation and Lameness | 4 |
| ANSC 500 | Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies | 4 |
| ANSC 507 | Survey of Equine Training Techniques | 3 |
| ANSC 538 | Equine Handling/Longeing | 1 |
| ANSC 602 | Animal Rights and Societal Issues | 4 |
| ANSC 695 | Supervised Teaching Experience | 1-2 |
| ANSC 701 | Physiology of Reproduction | 4 |
| ANSC 724 | Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination | 4 |
| ANSC 750 | Collaborative Farm Design and Development | 4 |
| BMCB 658 & BMCB 659 | General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab | 5 |
| BMS 503 & BMS 504 | General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory | 5 |
| BMS 623 | Histology: Microscopic Cellular Structure and Function | 4 |
| BMS 703 | Infectious Disease and Health | 4 |
| BMS 704 | Pathologic Basis of Disease | 4 |
| BMS 712 | Experiences in Applied Veterinary Diagnostics | 2 |
| BMS 718 | Mammalian Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 651 & CHEM 653 | Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| CHEM 652 & CHEM 654 | Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 5 |
| EDUC 500 | Exploring Teaching | 4 |
| MATH 424B | Calculus for Life Sciences | 4 |
| NSB 727 | Animal Communication | 4 |
| NUTR 750 | Nutritional Biochemistry | 4 |
| PHYS 401 | Introduction to Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 402 | Introduction to Physics II | 4 |
| PSYC 720 | Animal Cognition | 4 |
| ZOOL 613 | Animal Behavior | 5 |
| ZOOL 736 | Genes and Behavior | 4 |
- 1
Waived for TSAS equine management graduates
All students who graduate from the B.S. in Equine Studies program will be able to:
- Identify, explain, and demonstrate safe, effective, and humane equine handling and stable management skills.
- Identify, explain, and demonstrate equine health management practices and basic equine first aid.
- Explain guidelines for equine nutrition, feeding, and parasite management.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency with English tack, boots, bandages, and blankets.
- Demonstrate safe, competent longeing technique using a trained horse.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of riding practices in equestrian sport.
- Communicate effectively, in written and verbal form, about professional topics in the equine industry.
Equine Science option:
- Demonstrate practical application of equine anatomy and an understanding of the equine limb beyond the requirements for all equine majors.
- Demonstrate knowledge of veterinary care beyond the basic level required of all equine studies majors, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world emergency and management situations.
- Demonstrate proficiency with basic equine health procedures and equipment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of equine nutrition, feeding, and parasite management beyond the basic level required of all equine studies majors, and demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to real-world management situations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of equine dental care.
- Demonstrate knowledge of equine genetics and reproduction.
Explore Program Details
I want to major in Equine Studies, but my parents say I'll never get a job with that major. Is that true?
The majority of equine studies majors at UNH obtain jobs in the equine industry after graduation. The equine industry has a $122 BILLION impact on the United States’ economy every year. There are many, many career opportunities for motivated and skilled individuals.
Do I really need a degree to work in the equine industry?
Whether you want to go on to veterinary school, become a riding instructor, run horse shows, or manage a stable, an undergraduate degree will give you a significant advantage by providing specialized training, business skills, and a body of theoretical and practical knowledge. These are invaluable tools for seeking employment or running a business.
How do I know which option in Equine Studies is right for me?
Equine Industry & Management combines hands-on, equine-specific classes, such as teaching, training, and stable management, with business-related classes. This course of study is best suited for students who see themselves going into a traditional, hands-on job in the equine industry, such as stable management or riding instruction, or for students who are interested in the ever-expanding field of equine business. The latter includes competitions and event management, marketing, and farm business management.
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) is for students interested in the therapeutic horsemanship field. It combines equine classes with courses about non-profit management and disability services and classes specific to therapeutic riding, including classes where students prepare and test for their PATH Instructor Certification.
Equine Science combines equine-specific classes with more rigorous science courses, which prepare students for graduate school, including vet school, or a career in one of the equine industry's more technical sides, such as nutrition or research.
I want to have a career in veterinary technology. Do I need to get a degree?
It depends on the state in which you intend to work. Some states require a vet tech degree, while others require that you pass a licensing examination. Still, others have no specific requirements. Note that a B.S. in Equine Studies is not a vet tech degree. UNH does offer a two-year degree in veterinary technology. However, graduates in the Equine Science program also work in equine veterinary practices as techs and assistants.
If I want to be a Pre-Vet student, what should my major be?
You can major in any field of study at UNH but will want to complete a program of study that encompasses several specific requisite courses. Visit our Pre-Veterinary Program page for more information. The Equine Science program was specifically designed to allow students to fulfill the required classes for admission to veterinary school while also completing a degree in equine studies.
Where can I receive pre-veterinary medicine advising?
Upon informing the Equine Program or the Department of Biological Sciences of your interests in veterinary
You are assigned to an advisor who is experienced in advising pre-veterinary medicine students and knows current veterinary school admission requirements and procedures.
Do I need to send a video of my riding?
No, a riding video is not required for admissions or to try out for the riding teams.
Are there scholarships for riders?
No. However, several academic scholarships are available to equine studies students through COLSA, the Department of Biological Sciences, and outside organizations such as the AQHA and IHSA.
Are there any online classes in the equine program?
ANSC419: Horse Power is offered online during the Summer session. This class, which satisfies the Humanities requirement of the discovery program, explores the horse's role in history, art and culture. For information on Summer Session, go to https://www.unh.edu/summersession/. Also, ANSC 405 – Horsemanship Theory is a 2-credit online course which is offered every spring. UNH also offers a growing variety of online classes, some of which equine students can use to fulfill general requirements. Go to www.unh.edu/eunh/online-courses/ for more info.
Do I have to be an Equine Studies major to take classes in the equine program?
No, students of all majors may take classes in the equine program.
Do I have to be a full-time student to take classes in the equine program?
No, classes are open to non-degree candidates.
What if I only want to get my Path Instructor Certification, and I'm not interested in a 4-year degree?
Non-degree students can take ANSC 643 with instructor permission. Contact Cindy.Burke@unh.edu for more information.
Can I ride at UNH?
Yes. Riding classes at UNH consist of two credit-bearing co-requisite courses, which must be taken simultaneously: ANSC 402 – Horsemanship Lab is a 1 credit, credit/fail class, which is the actual riding time. All students enrolled in ANSC 402 must be simultaneously enrolled in either ANSC 422, ANSC 522, or ANSC 622, which are graded 2- or 3-credit courses covering horsemanship theory. Horsemanship classes are taught every semester. Students receive 3 hours of mounted instruction each week, in addition to lectures and academic assignments.
Is it possible to ride without taking a class? Or to take private lessons on the school horses?
No, the only riding opportunity on UNH horses that the equine program offers is through ANSC 402.
How do I sign-up for riding classes?
Priority is given to equine studies majors, but classes are open to students of all majors and, during a typical semester, most students can be accommodated. First-year equine majors will receive a survey to sign up for ANSC 402 in early May. First-year students who are not equine studies majors should email Sarah Rigg as soon as they have committed to UNH. A two-part preregistration and signup is held for continuing students each semester. Typically, this is held in April for the fall semester and November for the spring semester. Visit the equine website for dates.
How do I try out for the riding team?
UNH’s award-winning equestrian teams compete in both the IHSA (hunt seat) and the IDA (dressage). To try out for either of the riding team, students must be enrolled in ANSC 402 or have previously taken ANSC 402 for two semesters. Tryouts are held each fall. Each team will hold a mandatory informational meeting for interested students before tryouts take place. Dates for meetings and tryouts are announced and posted in the stables at the beginning of the fall semester.
Can I board my horse at UNH?
The UNH Equine Facility has space for a limited number of student boarders. Board is $650 per month. Priority is given to equine majors. Contact the stable manager, Brenda.Hess-McAskill, after being accepted to UNH to be put on the list. Brenda also has a list of other area boarding facilities.
If my horse is boarded at UNH, will it be ridden in the riding classes?
No, horses boarded at UNH are not used in riding classes.
Can I get a job at the Horse Barns?
The UNH Horse Barns does hire work-study students. Contact Brenda Hess-McAskill.
Can I work at the horse barns in exchange for board or lessons?
No, work-study is for pay only. We cannot barter work time for board or lab fees.
Why do I have to take Biology?
The equine industry is based mainly on the horse as an athlete. Understanding the horse’s body and how it works, as well as the horse’s health, is the foundation of managing and caring for that athlete and coaxing the best performance from him. Biology forms the building blocks of Anatomy and Physiology and all of the more specialized equine classes.
I'm a student in another major. Can I transfer to the Equine program, and will it affect my ability to graduate on time?
Students in good academic standing can transfer into the equine studies major. It is possible that transferring to any new major will affect a student’s graduation date. This will depend upon how long a student has been in another major, the type of degree they were pursuing, and the classes they have already taken.
I've heard that if you go abroad or on exchange for one semester, you can't graduate on time. Is this true?
Going abroad is an outstanding experience, but students do need to plan if this is something that they would like to do. Students interested in studying abroad should identify themselves to their academic advisors early in their college careers. Many of the equine-specific classes at UNH are offered only in the fall or spring semester, and there are more of them offered in the fall than in the spring, so many students find that it is easier to go abroad for a spring semester.
The spring semester of Junior year is the most popular time for equine students to study abroad. Students who choose to study abroad at a university with an equine major will take equine-specific courses to fulfill major requirements and/or major electives. However, all students need to plan out their schedules to take required courses on campus and then complete other courses – major courses, electives, discovery courses, etc. – while they are abroad. Some students who go abroad or on exchange take fewer credits than a normal UNH course load (16 credits).
To graduate on time, those students must make up for such a credit deficit, unless they had a credit excess before they left. If credits are a concern, it may be possible to take a 16-credit course load, even if the college has a three-credit system.
Wishlists & Donations
We are always grateful for donations of horse and stable tack and equipment.
Our highest priority needs include:
- Turnout sheets (lightweight and rain sheets)
- Dressage saddles
- Stall mats for our stalls- gently used OK.
If you have a horse that you would like to donate to our program, please submit a video or video link along with this form to Rebecca Nelson. Donations cannot be considered without video.
Please contact Rebecca Nelson for more information at (603) 862-0343 or Rebecca.Nelson@unh.edu
- ANSC 402: Horsemanship
A 3-credit class offered during Spring and Fall semesters and is open to all majors. - Team & Student Organizations
- Study Abroad for Equine Students
- Cross Country Schooling
- Horse Trials
- Equine Honors-In-Major
- Equine Minor
Take a deeper look at what it means to be a pre-veterinary student at UNH and discover why UNH students have an average 92% acceptance rate to veterinary schools — nearly double the national rate.
During our one-hour on-campus information sessions, faculty members will provide you with an overview of the pre-veterinary program from exceptional experiential learning to expert pre-veterinary advising, discuss majors and curriculum and answer any questions you might have. You will also have an opportunity to talk with current students about their experiences. Find out why UNH should be the top choice for all students considering a career in veterinary medicine — register to attend an on-campus info session today.
The sessions and tours are held throughout the year.
Therapeutic Riding is a mode of therapy utilizing functional riding skills, equine movement and a variety of therapy activities to achieve specific cognitive, physical and emotional goals. The UNH Therapeutic Riding Program adapts equine activities to allow for participation of riders over the age of 5 with cognitive, physical and emotional challenges.
More to Explore
