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Horse Science, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Horse Science is offered through the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at MTSU. The B.S. in Horse Science is designed to enhance preparation of students for careers in the multidisciplinary U.S. horse industry. The Horse Science major provides comprehensive course work in horse care and health, horsemanship equitation, selection and evaluation, behavior, training, genetics, nutrition, reproductive physiology, exercise physiology, equine event and facility management, and equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Why should you study Horse Science at MTSU?

MTSU is one of the leading horse programs in the United States. We are not just a riding program, nor do we study only the science of horses. We combine both to create a comprehensive program of study that combines horse science and management with hands-on horsemanship. Internationally-known faculty with a wide range of expertise help students find their niche and prepare for a future in the multi-billion-dollar horse industry. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to world champion—we will teach you, one stride at a time.

Highlights

• Hands-on learning in the horse barn, lab, and indoor arena
• Horsemanship courses in the classroom and in the saddle
• Nationally ranked faculty with a wide range of expertise
• Home of 55 horses that are used for teaching, research, and competitions

Extracurricular Competition Teams and Clubs

• The MTSU Equestrian team shows western horsemanship and hunter seat equitation in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association; students have won 19 national championship titles; competition opportunities for all levels of riders
• The MTSU Stock Horse Team are 3-time American Stock Horse Association National Champions; students have won 25 national championship titles, showing in ranch horse pleasure, trail, reining, and working cow horse
• The MTSU Horse Judging Team has a 35-year history of national championship wins and Top 10 awards at national intercollegiate horse judging contests
• The Center of Equine Recovery for Veterans pairs students learning about Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies with local veterans, using the horse — human relationship as therapy

Horse Science Specialty Courses

• Four levels of Horsemanship
• Equine Assisted Therapy I and II
• Equine Event and Facility Management
• Equine Evaluation and Advanced Horse Judging
• Equine Exercise Physiology
• Equine Nutrition and Feeding
• Equine Reproduction and Breeding
• Horse Breeds and Genetics
• Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship
• And more

Why should you study Horse Science at MTSU? What careers are available?

Most people consider the obvious ones first: horse trainer, riding teacher, groom, barn manager, breeding/foaling manager, veterinarian, farrier—careers that require hands-on work directly with horses.

Many people do not consider the depth and scope of the U.S. horse industry. According to a 2018 survey by the American Horse Council, there are 7.2 million horses in the United States today. The horse industry contributes $122 billion to the gross domestic product and pays over $2 million in taxes annually. Over 1.3 million people own horses; 38 million people are horse enthusiasts who participate in horse activities but do not own a horse, and tens of millions of spectators enjoy horse events annually.

The U.S. horse industry supports approximately 454,000 full-time-equivalent jobs directly involved with horses, and 988,000 full-time indirect horse industry jobs that do not include hands-on work with horses but instead provide support to the industry.

At MTSU, students study with faculty who have a wide range of expertise as they find their niche and prepare for a future in the multi-billion-dollar horse industry. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to world champion—we will teach you, one stride at a time.

Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands of dollars.

If you live in one of these states: AL GA LA WV MD; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.