Horse Science, B.S.

Horse Science

Through hands-on learning and an expert faculty, get a career in the thriving horse industry.

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Horse Science, B.S.

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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.

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Careers
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Faculty
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News Briefs

Peaking at right time, MTSU equestrian riders build toward semifinals, nationals

Middle Tennessee State University’s equestrian teams once again shined in recent back-to-back weekend competitions held at Tennessee Miller Coliseum on Thompson Lane.[ Read More ]

Twins, others at recruiting event in Alabama gravitate to variety of MTSU programs

Identical twins Elisabeth “BiBi” and Maxine Beasley do virtually everything — education at Renaissance Virtual (4.2 GPAs) in Athens, Alabama, showing Tennessee walking horses at The Celebration and personal appearance (fashion statement clothes, earrings, glasses, etc.) — together.[ Read More ]

News Briefs

Peaking at right time, MTSU equestrian riders build toward semifinals, nationals

Middle Tennessee State University’s equestrian teams once again shined in recent back-to-back weekend competitions held at Tennessee Miller Coliseum on Thompson Lane.[ Read More ]

Twins, others at recruiting event in Alabama gravitate to variety of MTSU programs

Identical twins Elisabeth “BiBi” and Maxine Beasley do virtually everything — education at Renaissance Virtual (4.2 GPAs) in Athens, Alabama, showing Tennessee walking horses at The Celebration and personal appearance (fashion statement clothes, earrings, glasses, etc.) — together.[ Read More ]

Related Media

MTSU is Among America's Best

CAREERS

Horse Science, B.S.

The U.S. horse industry supports 1.7 million full-time jobs. Most people consider the obvious careers first: horse trainer, riding instructor, groom, barn manager, breeding/foaling manager, veterinarian, and a farrier—careers that require hands-on work directly with horses. Many people do not consider the largest portion of horse industry careers, those providing services to horse owners. Career examples include the following: 

  • Journalist for any of the major horse publications (breed or discipline-specific magazines); photographer; videographer
  • Sales and marketing of support supplies: trucks, trailers, fencing, stables, tack and equipment, horse feed, health supplies, riding attire, or a pharmaceutical representative selling products to equine veterinarians and horse owners, a realtor specializing in horse properties 
  • Licensed horse show officials including inspectors, judges, horse event facility managers, show stewards, show announcers, and other designated qualified persons
  • Course designer for horse events (jumping, trail, eventing, combined driving, etc.); trailer designer; architect or engineer specializing in equine facilities, coliseums, riding arenas, and stables; agricultural engineer; racing steward, timing official, handicapper, racing secretary; arena footing specialist
  • Lawyer specializing in equine law, liability, equine contracts, environmental law, equine syndication
  • Public relations for a breed or discipline-specific association, social media marketing; advertising, or website designer; breed registry official; bloodstock agent
  • Equine scientist; equine geneticist; equine exercise physiologist; formulation and testing of equine vaccines; equine behaviorist; equine reproductive physiologist
  • Equine nutritionist, equine feed specialist or nutrition laboratory technician; forage, hay, or pasture specialist
  • Therapist specializing in therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities and therapies; non-profit manager
  • Financial planner specializing in equine businesses; credit agent for horse properties; equine insurance agent
  • Horse extension specialist or extension agent (people who teach best management practices regarding horses to new owners); 4-H youth development program coordinator; rangeland management specialist, Bureau of Land Management official; a mounted police officer
  • University professor specializing in horses, riding instructor, equestrian team coach, high school agriculture teacher
  • Equine or large animal veterinarian;  veterinary technician, equine rehabilitation technician, laboratory technician

You may know already the horse career of your choice, or you may still be searching.MTSU's Horse Science Program provides a variety of course experiences that will help you decide and provides the tools you need to be successful in the horse industry.

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Alltech Equine 
  • American Quarter Horse Association 
  • American Paint Horse Association 
  • Bureau of Land Management 
  • Cargill Nutrena 
  • Dakin Farm South 
  • Dechra Veterinary Products 
  • Dixiana Farm 
  • Dover Saddlery 
  • Equine Affaire, Inc. 
  • Farm Credit Services Mid-America 
  • FarmVet 
  • Harris Riding Academy 
  • Jaeckle Centre 
  • Kiser Arena Specialists 
  • Magnolia Equine Assisted Therapies 
  • Mars Petcare 
  • Merck Animal Health 
  • Middle Tennessee State University 
  • MWI Veterinary Supply 
  • National Institute of Health 
  • National Reining Horse Association 
  • Nolensville Equine Hospital 
  • Ohio State University Cooperative Extension 
  • Poplar Place Farm Equestrian Show Facility 
  • ProTrition Feed, LLC 
  • Purdue University Cooperative Extension 
  • Purina Animal Nutrition 
  • Saddle Up! Equine Assisted Therapy 
  • Shenandoah Mills 
  • Tractor Supply Company 
  • Taylor Farms 
  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture 
  • Tennessee Equine Hospital 
  • Tennessee Farm Bureau 
  • Tennessee Farmers Co-op 
  • Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association 
  • Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 
  • University of Tennessee Cooperative Extension  
  • Walking Horse Owners Association 
  • Will Rogers Memorial Center & Facilities 
  • Zoetis 
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career. 

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake. 

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

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REQUIREMENTS

Horse Science, B.S.

Agriculture
 
Rhonda Hoffman, program coordinator
615-898-2908
Rhonda.Hoffman@mtsu.edu 

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 and training, genetic, nutrition, reproductive physiology, exercise physiology, equine event and facility management, and equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Academic Map

Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:

Horse Science, B.S., Academic Map
 

Degree Requirements

True Blue Core (TBC) 41 hours
Major Requirements 46-47 hours
Supporting Courses 16 hours*
Electives 16-25 hours
TOTAL 120 hours

*This program requires courses that can also fulfill requirements of the True Blue Core curriculum. If program requirements are also used to fulfill True Blue Core requirements, the number of elective hours will increase.

True Blue Core (41 hours)

True Blue Core (TBC)
 requirements (shown in curricular listings below) include courses in the Foundational Skills areas of Written Communication (WC), Information Literacy (Info Lit), Non-Written Communication (NWC), and Quantitative Literacy (Quant Lit). Knowledge Domains include Human Society and Social Relationships (HSSR), Scientific Literacy (Sci Lit), Creativity and Cultural Expression (CCE), and History and Civic Learning (HCL), which include Discovery and Explorations categories. Students must choose at least one course from each Discovery category.

The following courses recommended by the program meet True Blue Core requirements:

Major Requirements (46-47 hours)

Supporting Courses (16 hours)

Electives (16-25 hours)

  • Upper-division hours to make 36

Curriculum: Horse Science

Freshman

Subtotal: 30-31 Hours

Sophomore

Subtotal: 32 Hours

Junior

Subtotal: 30 Hours

Senior

Subtotal: 28 Hours

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FACULTY

Dr. Rhonda M Hoffman

Director

Ariel Herrin Higgins

Director-Equestrian Programs

Dr. Alyssa Logan

Assistant Professor

Andrea Rego

Senior Instructor

INFORMATION

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