Revised:  05/30/2008

Equine Academic Program

Students interested in pursuing careers in the horse industry or just improving their knowledge of horses can study equine science in the Department of Animal Sciences. Under the auspices of the Animal Industries-Equine Specialization major, students take all of the equine didactic courses available (see below), courses in marketing, basic sciences and animal science, and also sign up for “hands-on” credits through the Equine Practicum, Research in Animal Science course and/or Cooperative Education. A minor in Equine Science is also available to students majoring in other disciplines. more

Our courses tend to emphasize the science of horses—not only “how,” as in many other equine curricula, but “why.” Thirty to sixty students are involved in equine studies each semester at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Students interact closely with their advisors and are given guidance in career decisions.

We have a Memorandum of Understanding with Delaware Valley College wherein our students can take a semester of “how to” classes on topics such as Equine Breeding, Management, Horse Training and Conditioning, Horse Show Management, and Stable Management, to name but a few. These all tend to be very hands-on courses due to the active breeding and horse show programs at Delaware Valley College. Their students come to Rutgers for the “science” of the industry and to get research experience.

For further information visit http://animalsciences.rutgers.edu.

Equine Courses Offered at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

Advanced Equine Health Care and Management
The course is designed to take a systems-based approach to common medical conditions and ailments affecting the horse. It is intended to reinforce the foundations of anatomy and physiology while presenting clinical situations observed in the horse. The course is recommended for the equine enthusiast with a medical interest, managers/owners of equine facilities, and students with a medical science interest. more

Developing Future Leaders for the Equine Industry

Horse Management
The course covers all aspects of horse management concerns from anatomy and behavior to health, stable and fencing concerns. This course is also offered online for either Continuing Education or College Credit. A high school diploma is required. Call the Office of Continuing Professional Education at 732-932-9271 for information. more

Equine Nutrition
This is an in-depth look at the subject from gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology to all aspects of feeds, pasture management, feeding behavior and feeding horses at each stage of life. This course is also offered online for either Continuing Education or College Credit. A high school diploma is required. Call the Office of Continuing Professional Education at 732-932-9271 for information. more

Equine Exercise Physiology
This in-depth course emphasizes the unique aspect of the equine as an athlete, and is offered for undergraduate and graduate credit.

Topics in Equine Science
Scientific papers on “hot” topics in the equine industry are discussed.

Research in Animal Science
An independent study course in which students help the equine faculty with research projects and learn scientific methods and techniques.

Horse Practicum
Students learn about and assist with the day-to-day care of the research horses at Rutgers.

Animal Handling, Fitting and Exhibition
Students get "hands-on" experience grooming and training yearlings for in-hand exhibition on Ag Field Day and the annual Young Horse Teaching and Research yearling auction.

Other courses that address equine topics:
Animal Science; Animal Reproduction; Animal Nutrition; Livestock Production and Management; and Endocrinology.

Rutgers Equine Program – Questions and Answers

1. What makes our program unique?
   The Equine Program has a strong background in basic science, undergraduate research experience, and exposure to the tremendous variety of horse events and management systems available in New Jersey. Student advising is a high priority. When first-year students declare the Animal Sciences major, the Curriculum Coordinator then assigns an advisor in the major based on option interest and academic strength. Eleven faculty serve as undergraduate advisors.
   
   
2. Does the equine academic program provide scholarships?
   Scholarships are available to women who are New Jersey residents pursuing Equine Science at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences from the Doris C. Murphy Endowed Scholarship in Equine Science. They are awarded to full-time undergraduates based on academic merit, demonstrated interest in equine science, and financial need. Up to six $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each year, at least one to an incoming student, and they may be renewed annually upon approval of the scholarship selection committee. For information, contact:

   Equine Science Center

   57 U.S. Highway 1

   New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8554

   (732) 932-9419

   Applications are due May 1 of each calendar year.
    

3. What types of jobs in the horse industry do graduates hold?
   Many go to veterinary school or graduate school; some obtain jobs in the equine industry (feed or pharmaceutical companies, horse farms, media, etc.)
    
4. Does the program emphasize a particular area of academics?
   The emphasis is primarily on science, with special focus on nutrition, behavior and exercise physiology.
    
5. Does the program emphasize a particular theory or philosophy of riding or does it try to give students experience in a variety of riding and training styles and philosophies?
   In our classes and independent studies, students are exposed to as wide a variety of philosophies and theories as possible, from dressage to western riding, high level performance horses and racehorses to backyard pleasure horses. We do not have riding facilities and do not teach riding. We do have an intercollegiate equestrian team which trains both for English and western equitation. Its website is www.geocities.com/ruequestrian. Our students also organize other clubs including the Equine Science Club, Pre-Vet Club, Animal Science Club, and Rutgers Mounted Patrol.
    
6. Are there other opportunities for students pursuing equine science?
   Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences is host to the region’s only Equine Science Center, an interdisciplinary program of cutting-edge science based on practical application of knowledge, and delivered to the people of the state through various outreach programs.