Equine Initiative
Fall 2007 marked the beginning of a new era at the University of Kentucky, as the College of Agriculture's new Equine Science and Management undergraduate degree program officially launched. Because the program is currently in the final stages of the university approval process, students were enrolled as independent study majors.
The Equine Science and Management is a four-year undergraduate program that cumulates in a bachelor of science. Students have the option of specializing in one of two tracks. The first, equine science, is for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of animal biology and biochemistry and who might want to work in farm management or a similar field. The second option, equine management, requires students to take courses focusing on business, agricultural marketing, and hospitality.
UK's goal is to graduate students who are an asset to UK and to Kentucky's signature agriculture industry. Students have to be well versed in the scientific principles behind successful agricultural practices and horse farm management, even if their focus is business and marketing. Students' academic experiences also include a wide range of concepts from animal physiology and reproduction to agricultural economics principles and tourism marketing.
All students are required to complete several biology and chemistry courses in addition to courses in economics and math. They also take courses in agricultural and horse management, equine health, horse behavior and handling, and anatomy and conformation. At least one internship is required.
Courses you will not see listed in the curriculum are equitation courses, because the program is not riding focused. For students who want a riding fix, the college hosts several active horse teams and organizations, including an equestrian team with hunt seat and western components, a horse racing club, a horse judging team, a dressage team, and a polo team.
A story about the launch of the program can be found here.