Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science - Equine Studies Major

This Program offers students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of horses and develop marketable skills. The horse industry is highly diverse and offers a variety of employment opportunities. Students may select from 3 distinct concentrations in the Equine Studies Major:

Riding Instruction - Upon graduation the student will have the background to sit for the Massachusetts Riding Instructor certification. The theory and principles of riding and riding instruction and training are combined with principles of education, business, and equine science. As it becomes available, information will be incorporated to assist students in qualification for nationally recognized certifications. An internship during the senior year provides the student with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an environment which provides continued support to the learning process. An additional fee of $650 will be charged for courses involving riding instruction and training of horses.

Click here for Riding Instruction Program Summary.

Facilities Management– Students in this concentration will be prepared to deal with the various aspects of operating an equine facility while developing a background in the areas of nutrition, behavior, and breeding. Business and equine courses support this concentration which culminates in an internship experience requiring practical application of skills learned.

Click here for Facilities Management Program Summary.

Basic Science - This concentration is geared toward a student who wishes a solid science background with an emphasis on equines. Students in this concentration may wish to pursue graduate school and professional careers. Limited open electives provide the opportunity for the student to gain further equine experience or to meet specific requirements for graduate school. An internship during the senior year can be tailored to the student’s area of interest and assist in meeting long term career goals.

Click here for Basic Science Program Summary.

The core program of Equine Studies focuses on the development of equine handling, training and teaching skills as well as a knowledge of equine health and husbandry. To attain this knowledge a student must have an understanding of the biological sciences, including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, behavior and pathology. In addition, students will develop a strong and comprehensive science background with additional requirements in business principles, math and computers.

Becker’s philosophy of riding and riding instruction places high value on building a solid foundation in the theory and principles of riding. This can then be applied to different styles of riding and competition. Students and instructors focus on the mechanics of both the rider and the horse in an environment which facilitates learning at all levels.

All students in the Program will be involved in the daily maintenance and care of the horses and the facility, including feeding, cleaning stalls, stocking of feed and bedding, and turning out the horses. During the freshman year this will be a requirement of an introductory course; in subsequent semesters students may have opportunities to work or volunteer in the barn.

Entrance Requirements: See Becker College admissions information. Additionally, students in the Basic Science concentration are required to have a 2.5 GPA to qualify for admission. A tetanus toxoid booster is required within the ten years preceding entrance. It is the student’s responsibility to keep this vaccine current. A prophylactic rabies vaccine is recommended, but should the student choose not to get the vaccine then a waiver must be signed before the student is allowed to participate in any courses involving direct contact with animals or the equine facility.

Students must be able to lift a minimum of 50 Lbs without assistance and work around 1000 Lb animals in small quarters, as well as haul feed and bedding. Therefore, students with limitations to movement, sight or hearing may find it difficult to meet all course requirements. A student must be able gauge an animal’s body language and hear the animal coming up behind them. Students are advised to discuss their plans for entrance into this major with their family physician if they have severe allergies to hay, straw, shavings and/or other limitations of concern.

A precautionary note: Since horses can be unpredictable in their behavior a degree of risk is inherent to working with these animals. A waiver of liability is required to be signed at the time the student enters the program.

Students may need to consider the cost of sturdy work shoes or boots that can be easily cleaned, and coveralls when working in the facility. Students involved with any of the equitation or riding classes will need to supply their own helmets and riding boots (specifications to be discussed by course instructors). Equitation/riding classes have an additional fee not covered by the tuition fee. Students should keep in mind that transportation provided by the College to the riding facility may not always be available when needed.

Horses used in class: Any student entering the program with a physical requirement for a certain type or size of horse will be accommodated as much as possible. However, if the school is unable to find the appropriate horse to meet a student’s physical needs, the student may not be able to complete the Program.

Click here for Animal Health Programs department page.