FAQ

Who owns the horses?
Approximately one-half of the horses are donated; the other half are leased. Leases generally last the duration of the academic year and are often renewed yearly.

How can I lease my horse to the Equine Studies Program?
The Equestrian Center is home to many student owned horses.  Students are welcome to submit a video and brief biography of their horse for review. Guidelines for the process can be found on the Equine Studies webpage.

Do I have to bring my own horse?
Students enrolled in the Equine Studies Program are not required to bring their own horses. For those who would like to board their horses locally, we have a list of approximately 30 boarding stables within close driving distances. Many of our students do board their horses close to campus.

Who takes care of the horses?
Each freshman student is assigned a horse for which he/she is responsible throughout their first year in the Equine Studies Program. Students may also apply to work on staff at the Equestrian Center; as an employee, student staff members are responsible for feeding, turnout and general care of the horses and facility.

What are the riding opportunities for Equine Studies students throughout the academic year?
Typically, Equine Studies students ride twice-a-week for Riding Skills classes. However, upperclassmen who are enrolled in the Special Training Project class may ride their project horse five days-per-week. Students may also have extra opportunities to ride through their membership in campus clubs such as the Equestrian, Dressage or Vaulting Teams.

How do I join the Equestrian or Dressage  Team?
Try-outs for both teams are held during the first few weeks of school each fall. Notice of meetings and try-outs for those interested in joining either team are posted on the Student Activities Bulletin Board in the Student Center and sent out via campus email. Information on both the Equestrian and Dressage Teams can be found on the Equine Studies webpage.

Are there extra costs associated with this program?
To help defray the costs involved with sustaining a program such as this one, stable fees must be assessed. In addition, there is a required, non-credit Orientation Program for incoming freshmen in August.