In fact, we have had horses on our campus since we were founded in 1896 as the National Farm School. Today, DelVal students may explore career paths in this field by majoring in Equine Management or Equine Science.
As an Equine Management major, you will have the opportunity to prepare for a career in breeding management, equine nutrition, stable management, retail management, therapeutic program director or veterinary management, to name a few.
The Equine Science major prepares you for these career paths and also has tracks for pre-professional studies (to enter veterinary or graduate school) or prepare for a career in the breeding industry.
Meet new friends in any of DelVal’s 70+ clubs on campus
- Equestrian Team
- Equine Club
- Dressage team
- Block & Bridle
- Western Team
- Pre-Veterinary Club
Delaware Valley University’s Chair of the Department of Equine Science and Management and Director of Equestrian Sports, Dr. Cory Kieschnick, was the latest featured guest on KYW Newsradio’s 1-on-1 with Matt Leon podcast. Kieschnick, who joined DelVal in 2001, talked to Leon about her career in equestrian sports, equestrian programming at DelVal from academics to athletics, how she got into equestrian sports as a kid and maintained her passion for the sport to launch her career.
"I have been fortunate to hire some DelVal graduates. I find them to be well educated and, even better - well schooled in the practical aspects of horse care. They are just what I am looking for in an employee."
DelVal Equine Advisory Constituents
The individuals listed below share their expertise and experience in a variety of areas within the equine industry. DelVal Equine Advisory Constituents have agreed to offer insight and consultation in their content areas for curriculum development, career readiness, assisting with internships, and more. The members of the Department of Equine Science and Management are so grateful to these successful industry professionals for their partnership for the benefit of our students.
Hunter/Jumper, Event Management
Knowlton, of Freehold, New Jersey, has dedicated herself to the Hunter/Jumper sport in governance as well as in her own operation, Knightsbridge Farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey. In addition to serving as past president of USHJA from 2016-2023, Knowlton sits on numerous USHJA committees and is chair of the USEF National Breeds and Disciplines Council. In the barn, Knowlton has been a professional in the industry for more than 40 years and is a USHJA Certified Trainer, coaching riders of all levels from beginners to national level competitors. She is also a USEF licensed official, holding her “R” judges card for Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation and her “r” Jumper judges card (USHJA).
Carriage Driving
Jacob Arnold’s passion for driving began at a young age. At 17, he completed his first FEI show with Morgan mare, Shadow. During his second year of FEI level competition Jacob was awarded the 2011 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year. His Combined Driving career has taken him from his hometown of Snow Camp, NC to five FEI World Championships, including a win in the 2014 Single Horse Marathon. His most recent World Championship results come from the 2021 World Championships for Pairs of Horses in Drebkau, Germany, where Jacob placed twelfth overall out of nearly 100 entries.
In 2020, Jacob accomplished a life long goal of winning a National Championship, the USEF Pair Horse National Championships. He went on to claim that title in 2021 along with the USEF Pair Pony National Championship and held onto the Pair Horse Championship title once again in 2022. Jacob hopes to continue his passion for Driving Sport both as an athlete for the United States at World Championships, and as an ambassador for the sport throughout America.
Dressage
Kim Herslow is an accomplished FEI-level dressage trainer and competitor who has represented the United States at the 2015 Nations Cup and Pan American Games Dressage Team. Kim has dedicated a lifetime to studying the art of riding and horsemanship in order to improve her own skills, succeed in the competition arena, and ultimately develop the talents of her horses and clients. Based out of her own Upper Creek Farm, in Stockton, New Jersey, Kim offers a boutique-style training program catering to the individual needs of her horses and clients.
Breeding
Pattie Murphy is the farm manager at Hanover Shoe Farms, recognized as the world's leading horse breeder. She has been involved in the Equine world for 46 years. A graduate of Otterbein University in 1988 with a major in Equine Science and minors in English and Business, the majority of Murphy’s equine experience came from working at a number of top Standardbred training and breeding facilities with a variety of roles and responsibilities. In her current position at Hanover Shoe Farms, Murphy responsibilities are many, including management of approximately 40 employees, moving horses around the farm’s locations, assisting veterinary staff with herd health matters, stallion collections, booking mares, payroll, yearling sales preparation, and more. In addition to her professional experience, Murphy has owned riding and driving horses, including Standardbreds that she bred and raised herself.
Equine Media and Marketing
Joyce worked with Smartpak, the premier online provider of horse supplies and equine supplements, for over 12 years. She is currently the Director of Community and Campaigns for Covetrus, one of the leading veterinary suppliers.
EAT, Non-Profit Management
Sue Adams earned her bachelor’s of science degree in education. Adams has been a PATH Intl Advanced Instructor since 1993. She is also a faculty/evaluator for the PATH Intl instructor certification, PATH International accreditation visitor, and a member of HRH (Health and Recreation through Horses) of New Jersey, State Organization.
Veterinarian
Dr. Bimes is the lead large animal veterinarian at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic. He has been with Quakertown Veterinary Clinic since 1986.