The business of horses is the core of this program, designed to prepare you for careers including stable and horse show management, equine product retail and veterinary practice management. You will learn to breed horses, care for foals and assist in sales in this hands-on program. Areas of specialization include Business Management, Equine Assisted Therapies, Instruction and Training, and Media and Communication.
Our bachelor's degree in equine management will offer you the opportunity to specialize in business management, equine assisted therapies, instruction and training, or media and communication.
At DelVal, you will apply what you’re learning and gain valuable knowledge and experience in equine management.
- Our on-campus equine facilities, including our Equestrian Center and Breeding Center, are utilized as classrooms for our students, offering the opportunity to experience hands-on learning.
- We have a study abroad program with Hartpury College in England, which is a unique and highly beneficial opportunity for our equine students.
- We incorporate riding skills classes in your curriculum to help to improve both flatwork & jumping skills, developing more well-rounded, marketable employees for the industry.
DelVal Influencers: Our Faculty
Not all influencers have thousands of media followers. But, some influencers work diligently every day to help young people pursue their passions and find their career path. At DelVal, they're our faculty!
Here are a few of our DelVal influencers who teach in the animal science program:
Dr. Jeff Wehrung, Assistant Professor, Business and Accounting
Dr. Rebecca Splan, Professor, Equine Science and Management
Marion Callahan, Assistant Professor, Media and Communication
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.
DelVal has given me the hands-on learning experiences needed to prepare me for my future career goals. With support from all the equine professors, I’ve learned to act professionally, dream big, and put in my best effort in everything I do. From my coursework and my E360 opportunities, I have secured a full-time position immediately after I graduate.
Our equine management program offers a diverse selection of courses to prepare you for a variety of career paths.
Sample Courses:
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology
- Equine Business Management
- Equine Business Senior Seminar
- Equine Event Management
- Equine Health Management
- Equine Nutrition and Feeding
- Horse Breeding Management
- Introduction to Equine Science
- Practicum
- Riding Skills
- Stable Management
Electives:
- New! Equine Assisted Therapies
- Equine Behavior
- Equine Biomechanics and Movement
- Equine Contemporary Topics
- Rider Performance
- Equine Exercise Physiology
- Introductions to Equine Instruction
- Judging and Course Design
- Rider Performance
- Student Research
Recommended Minors
- Agribusiness
- Animal Science
- Business Administration
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- One Health Communication
- Psychology
- Writing
Equine business management will prepare you for positions in all aspects of equine business. Primary or supporting careers include stable management, horse show management, manufacturing, distribution and sale of supplies, feed and healthcare products, retail management, veterinary practice management, and equine nutrition.
Are you interested in sharing your love of horses with others while making a positive difference? Our new specialization in equine assisted therapies may be the perfect fit for you! Equine assisted therapies is a new specialization within the equine management degree for students who are interested in entering this growing field within the equine industry. This specialization can prepare you for employment opportunities including serving as a therapeutic riding instructor, a therapeutic program director, a volunteer coordinator, a barn manager/equine care coordinator, a therapeutic equine trainer/behaviorist, and more. In this specialization, you will also have the flexibility to integrate minors in business or psychology, as well as a 4 + 1 program with an M.S. of Education in Teaching and Learning or, an M.B.A. This new program can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the field.
The equine science pre-professional specialization can prepare you to pursue veterinary or graduate school after graduation. This specialization offers plenty of hands-on learning opportunities that will give you experience practicing the concepts you learn about in the classroom. You will have opportunities to gain real-world experience working with our on-campus herd of performance and breeding horses. You will also be able to participate in undergraduate student research. This specialization can prepare you with a combination of knowledge and experience that will provide you with a competitive edge after you graduate.
The equine instruction and training specialization offers excellent preparation for a variety of positions, including horse trainers, professional riders, instructors, stable managers and more. Explore various disciplines (dressage, show jumping, eventing, driving and hunt seat equitation). Our graduates are well-rounded and prepared for employment in many areas within the industry.
Combine your interest in horses with aspects of the industry such as journalism, communications, videography and photography. Work closely with faculty from both the equine majors and the media and communication program at DelVal.
The Experience360 Program gives you the opportunity to apply classroom lessons to real-world activities like internships, career exploration experiences, student research, study abroad, leadership development and more.
Career Paths:
- Breeding management
- Cooperative extension positions and more
- Equine nutrition
- Retail management
- Stable management
- The manufacturing, distribution, and sale of supplies, feed, and healthcare products
- Therapeutic program director
- Veterinary practice management
We maintain extensive equine facilities within short walking distance of the residence halls on-campus. The Equestrian Center serves as our training facility where our equine students take riding skills classes, practical management courses, and equine training classes. Our competitive intercollegiate teams also practice at the Equestrian Center during the week and on weekends. The facility is equipped with the following amenities:
- 52 stall barn
- 84 X 280 indoor
- 120 X 90 outdoor
- European horse exerciser
- Cross country fences
- Areas to hack out
- Heated wash stalls
- Equine scale
Our on-campus Sydney J. Markovitz Equine Breeding Center is home to stallions and a broodmare herd, including competitive Standardbred racehorses. The horses and foals are handled daily by students and staff. Working closely with our full time faculty and stable manager, Equine Science and Management students have the opportunity to play an integral role in the daily management of the facility. In alignment with the DelVal commitment to experiential learning, students also actively assist with foaling and breeding procedures. The facility is equipped with the following amenities:
- 24 Stall barn including a 4 stall stallion barn
- Reproductive lab with diagnostic equipment
- Foal monitor alert system (on and off campus access)
- 2-4 stallions, 25 mares, 10-15 foals per season
- 3 large run-out pastures
- 6 turnout pastures
- Collection barn with phantom and tease stall
- Fly prevention system throughout barn
We are proud of our status as a Certified British Horse Society (BHS) Testing Center. With this accreditation, we offer BHS Examinations for certificates in Stage 1 through International Instructor Level 1 at our Equestrian Center.
The BHS is recognized in 32 countries world-wide for its esteemed certification programs for instructors and managers. Through the evaluations performed by the BHS, equine facilities are evaluated and recognized for their excellence in their standards for safety, horse management, and instruction. BHS testing covers riding in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and eventing in addition to horse knowledge and care.
Delaware Valley University will be holding a British Horse Society examination this spring at the Equestrian Center. Through obtaining these certifications, your marketability in the equine industry is enhanced as your qualifications are recognized around the world. Please visit the British Horse Society for information regarding each examination's individual requirements outline in syllabus format.
For more information regarding the BHS exams and recommended preparations, please email Breann.Depietro@delval.edu or call at 215.489.2336.
2021 BHS Exam Information
Delaware Valley University Equestrian Center will host British Horse Society Exams for Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 2 Teach in May 2021. Please check back for more details.
As a students in DelVal's equine science or management program you have the opportunity to participate in a semester exchange program with Hartpury College in England. Like DelVal, Hartpury College has a strong agricultural tradition. Furthermore, it is home to a premiere British Horse Society equestrian facility, site of the annual Hartpury Advanced Horse Trials.
This cooperative arrangement provides an excellent opportunity if you wish to receive advanced instruction in cross-country riding and to prepare for the British Horse Society Riding and Instructor Certification exams. Interested students should inquire about application qualifications and procedures.
You have the opportunity to travel abroad to network with professionals and get the chance to experience how the equine industry differs from ours in other parts of the world. Trips are planned for England Scotland and Wales, or Germany.
The Dressage Team is part of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) and competes throughout the school year. The Dressage Team is open to all full-time students of the University and is dedicated to inspiring and improving all levels or dressage riders. The team has several shows every semester and also participates in A-Day, fundraisers, and other club activities.
This scholarship is open to students applying to the equine science or equine management program. Multiple $1,000 scholarships are available for entering Pony Clubbers who rate C-1 or higher with a minimum 3.0 high school G.P.A or who rank in the top 30 percent of their high school class. Recommendations and an essay are required. Scholarships are dependent upon the student maintaining a 2.5 G.P.A or higher at Delaware Valley University.
Deadline for application is February 15 in the year of application.
Link: Admissions and Financial Aid (to come)
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 Science and Management Program?
Anyone is welcome to lease his or her horse to the Equine Science and Management Program. The Equestrian Center is home to many student-owned horses. To begin, please submit a Potential Horse Questionnaire and video of your horse on the flat and over fences (if possible) for review. Once the questionnaire and video are complete, forward to Taylor Adams.
Do I have to bring my own horse?
If you are enrolled in the equine management program you are not required to bring your own horse
Who takes care of the horses?
As a freshman you will be assigned a horse that you will be responsible for throughout the first year of the program. You may also apply to work on staff at the equestrian and breeding centers. As an employee, student staff members are responsible for feeding, turnout, and general care of the horses and facilities.
What are the riding opportunities for Equine Science and Management students throughout the academic year?
If you are a equine science or management student and you wish to ride as a part of curriculum, you may ride twice a week for riding skills classes. When you are an upperclassman, you may ride our project horse five days a week if you are enrolled in the special training project class. you may also have extra opportunities to ride through their membership in campus clubs such as the Hunt Seat, Dressage, Western, or Vaulting Teams.
How do I join a team?
Tryouts for teams are held during the first few weeks of school each fall. Notice of meetings and tryouts 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.
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.
The Equine Center
We maintain extensive equine facilities within short walking distance of the residence halls on-campus. The Equestrian Center serves as our training facility where our equine students take riding skills classes, practical management courses, and equine training classes.
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.
Office Location: Equine Office 105
