EQUINE EDUCATION

OPPORTUNITIES IN MINNESOTA

 

April, 2022

The Minnesota Horse Council has compiled the following list of schools and organizations in Minnesota that offer educational opportunities related to horses. The listing does not indicate approval or recommendation by the MHC. Potential students are urged to contact the institution that interests them for further information and to consult with professionals in the horse industry in order to make an informed choice about their future education or training. Updates will be made as information becomes available.

COLLEGIATE:

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA/ST. PAUL:

The College of Veterinary Medicine awards the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). The primary goal of the veterinary medical curriculum is to provide the education and training necessary for the general practice of veterinary medicine. The secondary goal is to allow the student to pursue some degree of specialized training. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter veterinary medical practice, residencies or a graduate educational program. Many graduates of the college enter private clinical practice in general or highly specialized areas such as equine practice. Others pursue careers in education, research, industry and government work. Veterinarians are also employed in laboratory animal medicine, zoo animal practice, and public health & food inspection. New opportunities are emerging in comparative medical research and aquatic and wildlife animal medicine. Contact: Office of the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, 1964 Fitch Ave, Room 108, U of MN, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612-624-4747), see “Education” at www.cvm.umn.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LEATHERDALE EQUINE CENTER, ST. PAUL CAMPUS: The Leatherdale Equine Center houses a state-of-the-art diagnostic, research, and educational facility. It includes a large indoor arena and conference center available for rent to members of the Minnesota horse community. The Center hosts a broad range of clinics and other educational opportunities for regional horse owners and tours can be scheduled. Horse organizations may also hold their meetings in the spacious and well-appointed conference room. For more information on the Equine Center and available educational opportunities, please go to www.cvm.umn.edu/umec/home.html or call Susan Penney at the Center's information line at 612-626-6417.

UNDERGRADUATE:

Undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science may incorporate equine science courses into their program for an emphasis in Equine Science. Available courses include Equine Nutrition, Horse Management, and Historical Influence of the Horse on Society. Students may also develop their practical skills with horses through participation in internships. Students in any academic program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus may ride in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions throughout the Midwest by becoming a member of the University of Minnesota Equestrian Team. For more information, please visit https://ansci.umn.edu/animal-science-major.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA HORSE EXTENSION SERVICE:

This program was developed to address the state-wide need for horse owner education. The U of M horse program provides unbiased, research based information to horse owners with the goal of increasing the knowledge of horse owners and improving the quality of care for horses in Minnesota. Signature programs include the UMN Equine Conference, online certificate courses, website information (www.extension.umn.edu/horse), a monthly e-newsletter, a Facebook page, a YouTube channel, mobile apps, and presentations at industry events, expos, and programs across Minnesota and the U.S. For information contact Dr. Krishona Martinson at 612-625-6776 or krishona@umn.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA/CROOKSTON:

UMC offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Equine Science degree with either an Equine Science emphasis or a Pre-Veterinary emphasis. Equine Science offers students a well-rounded degree, providing industry-respected training with a strong general education component. Course work is available in all riding seats, driving, training, exercise physiology, nutrition, equine management, horse production and breeding/reproductive physiology .The program also offers 10-12 week internships. For more information, please contact Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio (218-281-8109) or Nicky Overgaard (218-281-8127); Equine Science, 100 UTOC, UMC, Crookston, MN 56716-5001 (1-800-862-6466). Website: www.crk.umn.edu.

TECHNICAL SCHOOLS:

RIDGEWATER COLLEGE

Ridgewater College offers an A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology at the WiIlmar Campus. The program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and emphasizes clinical training. This public college program is 2-1/2 years in length. Graduates are eligible to take national credentialing exam. Contact: Ridgewater College Office of Admissions, 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201 (1-800-722-1151). Jennifer Anderson, (320-222-8261). Email: jenniferanderson@ridgewater.edu. www.ridgewater.edu.

ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Rochester Community & Technical College offers an A.A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology at the Rochester Campus.  The Veterinary Technician Program is designed for students to complete some prerequisites in Veterinary Technology and after successful completion provide an opportunity to advance into the Veterinary Technician Applied Associate Degree. Courses are arranged in a sequential manner with a field experience component scheduled in the summer semester for the first year and the spring of the second year. All students begin the Veterinary Technician program in the spring semester of the academic year. Courses continue in an arranged sequential manner and are designed to combine theory with practical experience. Contact: Kimberly Rowley, Program contact (507-285-5505). Email: rowley@rctc.edu. www.rctc.edu/program/eqsc.

PRIVATE VOCATIONAL:

MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF HORSESHOEING:

The Farrier Science Program offers a 2-week trim class, a 4-week shoeing class for horse owners, as well as 10-, 12-, and 24-week professional farrier courses designed to provide students with entry level skills in the art and science of horseshoeing. There is an optional apprenticeship program that is strongly recommended. The areas of study include the conformation and anatomy of the horse with special emphasis on the lower limb, physiology of the lower limb, corrective shoeing, shoeing for lameness and forging operations. Graduates will be able to communicate useful and practical information related to farrier science, physically perform the skills in the forge and under the horse and demonstrate acceptable attitudes and responsibilities toward the profession. The school also offers a two week program for horse owners on the business of trimming and shoeing. Emphasis on balanced trimming and shoeing with ready-made shoes; offered in conjunction with ten week courses. Contact: Robert Duggan, Minnesota School of Horseshoeing, 6250 Riverdale Dr., Ramsey, MN 55303 (763-427-5850). Web: www.mnschoolofhorseshoeing.com.

HIGH SCHOOL:

BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL

400 Quince St, Brainerd, MN 56401. Denise Reser (218-454-5253). Students in grades 10-12 are offered an Animal Science class as well as an Equine Science class that covers the basics of the care of horses and judging.

 

COMMUNITY EDUCATION:

MINNESOTA 4-H:

The Minnesota 4-H Horse Project offers young people a chance to develop responsibility, leadership abilities, sportsmanship and the life skills of establishing goals and decision-making. These are achieved by regularly caring for a horse and learning about basic horse health, nutrition, breeding, judging, record keeping, management and equitation -all under the supervision of an adult leader. Contact your local county extension office or Renee Kostick at 218-828-2333 or hinkx001@umn.edu.

PONY CLUB:

The US Pony Club, Inc. (USPC) celebrated its 60th year in 2014, teaching riding, mounted sports and the care and management of horses to young people through the age of 25. It develops in youth the characteristics of responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self-confidence. For over 60 years USPC has provided a varied and quality program of mounted and unmounted instruction, activities and competition. All year long USPC offers children something to look forward to as they progress through the Standards of Proficiency, a unique nine-step learning and rating system. Many parents learn along with their children. USPC is an organization that the whole family can enjoy. Kids love Pony Club because it's so much fun -parents love Pony Club because it teaches children important values that carry over into their adult life. There are 20 clubs/riding centers in Minnesota. There is now an adult Horse Masters (non-traditional) program to encourage participation, leadership and volunteerism. Contact: Linda Scott, (218-780-3821). Linda#upnorthtitle.com, Web: www.ponyclub.org.

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA:

FFA is a program open to students from middle school thru age 21.  It is an intra-curricular program that promotes leadership, personal growth, and career success thru agricultural education.  Program includes horse judging and equine projects. Dr. Zane Sheehan, (651) 492-9087, www.mnffa.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

See our website at www.MnHorseCouncil.org/equine-education.php.

Prepared by: Trina Joyce, Minnesota Horse Council, (612-729-7798), trinajoyce@mnhorsecouncil.org.

Return to top »