Equestrian Studies

Degree Level:

Bachelor’s

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

School:

The Stephens College Equestrian program is known for hands-on, immersive learning, a small class environment, and faculty, advisers and mentors dedicated to your success.

Our women’s college environment provides unprecedented opportunities to get involved, be a leader and challenge yourself to chase down your dreams. With a 100% career placement rate and an extensive alumnae network, equestrian studies students are ready for success.

Equestrian Program Supplemental Application

In addition to applying to Stephens College, students interested in majoring in Equestrian Studies must complete a supplemental application.

Equestrian Studies Application Process >

Frequently Asked Questions >

Program Features

Small class sizes and individualized instruction
Extensive opportunities to ride with instruction
Hands-on interaction and responsibilities from day one
Opportunities to compete and participate in national, regional and community horse shows
Visiting industry professionals and experts who present clinics on campus and network with students
Prince of Wales Club, the country’s oldest continuously active riding club, as well as Stephens Equine Therapeutic Association
Extensive career services and a network of alumni dedicated to helping students connect in the industry
100% job placement rate for five years in a row

The Stephens College Equestrian Center

It’s all about location — and the Stephens Equestrian program couldn’t ask for a better one. An easy walk from campus, our Equestrian Center is a vital part of the Stephens College footprint, nestled between campus and downtown on one side and a beautiful park on the other. Our Equestrian Center is also proud to be one of Columbia’s “Most Notable Properties.” For generations, the center has been home to a special group of horses including Quarter Horses, Saddlebreds, Paints and Pintos, and Warmbloods.

Our center is also the center of our commitment to mid-Missouri and the community we call home. Various public events and summer camps invite the community to enjoy the experience of riding as well.

Faculty

Meet the Equestrian Studies faculty >

Tailor your program to your goals.

Customize your experience to the track, coursework and minors that align with your personal and professional goals.

We also offer an equestrian studies minor and courses for the non-rider.

Equine studies majors will choose one of two tracks:

Equine Business

This track is designed for students interested in the organizational, managerial and commercial aspects of the equine industry, as well as for students interested in advanced performance horse care and stable management. Careers in this field include barn manager, broodmare or stallion management, bloodstock agent, equine insurance, pharmaceutical sales representative, breed organization employee, equine journalist, graphic design for equine publication, equine supply sales representative, tack store manager/owner, small business owner and social media manager.

Equine Science

This track is designed for students interested in pursuing careers dedicated to equine health and management. Our program works closely with other programs in the School of Health Sciences to ensure our students are prepared for a field in equine health. Professions dedicated to equine health include the always popular option of equine veterinary medicine. Other careers in equine health include massage therapist, equine farrier, equine chiropractor, equine dental technician, equine nutrition/sales representative and equine veterinary technician.

Related Program

Riding Experience

No prior riding experience is required for either track. Our curriculum is designed to help students understand equine behavior and horse handling to ensure they are prepared for the wide variety of careers involving the business and science aspects of the industry. Our equine behavior and horse handling courses make students particularly well attuned to equine behavioral signals to ensure their safety while working with young and potentially unpredictable animals.

Four Disciplines, One Family

No matter your focus, you’ll find a caring faculty who help you find your path, a sense of community and commitment, and a supportive culture. We offer four riding disciplines: Huntseat, Western, Saddle Seat and Driving.

The equestrian program gave me the opportunity to become the horsewoman I always wanted to be. The program opened doors I never would have found on my own, and fostered a love and respect for the animal and for equestrian sport that I could not have discovered anywhere else. To be able to network across the country with my former internships, old classmates, professors and alumnae is a special gift. My coworkers are amazed at the vast experiences I gained in four short years.”

Margaret Sheldon ’17, Equestrian Director at YMCA Camp Willson in Bellefontaine, Ohio

Scholarships

Equine industry pioneer Sally Jackson and Stephens College today announced a new $20,000 Scholarship available to the winner of the 2022 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Medal Finals.

More information