Department Chair: Ellen Beard
Equestrian
Faculty:
Becky Clervi
Sara Linde
Michele Smith, M.B.A.
- B.S. Major in Equestrian Science
- 3:2 Program with Washington University
- Equestrian Science Minor
- EQS and Liberal Studies Major
- Animal Science Minor
- EQS Course Descriptions
The Equestrian Science major is specifically designed to meet the requirements
of those students who wish to be trainers, riders and teachers.
The Equestrian Business Management major is offered for those students
who wish to pursue a career in equine related industries.
Requirements for the B.S. Major in Equestrian Science
The bachelor of science degree in equestrian science requires
completion of liberal arts requirements, 50 semester hours in EQS, 3
hours in BIO and 3 hours in Math. Students may elect to take additional
EQS/EBM courses. Classes will be taught on a rotational basis.
The Reproduction class will be taught at the University of Missouri.
The genetics class can be taken at Stephens College or at the University
of Missouri. The prerequisites of the courses at the University
of Missouri have been waived for Equestrian Science majors.
Equestrian
Science majors are required to take one riding class in three of the
four disciplines offered: huntseat, saddleseat, western and dressage.
A minimum of 120 semester hours, a grade of C- or better in each of
the required courses and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is required.
Students must pass a proficiency examination and have Red Cross certification
before graduating from this program. Students will need to apply
for the proficiency in the fall semester of their sophomore year and
will have three opportunities to pass the examination.
Riders are responsible for their own medical insurance. All seats are required to wear ATM/SEI approved helmets while riding.
Required
Courses
Equestrian
EQS 120–128: Riding: 6 classes (12 hrs.)
AN SCI 1011: Animal Science (3 hrs.) (University of Missouri)
EQS 130: Equine Management I (3 hrs.)
EQS 135: Equine Management II (3 hrs.)EQS 201: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship I (3 hrs.)
EQS 202: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship II (1 hr.)
EQS 203: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship III (1 hr.)
EQS 240: Horse Keeper (3 hrs.)
EQS 301: Equine Feeding and Nutrition (3 hrs.)EQS 302: Applied Equine Anatomy (3 hrs.)
EQS 310: Stable Management (3 hrs.)AN SCI 4977: Horse Production ( 3 hrs.) (University of Missouri)
EQS 340: Theory of Horseshoeing (3 hrs.)
EQS 401: Stewarding & Judging (3 hrs.)
EQS 496: Senior Project (3 hrs.)
Red Cross Certification required.
Additional Courses
It is recommended that the following be chosen for Liberal Arts approved Natural Science and Quantitative Analysis courses.
BIO 111: Biological Concepts (3 hrs.)
MAT 207: Introduction to Statistics (3 hrs.)
One of the following two courses is highly recommended:
BIO 290: Genetics (3 hrs.) or
AN SCI 3213: Genetics of Agricultural Plants/Animals (3 hrs.) (University of Missouri)
3:2 Program with Washington University
B.A. in Equestrian Science from Stephens College
Master's
in Occupational Therapy from Washington University (St. Louis)
Stephens College is offering a 3:2 program with Washington University
(St. Louis) in Occupational Therapy related to equine activities.
Washington University already has in place the equine related American
Riding for the Handicapped which students would participate and become
certified. Students attend Stephens College the first 3 years and
then take 2 additional years at Washington University. Students
must complete 30 semester hours per year at Stephens for three years
including all liberal arts and degree requirements and complete 30 semester
hours per year at Washington University. After the completion
of the first year at Washington University the student earns a B.A.
in Equestrian Science; after the second year the student will earn a
Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University.
To receive the B.A. degree a minimum of 120 semester hours (combination of Stephens College and Washington University coursework), a grade of C- or better in each of the required courses and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is required.
Required Courses
Equestrian
EQS 120–128: Riding: 3 classes (6 hrs.)
EQS 130: Equine Management I (3 hrs.)
EQS 135: Equine Management II (3 hrs.)EQS 201: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship I (3 hrs.)
EQS 202: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship II (1 hr.)
EQS 203: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship III (1 hr.)
EQS 240: Horse Keeper (3 hrs.)
EQS 301: Equine Feeding and Nutrition (3 hrs.)
EQS 302: Applied Equine Anatomy (3 hrs.)
Additional requirements
BIO 181: Biological Concepts I (4 hrs.)
BIO 182: Biological Concepts II (4 hrs.)
BIO 349: Human Physciology (3 hrs.)
MAT 207: Introduction to Statistics (3 hrs.)
PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs.)
PSY 320: Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs.)
EDU 114: The Child: Lifespan & Cross Cultural Perspective (3 hrs.)
Washington University also requires competency in Medical terminology and computer applications (course credit is not required). All graduate classes are taken at Washington University; there will be an advisor from both schools. Graduate level courses are not listed.
Requirements for the Equestrian Minor
The minor in the equestrian program requires the completion of
20 semester hours of which 6 hours must be in applied riding. Students
may elect additional EQS courses for a total of 24 hours in the minor.
The Equestrian minor is also available to the University of Missouri
students to expand their Animal Science major with a concentration in
Equestrian Science.
Required Courses
Riding: 3 classes (6 hrs.)
EQS 130: Equine Management (3 hrs.)
EQS 310: Stable Management (4 hrs.)EQS 401: Horse Keeper (4 hrs.)
EQS 300-level or above electives (3 hrs.)
Equestrian Minor and the Liberal Studies Major
The equestrian minor is available as an option to include in
the liberal studies major. See the liberal studies section of
the catalog for complete information about the major.
Animal Science Minor and the Equestrian Science Major
The Animal Science minor is available from the University of Missouri to Stephens College students who are pursuing an Equestrian Science major. Students will complete a minimum of 15 semester hours with 9 hours of upper level credit. Students may select any combination of animal science courses excluding problems and internships to meet the requirements of the Animal Science minor.
Courses to choose from:
AN SC 1011: Animal Science (3 hrs.)
AN SCI 2095: Horse Training and Management (3 hrs.)
AN SCI 2135: Horse Selection and Evaluation (2 hrs.)
AN SCI 2140: Companion Animals (3 hrs.)
AN SCI 3213: Genetics of Agricultural Plants/Animals (3 hrs.)
AN SCI 3254: Physiology of Domestic Animals (5 hrs.)
AN SCI 4001: Topics in Animal Science (1-4 hrs.)
AN SCI 4977: Horse Production ( 3 hrs.)
Riding Classes: The fee for riding is $485 per class each semester. All riding courses require an approved safety helmet with neck harness and chin strap. All riding classes may be repeated three (3) times for credit.
EQS 115: Riding: Dressage
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite one semester of riding at Stephens and permission of instructor)
Saddle Seat
EQS 117: Riding: Beginning Saddle Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
EQS 217: Riding: Driving
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: EQS 130, 135, 201 or permission of instructor.)
This course is designed to allow the student to gain experience in various types of driving techniques for the horse. The student will have the opportunity to ground drive a horse as well as drive a horse to cart. Various harnessing techniques and their potential outcomes will be covered. Care of the harness and carts will be discussed. Each student will have the opportunity to fit a harness to a horse, ook the horse to a cart and drive the horse.
EQS 317: Riding: Intermediate Saddle Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Open to intermediate students)
EQS 417: Riding: Advanced Saddle Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Western
EQS 120: Riding: Beginning Western
(2 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
EQS 220: Riding: Intermediate Western
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
EQS 320: Riding: Intermediate/Advanced Western
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
EQS 420: Riding: Advanced Western
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Hunt Seat
EQS 125: Riding: Beginning Hunt Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
EQS 225: Riding Beginning/Intermediate Hunt Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Open to all students with permission of instructor)
EQS 325: Riding: Intermediate Hunt Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Open to all intermediate students)
EQS 425: Riding: Advanced Hunt Seat
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
EQS 229: Riding: Combined Training
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Equestrian
Course Descriptions
EQS 130: Equine Management I
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students. Offered fall semester only.)
Designed to introduce students to the horse and its basic care. Subject
matter includes breeds; conformation; diseases; parasites; lameness
and treatment; daily care and management; general terminology; and first
aid for the horse.
EQS 131: Theory of Huntseat
(1 hr.)
(Open to all students; may only be taken one time for credit.)
Course in current events in the industry. Strongly suggested for each year to keep current.
EQS 132: Theory of Western
(1 hr.)
(Open to all students; may only be taken one time for credit.)
Course in current events in the industry. Strongly suggested for each year to keep current.
EQS 133: Theory of Saddleseat
(1 hr.)
(Open to all students; may only be taken one time for credit.)
Course in current events in the industry. Strongly suggested for each year to keep current.
EQS 134: Theory of Combined Training
(1 hr.)
(Open to all students; may only be taken one time for credit.)
Course in current events in the industry. Strongly suggested for each year to keep current.
EQS 135:
Equine Management II
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 135. Offered spring semester only.)
Continuation of EQS 130. Subject matter includes advanced horse care and horse show preperation.
EQS 180: Topics in Equestrian
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
EQS 201: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 130: open to sophomore, junior and senior students)
Current methods of teaching will be presented for all riding styles
and disciplines. Development of lesson plans, measurement and evaluation
of motor skills, and riding hall etiquette will be discussed. Students
will assist in teaching and observe a regularly scheduled riding class
during the second half of the course.
EQS 202: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship II
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 201)
This class is designed to provide the student with the opportunity of
assisting an instructor, putting into practice the teaching techniques
taught in EQS 201.
EQS 250: Equine Judging Team
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: approval of department.)
This course will build on the basic techniques used in assessing conformation and form to function in the horse. All breeds will be discussed and evaluated. The student will learn basic anatomy of the horse and how it relates to athletic ability. The student will learn the basic functional requirements of judging a horse show, along with the rules and regulations of the major breed associations. Students will learn the requirements of achieving a steward's license and a judge's card. NAIA competition.
EQS 280: Topics in Equestrian
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
EQS 301: Equine Feeding and Nutrition
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: BIO 111. Offered fall semester only.)
Basic nutrients, their sources and how they are utilized by the horse
will be covered. The anatomy and physiology of the digestive system
will be discussed. Ration formulation, purchasing and storage will be
stressed.
EQS 302: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship III
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 202.)
This class is designed to continue the teaching process under an instructor with the added responsibility of preparation of horse and rider for shows and clinic.
EQS 310: Stable Management
(4 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 410 or permission of instructor. Offered spring semester only.)
This course will provide the hands-on experience in the everyday operation of a stable. Topics covered will be: horse facilities; equipment; tractors; truck and trailer; loading and hauling horses; ordering supplies; preparation for horse shows; fencing and pasture management; and managing the stalled horse.
EQS 330: Introduction to Therapeutic Riding
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 135at least junior standing. Fall only.)
Focus is on learning and introducing students to the history of therapeutic horsemanship. Current aspects of therapeutic riding and instruction will also be covered. Students will get hands on experience volunteering at a local accredited center.
EQS 335: Therapeutic Riding Instruction and Practicum
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 330 or permission of instructor; lab fee charged. Spring only.)
This class will allow students to fulfill one part of the NARHA certification process by completing 25 hours of student teaching at a local accredited center. Students will learn to assess and train horses used for therapeutic riding, and become familiar with adaptive equipment. Students will develop lesson plans, games and exercises appropriate for riders with a variety of special needs.
EQS 340: Equine Anatomy and Mechanics in Motion
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: EQS 135 or permission of instructor.)
A course designed to teach the student the basic principles of farrier science. Includes anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the leg and foot; evaluation of a properly and improperly shod hoof; principles of trimming; and cold, hot, corrective and pathological shoeing.
EQS 350: Techniques of Training
(1 hr.)
(Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Offered every other spring.)
A study in theory and practical application of ground work with the
horse. Basics to be covered include: lunging, driving, long lining,
suppling, biting rigs, round penning and getting horses more responsive
under tack.
EQS 380: Topics in Equestrian
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered
in depth in other courses.
EQS 401:
Stewarding and Judging
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: EQS 130, or permission of instructor.)
This course is an overview of equestrian competitions and will develop
potential horse show officials. It will acquaint the student with the
mechanics of judging both in hand and under saddle/over fences, horses
and riders in a competitive setting.
EQS 402: Methods of Teaching Horsemanship IV
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 202.)
This is the capstone course of the teaching emphasis that will explore the logistics of teaching and managing a lesson program in the real world. Management of school horse usage will be discussed in great detail and completed by students; record keeping for payment, liability, insurance, and ethics will be addressed. Essentially these students will be student teaching such as in the education department during the semester the course is enrolled.
EQS 410: Horse Keeper
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: EQS 310 and EQS 401.)
This course is designed to allow students to gain experience in the day to day care and maintenance of horses. Students will learn to manage their time and gain self confidence while managing a string of horses and utilizing previous coursework in the day to day care of each horse.
EBM 494: Post-Internship
(2 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: INT 210, internship experience and approval of the Equestrian
faculty. Offered every other fall.)
The seminar follows the summer internship experience. The course allows
students who have completed their internships to share their experiences
and responsibilities. The student will also evaluate their internships.
Each student will make a presentation on their particular internship.
EBM 496: Equestrian Business Management
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: EQS 130, EQS 240, EBM 310, BUS 225 and BUS 305)
This is the Equestrian Business Management capstone course. This class
is designed to incorporate the student's previous business and equestrian
classes into a coherent whole from which the student will develop short
and long term professional goals. This class will focus on developing
skills necessary to start and maintain a business.
Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials,
readings, projects) may be proposed by a student who wishes to investigate
a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent study
may be obtained in department offices or in the Office of the Registrar.
