The Equine Business Concentration prepares students for careers as trainers, managers, riding instructors and sales representatives.
   The Equine Center is located just five minutes off campus, allowing for easy access for all students. The farm maintains approximately 100 head of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds on 75 acres of pastureland. The horses maintained by the University are used for research, teaching, and Extension purposes.

   Students who work at the farm as employees or volunteers gain additional experience in many aspects of horse care and farm management. These students help with the day to day running of the farm and work with the University Veterinarians. Student employees have the opportunity to assist with foaling, breeding, imprinting and handling foals.  Additional experience for students includes learning to handle stallions in the breeding shed, teasing of mares, collection of semen, and artificial insemination.

• AVS 204 Horse Care Techniques-- Basic principles of equine behavior, handling, and management are discussed and demonstrated. Students receive hands-on experience with various management techniques including handling and all aspects of health care.
• AVS 205 Horsemanship I -- Designed for beginner to intermediate riders. The mechanics of safety, longeing, basic position, cues, and rider's aids for both western and English disciplines are covered.
• AVS 207 Horsemanship II -- Designed for intermediate to advanced riders to enhance basic horsemanship and develop specific skills for advanced maneuvers in both western and English disciplines.
• AVS 208 Teaching Horsemanship --Discusses teaching techniques and theory and handling of large mounted groups. Trains beginner through advanced levels.
• AVS 309 Principles of Equine Evaluation --Discusses the selection and evaluation of equines for various disciplines.  Students place classes of four horses and develop oral reasons to defend their placing.
• AVS 385 Equine Behavior and Training --Introduces students to the initial processes in gentling and riding young horses. Students work with two- and three-year-old horses to desensitize them to stimuli in preparation for riding.
• AVS 386 Advanced Equine Behavior and Training --Students train young horses advanced skills in western or English disciplines. Develops students' negotiation and communication skills, industry insight, and industry-specific jargon.
• AVS 405 Advanced Equine Evaluation – Students have the opportunity to compete at national horse judging competitions around the country.  Students are exposed to a national-level horse industry and develop a valuable network of industry professionals.
• AVS 412 Advanced Equine Management --Further discussion of special considerations of the equine regarding housing, manure management, nutrition, reproduction, transportation, and behavior.
• AVS 416 Equine Exercise Physiology-- Integration of muscle, bone, cartilage, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems as related to the equine athlete. Encompasses biomechanics, kinetics, and kinesiology related concepts specific to the horse.

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