The Alfred University Equestrian Studies Program is designed to offer students an opportunity to define their own needs and goals and create a career plan that facilitates their achievement.

Through the Track II program, students can combine business, art, psychology, environmental studies, pre-med, pre-vet, veterinary technology, or other areas of study with equestrian studies to create a unique major that meets their personal vision and goals.

For example:

• A combination of equestrian studies with business might enable a student to run a training operation, open a tack shop or other small equine-related business, or handle accounting, marketing or sales for a large breeding operation.

• Students who choose to combine psychology and equestrian studies might work towards certification in equine-assisted therapy.

Students may also select one of our traditional majors and minor in equestrian studies.

Courses are offered in English and Western riding as well as theory.

Individually Structured Major (Track II)

Through the University's Individually Structured Major known as the Track II program you can combine equestrian studies with any other field of study to develop a major program designed to meet your special interests and needs.

Equestrian Minor

Of the 16 credits required for the equestrian studies minor you must take a minimum of 8 credits in theory and 4 credits in activity courses. The remaining 4 credits are elective; they may be selected from either the activity and/or theory categories.

Activity Courses
PHED 136 - Introduction to Dressage - 2 credits
PHED 137 - English Riding, Level I - 2 credits
PHED 138 - English Riding, Level II - 2 credits
PHED 139 - English Riding, Level III - 2 credits
PHED 140 - English Riding, Level IV - 2 credits
PHED 141 - Combined Training - 2 credits
PHED 142 - Western Riding, Level I - 2 credits
PHED 143 - Western Riding, Level II - 2 credits
PHED 144 - Western Riding Level III - 2 credits
PHED 145 - Western Riding, Level IV - 2 credits
PHED 146 - Dressage II - 2 credits
PHED 147 - Introduction to Reining - 2 credits
PHED 150 - Draft Horse Driving I - 2 credits
PHED 151 - Draft Horse Driving II- 2 credits

Theory Classes
PHED 237 - Art and Theory of Equitation - 4 credits
PHED 238 - Introduction to Equine Science - 4 credits
PHED 239 - Methods of Teaching English Riding - 4 credits
PHED 240 - Methods of Teaching Western Riding - 4 credits
PHED 241 - Equine Management - 4 credits
PHED 242 - Judging Horse Shows- 4 credits
PHED 243 - History of the Horse - 4 credits

Activity Courses

English

Introduction to Dressage
Open to students with intermediate experience in the English disciplines. Dressage is offered to equip students with a broad base of knowledge in classical horsemanship encompassing theory, philosophy, riding, and care of the horse. Students will be riding training level dressage tests and introduced to the movements of first level dressage.
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English Riding, Level I (Beginning Horsemanship)
Open to students with little or no riding experience for basic hunter seat equitation taught at the walk, trot and canter. Topics include horse grooming, hoof care, safety procedures (on and off the horse), care of riding equipment, and a horse's health.
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English Riding, Level II (Introduction to Flatwork and Dressage)
Competent hunter seat flat riders are introduced to jumping, trail and recreational riding. Jumping classes encounter fences three feet and under. The course emphasizes safety and training riders to recognize their own abilities in the ring, on the trail, or in the barn. Topics include horse care, cost and management of one's own horse.
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English Riding, Level III (Jumping 1)
Riders entering this course should have a secure hunter seat at the walk, trot and canter and should exhibit good control over single fences (maximum height two feet). This course further conditions riders for more strenuous exercises on the flat and the course requires riders to jump a two-foot, eight fence course. Students also experience instructing a class. There will be a number of periods of recreational riding.
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English Riding, Level IV (Jumping 2)
Riders at this level should be competent to walk, trot, canter, and jump with reasonably good equitation. This course furthers the riders¿ abilities over higher (maximum three feet) fences and more complex courses. Riders continue practice teaching and, time permitting, pleasure and practice sessions, as well.
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Combined Training
Concentrating on three areas: Dressage, Cross Country Jumping and Stadium Jumping students are given an introductory working and riding knowledge in combined training. During the course students attend one clinic in each phase and a three day event.
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Western

Western Riding, Level I ( Beginning Horsemanship)
Open to students with little or no riding experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: western bridling, saddling, and horsemanship for the walk, jog and lope. Topics include grooming, hoof care, lungeing, safety procedures, care of horse and equipment.
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Western Riding, Level II (Introduction to Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Showmanship)
Open to students with beginning experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: western pleasure, horsemanship and showmanship patterns. Topics include safety procedures, proper tack, attire, equipment, and care of horse.
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Western Riding, Level III (Intermediate Horsemanship, Showmanship and Trail)
Open to students with intermediate experience in the western disciplines. Skillsaught include: western pleasure, horsemanship, showmanship and introductory trail obstacles found on trail course patterns. Topics include showing the all-around horse at breed shows, safety procedures, care of horse and equipment.
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Western Riding, Level IV (Introduction to Speed and Working Cattle Events)
Open to students with intermediate or above experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: speed events including barrel racing, pole bending, stake race, and goat tying. Topics include: safety procedures, care of horse and equipment and introductory knowledge of team penning.
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Dressage II
Theoretical and practical experience in effectively riding dressage at USDF levels 1 and 2. The practical side of this course prepares the student for successful competition. The theoretical side develops the student's comprehension of the history and philosophy of dressage.
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Introduction to Reining
Designed for the advanced rider who wants to become proficient in riding reining patterns. Lecture topics include: general knowledge and observation of reining patterns, condition of the horse needed to compete in reining, health, safety issues,and the shoeing needs of reining horses. Lab skills include: loping circles, lead changes, spins, run downs, sliding stops, and roll backs.
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Draft Horse Driving I
Open to students with beginning experience on and around draft horses. Skills taught include: Origin and background on draft horse breeds, harnessing, ground driving and handling the lines while driving both single and doubles.
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Draft Horse Driving II
Lecture topics emphasize a survey of today's industry, breeds, history, onformation,principles of harnessing and hitching, and management of draft horses. Also included are showing procedures, breeding, foaling and training. Laboratory consists of hands-on experience in the handling, harnessing, hitching, driving, care and management of draft and driving horses. Prerequisite: PHED 150.
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Theory Courses

Art and Theory of Equitation
This course emphasizes the philosophy and theory of equitation, producing a deeper understanding and strengthening students¿ mental and physical approach to riding. Both the schooling and competitive frame of mind of horse and rider are included and the rider is expected to get the most out of his/her mount and know that particular horse¿s abilities, habits and limits. An asset to show preparation. Prerequisite: PHED 140 or 145 or equivalent.
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Introduction to Equine Science
This course covers classroom studies of anatomy, nutrition, disease, and veterinary aspects of owning a horse or running a stable. Barn assignments deal with particular injuries and there are demonstrations with horses in terms of wrapping various wounds and treating common equine ailments. A trip to the Cornell Veterinary Clinic is included in the semester.
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Methods of Teaching English Riding
Students in this course are required to observe teaching of classes and to discuss objectives and methods with the instructor. In time the student acts as apprentice teacher under the instructor's supervision. When ready, the student assumes the role of instructor with the responsibility of setting up safety rules and class curriculum. The student's efforts are reflected in the riders' progress. A lecture/question period will be held with local leaders of 4-H and Pony Clubs. Prerequisite: PHED 237.
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Methods of Teaching Western Riding
Open to students with advanced experience in the western disciplines. Students will learn to teach beginning western pleasure skills. The student will progress from observation, to discussion of methods and teaching safety practices, to actually working with a beginner student in a supervised setting. Prerequisite: PHED 144 or permission of instructor.
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Equine Management
This course is designed to provide practical experience in supervising barn management and equine care. Topics will include: stable management, general knowledge and observation of horse health, condition, dentistry, internal and external parasites, limb and hoof care, shoeing and trimming. Lab skills will include: clipping, banding, braiding, leg wraps, equipment application, fitting, and showmanship.
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Judging Horse Shows
Open to students with advanced level riding skills in either English or Western riding. Students will learn how to evaluate and place conformation, halter and performance classes according to the standards set by various organizations and breeds of horses.
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History of the Horse
Theoretical and practical experience in understanding the history and the evolution of the horse. Meets at Continental Acres Equine Resort in Weirsdale, FL in the first two weeks of Summer School. With access to the Gloria Austin Equine Museum, students have hands-on opportunities while studying the history of the horse and museum operations. (Summer)
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