Equestrian

Offerings in riding or other equestrian physical activity which vary year to year.

This course is designed for non-majors interested in learning to ride a horse. Subjects covered include equine safety; basic grooming and husbandry skills; mounting/dismounting procedures; and the basics of walking and trotting on horseback independently. (Every Term)

This course is designed for non-majors interested in learning to ride a horse. Subjects covered include equine safety; horse care; arena etiquette; and further development of gaits such as walking; trotting; and cantering. (Every Term)

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 small courses. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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 introduced to the basics of training level dressage.Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Open to students with little or no riding experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: bridling; saddling; and horsemanship for the walk; jog and lope. Topics include grooming; hoof care; lungeing; safety procedures; care of horse and equipment. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for students enrolled in an equestrian major who seek to develop their skills as English equestrian athlete. Topics include equine safety; proper grooming techniques; and essential horse care practices. Students will learn the fundamentals of independent riding at the walk; trot; and canter; focusing on transitions; adjustability; and ring figures. The course also introduces basic over-fences work. (Every term)

Open to students with intermediate experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught 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.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Open to students with little or no riding experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: bridling; saddling; and horsemanship for the walk; jog and lope. Topics include grooming; hoof care; lunging; safety procedures; care of horse and equipment. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Open to students with little or no riding experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught include: bridling; saddling; and horsemanship for the walk; jog and lope. Topics include grooming; hoof care; lunging; safety procedures; care of horse and equipment. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Students apply draft horse driving and management skills in hands-on field work. Course topics include the use of horses to do work; driving a variety of implements and tools; and the modern uses of draft horses in the industry. Prerequisite: EQUS 121. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Designed for the advanced rider who wants to further riding skills by jumping more technical and demanding courses. Riders are given the opportunity to participate in local recognized and unrecognized shows in the jumper divisions; as well as shows at the Equestrian Center.

Open to all students regardless of equine experience. Students learn safe ground handling practices and basic equine care as well as harnessing; hitching and driving single equines. Other topics include safely starting an equine in harness and exploring historical and current disciplines in driving.  Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Students continue to learn safe ground handling practices around single and pair equine driving; including harnessing; line driving; hitching and driving implements. Additional topics include care and management of equines and showing of the driving equine.   Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

An open theory/classroom course varying in content from year to year. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course emphasizes the philosophy and theory of equitation; producing a deeper understanding and strengthening of 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 their mount and know that particular horse's abilities; habits and limits. An asset to show preparation.

This course is designed for the advanced rider who wants to become more proficient in riding reining horses. It will provide practical experience in learning advance skills necessary for executing reining maneuvers. Lecture topics will include: advanced knowledge and observation of reining maneuvers; condition/training of the horse needed to compete in reining; health and safety issues related to reining; and the shoeing needs of reining horses. Lab skills will include: training horses to better execute loping circles; lead departures; lead changes; spins; run downs; sliding stops; and rollbacks.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Competent hunter seat flat riders are introduced to jumping; trail and recreational riding. 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. Prerequisite: EQUS 101 or permission of instructor. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for equestrian majors looking to advance their skills as English equestrian athletes. Topics include advanced grooming techniques such as clipping and show braiding; along with essential horse care practices. Students are expected to have a solid foundation in riding at the walk; trot; and canter and should be confident in executing an intermediate level jumping course of 18 inches or higher. (All Terms)

Students learn about the management aspects of a stable including: the needs and basic care of the equine; layout and design of stables; and running a stable as a business. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Students learn what is involved in managing a horse show including planning; prize list; advertising; officials; knowledge of rules of sanctioning organizations; ordering awards. Students must be available to work some weekends at shows held at Equestrian Center. At the end of the semester; students manage their own show at the Center. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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. Prerequisite: EQUS 110 or permission of instructor. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for students that are in an equestrian major who are interested in learning more about using their aides and creating a better connection to their horse. Subjects covered include basic horsemanship position; better understanding your horse movements; bending; and the basics of collection. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center. (Every term)

Technical aspects and differences between hunter; jumper; equitation and stadium jumping courses will be discussed. Hands on application will be provided by assisting show managers with course design at shows at the Equestrian Center along with assisting instructors with setting jumps for jumping classes. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course examines digestive physiology; involving carbohydrates; proteins; fats; minerals and vitamins. Also; a practical approach to proper feedstuffs and use of quality feedstuffs to maintain health and productivity of horses. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Guest speakers introduce students to alternative equine anatomy care and caring for the equine anatomy in general. An equine chiropractor; a saddle fitter and farrier; among others; discuss the importance of their professions in caring for the horse's anatomy. Students learn the history and benefits of equine massage; study equine skeletal anatomy; connective tissue; muscle location (origin and insertion) and function. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

Students learn about the strategies for the development and promotion of the internationally competitive Irish Sport Horse Industry; which has evolved as a collaboration of the governing bodies of Ireland with Irish Sport Horse Breeders. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center. Travel to Ireland for 10 days is a required part of the course.

This course is foundational in giving any student a basis of knowledge in how to handle and manage horses from an internal and external perspective. This is crucial for all students in all equestrian degree and minor programs. Offered every term.

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. Offered in the Summer term

Technical aspects and differences between hunter; jumper; equitation and stadium jumping courses will be discussed. Hands on application will be provided by assisting show managers with course design at shows at the Equestrian Center along with assisting instructors with setting jumps for jumping classes. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

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 small courses. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for equestrian majors looking to advance their skills as English equestrian athletes. Topics include advanced grooming techniques such as mane pulling; along with essential horse care practices. Students are expected to have a solid foundation in riding at the walk; trot; and canter and should be confident in executing an advanced level jumping course of 2’3 or higher.

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 introduced to the basics of training level dressage. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for the rider who wants to become more proficient in understanding the discipline of Dressage. It will provide practical experience in learning basic skills necessary for riding successful first level dressage tests. Lecture topics will include knowledge and observation of; the fundamentals of the training pyramid; conditioning/training of the horse needed to compete in dressage; health and safety issues related to dressage. Lab skills will include improving riders balance; position; effectiveness of aids and training horses to better develop improved gaits through development of better balance; strength and suppleness. (Every term)

Open to students with intermediate experience in the western disciplines. Skills taught 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.

Designed for the advanced rider who wants to become proficient in riding ranch riding patterns. Lecture topics include general knowledge and observation of ranch riding patterns; condition of the horse needed to compete in ranch riding; health; safety issues; and the shoeing needs of ranch riding horses. Lab skills include walking; trotting; extended trotting; loping; extended loping; ground pole work; side-passing; turnarounds; and rollbacks. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course explores the internal and external factors of the horse’s anatomy and physiology in a function focus. Students will learn about each of the major biological systems within the equines; diseases that can affect them; and how to manage those illnesses. Injury and advanced first aid will be covered as well. Student will also learn advanced handling techniques such as lunging the horse; applying restraints; trailer loading; etc.   (Fall)

This course is designed for the student who wants to develop a better understanding of the human horse relationship. Subjects will focus on developing an understanding of the natural behaviors; communication methods and learning patterns of horses. This course is both lecture and lab based; utilizing diverse spaces at the Equestrian Center; including the stables; arenas; and grass fields. ( Fall)

This course examines an overview of equine nutrition and equine reproduction to give students exposure to this topic for continued study. Topics covered include: digestive physiology; a practical approach to proper equine nutrition; examining various feeds and hay for horses; reproductive physiology of the stallion and mare; the equine breeding industry; and foal management.  Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center (Spring)

This course is designed to expose students to fitting a horse for showing in English and Western performance events. Students will also learn about grooming techniques specific for the showing industry such as clipping the horse; braiding and banding manes; and related topics. Also covered will be presenting the show horse in hand specific to Western (halter) and English disciplines. (Spring)

This course is designed for equestrian majors looking to advance their skills as Hunter Riders. Topics include advanced grooming techniques at an “A” rated standard such as mane pulling; hunter braiding; and show clipping. Students are expected to be proficient in riding at the walk; trot; canter; counter canter and should be confident in executing an advanced level hunter style course of 2’6 or higher. (Every term)

Designed for the advanced rider who wants to further riding skills by jumping more technical and demanding courses. Riders are given the opportunity to participate in local recognized and unrecognized shows in the jumper divisions; as well as shows at the Equestrian Center.

This course is designed for the rider who has a strong foundation in Dressage and wants to advance in their Dressage training. It will provide practical experience in learning advanced skills necessary for riding successful upper-level dressage tests. Lecture topics will include knowledge and observation of; the fundamentals of the training pyramid; conditioning/training of the horse needed to compete in upper-level dressage; health and safety issues related to dressage. Lab skills will include improving riders balance; position; seat; effectiveness of aids and training horses to further develop improved gaits through development of better straightness and impulsion; while introducing more collected movements. (Every term).

This course is designed for the rider who wants to become more proficient in advanced Dressage. It will provide practical experience in learning skills necessary for riding successful advanced level dressage movements and tests. Topics will include knowledge and observation of the training pyramid; conditioning/training of the horse needed to compete in upper-level dressage; health and safety issues related to dressage. Lab skills will include improving riders balance; position; seat; effectiveness of aids and ability to train horses to perform increased engagement in their movement as well as more refined transitions between gaits. (Every term)

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. Prerequisite: EQUS 112 or permission of instructor. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center.

This course offers a further development of the theories and methods of ranch riding. Students will learn more advanced training techniques to begin to develop better maneuvers demonstrated in the show arena.  Lab skills include walking; trotting; extended trotting; loping; extended loping; ground pole work; side-passing; turnarounds; and rollbacks. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center. (Every term)

This course exposes students to advanced arena work relevant to the showing of Ranch Riding. Students will be exposed to judging methods for this course that will help them in learning to improve their scores while performing in ther show arean.  Lab skills include walking; trotting; extended trotting; loping; extended loping; ground pole work; side-passing; turnarounds; and rollbacks. Transportation is not provided to the Equestrian Center. Arranging transportation to the Equestrian Center will be the responsibility of the student; however; we will assist in the arrangement of ride sharing to the Equestrian Center. (Every term)

Academic inquiry into an area not covered in any established course; and carried on outside the usual instructor/classroom setting. Approved Plan of Study required.

This course emphasizes the philosophy and theory of leadership within an equine organization; producing a deeper understanding and strengthening a student's mental and physical understanding of being a leader within the equestrian industry.