Equestrian Studies at Houghton
Houghton offers an equestrian studies option within the recreation and leisure studies major and a minor in equestrian studies.
The equestrian studies option within the recreation and leisure studies major is designed so that the student can acquire a liberal arts education and be well-rounded in the knowledge of horses, stable management, the teaching of riding, and the history and philosophy of training, teaching and riding. This option prepares the student to gain employment after graduation as a riding instructor, as a stable or riding program manager, or as a trainer.
The minor consists of 16 credit hours of coursework. In addition to two required courses in recreation (REC 222, HRSM 223) and a required course in Riding Instructor Certification, students choose 6 hours from elective courses in horsemanship, dressage, eventing, breaking and training, jumping, and judging. Those with a minor in equestrian studies can choose their elective courses from the following: HRSM 113, HRSM 223, HRSM 224, HRSM 276, HRSM 323 and HRSM 324. Numerous students achieve certification as horsemanship instructors through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
The Equestrian Center
The Equestrian Center, located on the 386-acre college farm overlooking the main campus, is home to 20 lesson horses, in addition to student-owned horses that accompany their owners to Houghton. State-of-the-art facilities include 51 box stalls, an indoor riding arena, outdoor arenas and stadium jumping ring, riding trails, and introductory through training level cross country courses.
Visit the Equestrian Center homepage to meet the horses, view the facilities and learn about upcoming events.
The equestrian program seeks to equip students with a broad base of knowledge in classical horsemanship, encompassing theory and philosophy, riding, the teaching of riding, and care of the horse – while simultaneously developing Christ-like character in its students as scholar-servants. The program features opportunities for student employment, private lessons, and participation in open and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recognized horse shows.
The Equestrian Program Mission Statement
...to equip students with a broad base of knowledge in classical horsemanship (encompassing theory and philosophy, riding, the teaching of riding, and care of the horse) and to cultivate Christ-like character, enabling them to become effective scholar-servants.
