Equestrian Studies

Prepare for a career as a professional coach, trainer, equine studies professor, riding program director, equine entrepreneur, and so much more.

Known for academic excellence, professionalism and experiential learning, Equestrian Studies at Houghton University will prepare you to ride, teach and train using the principles of classical dressage through a high-quality equine program in a Christian college setting—part of the Sport, Recreation and Wellness Management major at Houghton.

Classes Careers Meet the Faculty

Specialize Your Studies

Choose between equine performance or equine management. These tracks give a solid foundation for students preparing to enter the equestrian venue as professionals in teaching, training, facility management and related careers. Along the way, you will get involved in five disciplines:

Dressage
Hunter/Jumper
Eventing
Western
Trail Riding

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s program in Equestrian Studies, you will:

Earn your Certified Horsemanship Association certification.
Compete in open and United States Equestrian Federation/United States Dressage Federation-recognized competitions.
Get hands-on by teaching lessons to children and adults in the community.
Learn and train under Certified Horsemanship Association-certified professors and Fédération Equestre Internationale level clinicians.
Enjoy first-class facilities on 386 acres of farmland, trails and cross-country.
Work with 27 school horses trained in multiple disciplines, or board your own horse.
Belong to a thriving community of Christians who are living, learning and experiencing life together.

124 Credits

55-63

Required Courses

61-69

Elective Courses and General Education

Equestrian Studies - Management Track

Equestrian Studies - Performance Track

Hands-on Learning through Leadership

Have opportunities to practice what you are learning in the classroom by stepping into positions of leadership including managing shows, clinics and other events, becoming a teaching assistant for riding classes, teaching riding lessons to the community (after receiving Certified Horsemanship Association certification), serving as a club officer with the Equestrian Society and more!

Equestrian Center Events

Houghton Equestrian Center hosts public events including multiple schooling and USEF/USDF recognized competitions, clinics, conferences, and educational workshops and during the summer, a regularly sold-out, multi-week equestrian summer camp.

View Upcoming Events

Equine Assisted Therapy

Earn a minor in equine-assisted therapy to help individuals with disabilities in various settings using horses and a variety of facilitation techniques. You can pursue certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship through an internship field placement.

Equine Assisted Therapy - Minor

Equestrian Studies - Minor

aerial photo of the Equestrian Center in the fall

First-Class Facilities in an Idyllic Rural Setting

Named one of the 20 Most Amazing College Equestrian Centers in the country by Best Value Schools, Houghton's Equestrian Center includes:

Event Center with geothermal heating and cooling, 100’x 220’ indoor arena, bleacher seating for 200, classroom, concession stand, restrooms, changing rooms, two wash racks and 12 box stalls
Five barns with 51 box stalls
A full cross-country course and a variety of riding trails
Multiple pastures ranging from three to seven acres
60’ × 145’ indoor arena with heated viewing/classroom attached
100’ × 240’ outdoor stadium jumping ring
20 m × 60 m dressage arena with a permanent judge’s stand

Explore the Equestrian Center

Program Outcomes

Students graduating from Equestrian Studies at Houghton University are prepared for careers in many areas of the equestrian industry, including but not limited to:

Barn Manager

Groomer

Horse Farm Manager

Animal Care and Service Worker

Breeding Manager

Veterinarian*