The equestrian studies program at Rocky Mountain College provides the student a venue for his or her passion for horses. The program offers a firm foundation in equitation to increase skills as a rider; a progressive training approach to encourage the student to form a valuable structure for educating a horse using generally accepted training principles; and a solid background in equine management fundamentals. These fundamentals include a broad-based series of courses designed to give each student exposure to the reality of living with and being responsible for horses. From the basic care of the horse through veterinary courses and stable management to responsible breeding program development with selection and reproduction or managing a program of therapeutic riding, the program encourages each student to find his or her place.

When core subjects are met, the student can choose a program increasingly more tailored to his or her interests whether it is teaching, training, writing, business, therapeutic riding, technology implementation, or marketing. Combined with Rocky Mountain College's traditional liberal arts program, students are provided a variety of experiences promoting lifelong learning and an understanding of the world around them. This multifaceted approach not only prepares the equine student to succeed in a complex and ever-changing global equestrian industry but to meet the challenges of life in a world of diversity as well.

Equestrian facility use fees are not included in basic tuition and are charged in addition to tuition, college fees, and other incidental expenses normally charged during registration (see the "tuition and fees" section).

Major in Equestrian Studies

Students have a choice of one of five options:

Equitation and Training Option

A minimum of 45 semester hours is required in EQS courses, including:
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS300 Reproduction and Growth
EQS302 Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management
EQS321 Advanced Horse Training I
EQS322 Advanced Horse Training II
EQS325 Basic Colt Training I
EQS326 Basic Colt Training II
EQS402 Equine Marketing
EQS450 Internship

Choose one of the following:
EQS231/232 Hunter Seat Equitation I / Hunter Seat Equitation II
OR
EQS251/252 Fundamental Horsemanship III / Fundamental Horsemanship IV

Students in this major are strongly recommended to take EQS401, EQS421, and EQS422 as electives.

Equine Business Option

A minimum of 42 semester hours is required in EQS/BSA/ECO courses, including
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS302 Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management
EQS402 Equine Marketing
EQS450 Internship
BSA201 Principles of Accounting I
BSA202 Principles of Accounting II
ECO202 Principles of Microeconomics

Nine hours of upper-division electives in business administration and accountancy or economics. Other recommended courses include EQS231 and EQS232 or EQS251 and EQS252.

Equine Writing and Publications Option

A minimum of 45 semester hours is required in EQS/ENG/COM courses, including:
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS302 Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management
EQS310 Equine Journalism
EQS402 Equine Marketing
EQS450 Internship
ENG319 Creative Nonfiction Writing
ENG325 Professional Writing
ENG365 Journalism
ENG490W Seminar in Writing
COM355 Mass Media
COM402 Interviewing

Other recommended courses include EQS231 and EQS232 or EQS251 and EQS252.

Riding Instructor Option

A minimum of 45 semester hours is required in EQS/PSY/EDC courses, including:
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS231 Hunter Seat Equitation I
EQS232 Hunter Seat Equitation II
EQS321 Advanced Horse Training I
EQS322 Advanced Horse Training II
EQS401 Techniques of Teaching Riding
EQS402 Equine Marketing
EQS405 Advanced Techniques of Teaching Riding
EQS450 Internship
EDC302 Educational Psychology
PSY312 Behavior Management

Recommended electives are EQS325, EQS326, EQS421, and EQS422.

Therapeutic Riding Option

A minimum of 52 semester hours in EQS/EDC/PEH courses are required, including:
EQS100 Volunteer Experience in Therapeutic Riding
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS209 Principles of Therapeutic Riding
EQS302 Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management
EQS309 Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training
EQS401 Techniques of Teaching Riding
EQS405 Advanced Techniques of Teaching Riding
EQS410 Therapeutic Riding, Issues and Ethics
EQS450 Internship
EDC330 Introduction to Teaching Exceptional Learners
PEH122 First Aid/CPR/Safety Education
PEH204 Foundations of Human Structure and Function
PEH315 Motor Learning

Choose one of the following:
EQS251/252 Hunter Seat Equitation I / Hunter Seat Equitation II
OR
EQS231/232 Fundamental Horsemanship III / Fundamental Horsemanship IV

In addition, a minor in psychology must be completed.

Minor in Equestrian Studies

A minimum of 21 semester hours is required, including
EQS101 Introduction to Equestrian Studies
EQS102 Equine Conformation and Selection
EQS121 Fundamental Horsemanship I
EQS122 Fundamental Horsemanship II
EQS201 Equine Preventive Medicine
EQS302 Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management

Choose one of the following:
EQS300 Reproduction and Growth
EQS402 Equine Marketing

EQS100 - Volunteer Experience in Therapeutic Riding

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1
All students interested in entering the therapeutic riding program must first participate in the volunteer experience. Students will volunteer in an established therapeutic riding program.

EQS101 - Introduction to Equestrian Studies

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
The student focuses on the basic anatomy and physiology of the horse. Equine evolution, the study of various breeds, and genetics are also emphasized, along with an overview of the horse industry.

EQS102 - Equine Conformation and Selection

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on equine structure and the evaluation of how structural anomalies relate to lameness. Students learn and practice selecting horses best suited for intended uses in terms of breed, structure, and temperament.
Prerequisite: EQS 101

EQS121 - Fundamental Horsemanship I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This class introduces the basic theories of horsemanship, the centered seat, and balanced riding. While these theories apply equally to both English and Western disciplines, only Western tack is used. Additionally, students develop strength, agility, and coordination as well as maintain their assigned horse in a show barn atmosphere with emphasis on stall maintenance and safe feeding practices.

EQS122 - Fundamental Horsemanship II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This class is a continuation of Fundamental Horsemanship I and builds on those skills with further emphasis upon developing proficiency. A logical training progression is established within a variety of Western venues. The emphasis upon maintaining a healthy horse in a show barn atmosphere is continued.
Prerequisite: EQS 121

EQS201 - Equine Preventive Medicine

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students study common equine health practices including parasitology, diseases, pre-purchase examinations, lameness, first aid measures, and the establishment of horse health programs.
Prerequisite: EQS 102

EQS209 - Principles of Therapeutic Riding

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
In this introductory course to therapeutic riding, students will explore the basic principles of therapeutic riding; medical terminology; physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments; and the use of safety and adaptive equipment. Interaction with therapy students, their parents, and health professionals will be stressed. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on experiences.

EQS214 - Equine Judging

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students learn and actively practice the evaluation of horses and riders in various types of competition, including classes in halter, Western pleasure, and hunter under saddle. There is a strong speech and critical thinking component in this course as students learn to develop oral reasons for defending class placement.
Prerequisite: EQS 102

EQS231 - Hunter Seat Equitation I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Through the development and assessment of rider and horse skill level, this course establishes a training program for starting a horse over fences. Show ring etiquette develops fundamentals for successful competition and deepens the student's understanding of the equine industry.
Prerequisite: EQS 122

EQS232 - Hunter Seat Equitation II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course is a continuation of Hunter Seat Equitation I. By furthering the skills necessary to show a hunter over fences, students gain in strength, balance, and control.
Prerequisite: EQS 231

EQS251 - Fundamental Horsemanship III

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course offers a continuation of the skills developed in Fundamental Horsemanship I and II with emphasis on both equitation and training skills, including advanced lateral and collection exercises, extension and collection at all gaits with and without contact, spinning, and stopping. Students expand equitation skills through rigorous physical work with and without stirrups and through riding multiple horses. Attention is given to skills involved in riding and the presentation of the show horse. Students are exposed to show ring etiquette, terminology, and riding styles as they work on a variety of specific events including Western riding, trail, hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, equitation, horsemanship, reining, and showmanship. This course features horses ridden in Western tack, emphasizing Western riding strategies.
Prerequisite: EQS 122

EQS252 - Fundamental Horsemanship IV

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course is a continuation of Fundamental Horsemanship III featuring English tack and English riding. Students not only ride but evaluate other horse/rider combinations to develop an eye for equine talent as well as equitation skills.
Prerequisite: EQS 251

EQS300 - Reproduction and Growth

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Anatomy and physiology of reproduction in the horse, endocrinology, principles of artificial insemination, embryo transfer, genetics, breeding systems, application of the scientific method, care and management of breeding stock. This course will be accepted as a biology elective, provided students have completed BIO111, BIO112, CHM101, and CHM102. This course is highly recommended for students pursuing veterinary school or graduate studies in animal science.
Prerequisite: EQS 201

EQS302 - Nutrition, Stable and Ranch Management

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
The student masters the fundamental principles of digestion and equine nutrition, learning the management skills necessary to run a successful stable, including establishing a budget and record keeping.
Prerequisite: EQS 102 and junior standing

EQS309 - Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor Training

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 2
All aspects of being a therapeutic riding instructor, including teaching to the appropriate therapeutic level of a student's physical and cognitive abilities, the precautions and contraindications to therapeutic riding, therapy student assessment and program development, and facility and therapy horse management. Students will organize and teach lessons, assign students to horses and volunteers, and maintain progress notes.
Prerequisites: PEH 122, EQS 100, EQS 209

EQS310 - Equine Journalism

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
The student writes articles suitable for publication in equine publications. Attention is also given to page and ad layout and ad copy.
Prerequisite: ENG 120

EQS315 - Intermediate Equine Judging

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students engage in and practice the evaluation of horses and riders for competition on an advanced level, including classes in trail, Western riding, reining, hunter hack, and working hunter. Students continue developing oral reasoning and presentation skills for defending class placement.
Prerequisite: EQS 214

EQS321 - Advanced Horse Training I

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
Students learn and practice advanced training procedures and the selection of proper horses for individual events, perfecting both the rider's and the horse's skills to an intermediate competitive level.
Prerequisite: Junior standing, EQS 121, EQS 122, EQS 231, EQS 232, EQS 325, and EQS 326

EQS322 - Advanced Horse Training II

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
This course is a continuation of Advanced Horse Training I with a higher level of skill and expertise employed.
Prerequisites: Junior standing and EQS 321

EQS325 - Basic Colt Training I

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Through practical application, the student develops skills and techniques by following a logical progression of training for a two- or three-year-old colt in a stress-free atmosphere.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and EQS 122

EQS326 - Basic Colt Training II

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course, a continuation of Basic Colt Training I, will cover the assessment of a colt's capabilities and begin advanced training techniques.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and EQS 325

EQS400 - Advanced Reproduction

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
The student focuses on common breeding problems such as organizing and operating a routine teasing program, natural breeding, artificial insemination, and improving conception rates. Students engage in practical application in this course. Class is limited to six students. This course is highly recommended for students pursuing veterinary school or graduate studies in animal science.
Prerequisite: EQS 300

EQS401 - Techniques of Teaching Riding

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students practice methods of teaching riding and engage in practical experience as a tutor or aide in teaching basic equitation. The student also learns and practices the scope and sequence of planning lessons and teaching student skills. There is a strong speech component in this course.
Prerequisites: EQS 121, EQS 122, EQS 231, and EQS 232; EQS 325 and EQS 326 are also recommended.

EQS402 - Equine Marketing

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course features the promotion of the horse and individual as well as equine-related business ventures through the introduction and refinement of the student's performance in industry specific marketing skills. The skills covered in the course include: photography and videography of the horse, still image and video editing, video reproduction and publishing, image branding, written and verbal skills for promotion, and advertisement creation for various channels from web-based marketing to print. Additionally, students will research current market trends for pricing, create and implement a marketing plan for a horse. This is a capstone class for equine business majors. Students must have ready access to equipment for both still and moving image capture and editing.
Prerequisite: Junior standing

EQS405 - Advanced Techniques of Teaching Riding

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
The student furthers his or her teaching techniques through experience as an equitation tutor or aide with an emphasis upon the development of riding activities such as clinics or riding camps. There is a strong speech component in this course.
Prerequisite: EQS 401

EQS410 - Therapeutic Riding, Issues and Ethics

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
Students will focus on the administration of and teaching in a therapeutic riding program, including organization, emergency procedures, safety regulations, risk management, documentation, and written policies and procedures. Students will learn to provide proper documentation for recognized legal business structures and organization including those for corporations and 501(c)3's as well as the standards for NARHA centers. Students with the required amount of instructional hours will be prepared to take the NARHA national registered instructor examination upon completion. This course includes a senior project.

EQS415 - Advanced Equine Judging

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
Students review the principles learned in Equine Judging I and Intermediate Equine Judging and broaden their knowledge of competition rules. They further develop oral and thinking skills for the presentation of reasons at the intercollegiate competitive level. There may be opportunities for intercollegiate judge competition.
Prerequisite: EQS 214 and EQS 315

EQS421 - Advanced Horse Training III

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
For the furthering of training and riding skills, this course leads the student toward a more independent development of his or her own training program. Students are expected to develop, organize, and produce a training plan suited to their specific goals.
Prerequisite: Senior standing

EQS422 - Advanced Horse Training IV

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 3
This course is a continuation of Advanced Horse Training III.
Prerequisite: EQS 421

EQS450 - Internship

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-12
This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with the instructor and the office of career services. The internship should relate to the student's major or minor area of study. Contract is required.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing

EQS499 - Independent Study

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a superior student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing