Equine Studies

Faculty:
Pamela J. Reed, Chairperson
Breann DePietro
Cory Herald Kieschnick
Larry D. Morris
Marta Piotrow
Angelo Telatin
Susan Turcott White

The curriculum in this program is designed to provide students with great breadth and depth in all aspects of Equine Studies. As is true of all the College’s programs, this degree features “learning by doing.” This practical educational strategy is designed to prepare graduates for challenging careers in the equine industry, such as the manufacturing, distribution and sale of supplies, feed, and healthcare products; stable management; retail management; riding instruction; horse training; veterinary practice management; and equine nutrition. Majors in Equine Business and Management and Equine Instruction and Training are available, as well as the Associate of Science degree in Equine Science.

The College maintains equine facilities on campus including a breeding facility and a riding and training facility. The Equestrian Center is an Official Approved Riding Establishment and Testing Center of the British Horse Society. Located on campus, it consists of an indoor arena (84’ x 280’) along with 52 stalls, tack and harness rooms, wash stalls, a carriage room, and student lockers. A 140’ x 185’ outdoor jumping ring, Round Pen and Eight Horse Exerciser complete the facility. Surrounding the Equestrian Center are acres of pasture, farmland, and crosscountry trails. The Breeding Facility consists of over 20 stalls, a breeding shed, a laboratory, and turn-out sheds with associated pastures. The College stands Standardbred stallions and a broodmare herd. Equine students have the opportunity to assist with foaling and breeding procedures.

All Equine students are required to work at the Equestrian Center and Breeding Facility as part of their coursework. Weekly and weekend assignments are allocated at the beginning of each semester. Reflective of the “hands-on” nature of the Equine Studies program, several academic courses require time commitments outside of classroom hours. New students entering the program will be required to complete a non-credit Equine Studies Orientation in order to familiarize themselves with the stable routine. This program is scheduled in the middle of August, just before the start of the fall semester. Information regarding fees and registration for the orientation program is forwarded to incoming students.

Students enrolled in the Equine Studies Program are not required to bring their own horses. Those students wishing to bring their own horse may inquire about lease arrangements. Alternative arrangements may be made to board locally. A complete list of boarding facilities is available from the Equine Studies Program office.

Delaware Valley College is an active member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association. The College sponsors Hunt Seat, Dressage, and Western Equestrian Teams. Equine Studies majors have the opportunity to participate in a semester exchange program with Hartpury College in the U.K. Like DelVal, Hartpury College has a strong agricultural tradition. Furthermore, Hartpury is home to a premiere British Horse Society equestrian facility, site of the annual Hartpury Advanced Horse Trials. This cooperative arrangement provides an excellent opportunity for students wishing to receive advanced instruction in cross-country riding and to prepare for the British Horse Society Riding and Instructor Certification exams. Interested students should inquire about application qualifications and procedures.

All students in the program are expected to be appropriately outfitted with riding boots, breeches, an approved ASTM-SEI helmet, and gloves. Students must bring four polo bandages, a dressage whip, jumping bat, and braiding kit. Body Protector Vests are highly recommended for jumping classes, and are required for cross-country jumping (Comparative Techniques Riding Skills course). All horses, saddles, bridles, harnesses, carriages, and grooming equipment are provided by the College. An Equine Studies Program fee is assessed to support the specialized costs of this program. Part-time students will pay half of the Equine fee.

Due to the physical requirements of the program and emphasis upon practical skills acquisition, a moderate degree of physical fitness and personal discipline is expected of all enrolled students for reasons of safety and preparedness. To perform stable chores students must be capable of lifting 50 pounds. Prior riding and horse handling experience is required. Students should be capable of cantering a strange horse in a group of riders, and must submit a professional reference from a work or volunteer position. Because of the competitive nature and limited enrollment in Equine Studies, all candidates are encouraged to submit their applications prior to January 15th.

The total number of credits required for graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science is 128, which includes 4 credits for completion of the Experiential Learning Program.

The Experiential Learning Program (ExLP) at Delaware Valley College is a graduation requirement for all full-time undergraduate students. Students can choose from multiple experiential learning activities and will earn 4 credits for the ExLP depending on their major’s program requirements.

Minimum requirements:

Full-time undergraduate students must complete a minimum of two experiential learning activities with at least one for academic credit.
Students must have completed 27 credits to enroll in Experiential Learning Activities.
All students must complete an introductory course prior to enrolling in any Experiential Learning Activities.

Students must consult with their Department Chair for specific major requirements to complete the Experiential Learning Program.

Equine Studies

Programs