Hands-on Learning

In both of JWU's Equine Studies degree programs, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an internship program that allows you to work in the equine industry at approved establishments. For example, students interested in the breeding industry have participated in the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program at selected breeding farms in the Lexington, KY area.

Both degree programs also offer a specialized internship which emphasizes the hands-on aspects of horse management. These include daily care, presentation of the horse in hand, first aid, lunging, long lining and other applied skills. You will develop the skills needed to obtain a position in the farm management sector of the horse industry.

Students may often transition from school to work in one easy step when their internship site hires them upon completion of their degree. Students in the Equine Studies program have found positions as:

• House Farm manager
• Equine advertising account manager
• Sales representative for equine related business
• Equine industry insurance agent
• Horse show personnel
• Horse/breed association publicist
• Veterinary assistant

Competitions & Shows 
Our Equine Studies programs offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including student dressage shows, schooling shows, seminars and clinics. The university hosts seminars and career nights with nationally recognized speakers from the equine industry.

Additionally, Equine Studies majors participate in equine sports through two distinct competitive teams:

• Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA)
• Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

The IHSA team competes in the hunter-seat equitation team throughout New England, and hosts an annual show at our Center for Equine Studies. JWU's dressage team has won numerous regional and national awards.

Learn more about opportunities to participate in riding events.