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Equine Management
Click on a course name to view course details, or click here for expanded view of all courses. To close all course details, click here.
Note: Core courses require a minimum grade of "C" to meet Stockbridge School degree requirements.
Please Note: Riding lessons in other seats available by arrangement through the Director of Riding.
Semester 1
English Composition
ENGLWRIT 111 An entry-level course in writing designed for freshmen who, through their performance on the Placement Exam, demonstrate the need for intensive work in writing.
ENGLWRIT 112 An entry-level course in writing. Emphasis upon the writing process: prewriting, revising, editing. Minimum of six finished essays required. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Placement Exam or in ENGLWRIT 111 Basic Writing.
3
Fall, Spring
Semester 1
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL I, II, III Lessons ~ Fall *
All riding lessons have a riding fee $800 payable by money order only. Fee helps defray the cost of operations for the farm and equestrian training.
Open to Equine Management or Animal Science students only or permission of instructor.
Please Note: Riding lessons in other seats available by arrangement through the Director of Riding.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL I ~ Riders develop and strengthen their basic riding position and correct use of their seat, leg, and hand aids. Riders work in both their full seat and two-point position, developing their skills at the walk and trot before moving onto the canter. Foundational work without stirrups and over poles are also introduced.
- Section A: For those who have never ridden before, have very limited riding experience, or would like a refresher course.
- Section B: For riders who have the walk and trot established, are able to tell their diagonal, and can canter independently; ready to begin jumping principles.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL II ~ Riders strengthen their hunter seat equitation position and refine the use of their aids through more advanced work on the flat and over fences. Riders continue to develop a solid base of support while improving balance and rhythm over fences. Jumping work without stirrups, simple and flying changes of lead, and more complex course work are introduced.
- Section A: For riders who can walk, trot and canter safely, know leads and diagonals, and have some experience over small jumps and lines up to 2’.
- Section B: For riders who have solid jumping fundamentals and are experienced with course work at least 2’6” up to 3’. Riders must also have experience riding different types of horses.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL III ~ Riders further develop and refine their skills by riding green horses and schooling at a higher level of difficulty and sophistication. For riders with extensive experience and course work from at least 3’ and above; must be familiar with complicated courses and advanced flatwork. Riders must be comfortable with riding horses from any skill level.
* Students must pass riding exam before moving to a more advanced level.
STOCKSCH 155 Special Problems In Riding ~ Equitation by arrangement.
0
Semester 1
First Year Seminar
An overview course designed to provide students with information, opportunities, and skills to ease their transition into college and build a successful foundation necessary to reach their educational goals.
1
Fall
Semester 1
Equine Anatomy and Physiology
With lab. Integration of gross structural and organ anatomy to physiological systems, function, and regulation. Emphasis on relationship of structure to function and system control in both animals and humans.
4
Fall
Semester 1
Core
Fundamental Stable Management I
The first in a four course equine management series. An introduction to the basic principles of stable management including operational protocols and routines, equine best management practices, organizational planning, public relations, operating expenses and overhead, workplace safety, labor management, and exploration of various equine enterprises.
Equine Management majors only.
4
Fall
Semester 1
Core
Equine Care Techniques
An introduction to the theory, technique and practice of skills required as an equine care technician to prepare horses for daily work, competition, and formal turnout/presentation. Wide range of horses, including foals, yearlings, two-year olds, broodmares, stallions, and equitation horses. Emphasis on sound business management practices, including record keeping, horse sales, personal safety, and professionalism.
Equine Management majors only or premission of instructor.
3
Fall
Semester 1
Core
Semester 2
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL I, II, III Lessons ~ Spring *
All riding lessons have a riding fee $800 payable by money order only. Fee helps defray the cost of operations for the farm and equestrian training.
Open to Equine Management or Animal Science students only or permission of instructor.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL I ~ Riders develop and strengthen their basic riding position and correct use of their seat, leg, and hand aids. Riders work in both their full seat and two-point position, developing their skills at the walk and trot before moving onto the canter. Foundational work without stirrups and over poles are also introduced.
- Section A: For those who have never ridden before, have very limited riding experience, or would like a refresher course.
- Section B: For riders who have the walk and trot established, are able to tell their diagonal, and can canter independently; ready to begin jumping principles.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL II ~ Riders strengthen their hunter seat equitation position and refine the use of their aids through more advanced work on the flat and over fences. Riders continue to develop a solid base of support while improving balance and rhythm over fences. Jumping work without stirrups, simple and flying changes of lead, and more complex course work are introduced.
- Section A: For riders who can walk, trot and canter safely, know leads and diagonals, and have some experience over small jumps and lines up to 2’.
- Section B: For riders who have solid jumping fundamentals and are experienced with course work at least 2’6” up to 3’. Riders must also have experience riding different types of horses.
HUNTER SEAT LEVEL III ~ Riders further develop and refine their skills by riding green horses and schooling at a higher level of difficulty and sophistication. For riders with extensive experience and course work from at least 3’ and above; must be familiar with complicated courses and advanced flatwork. Riders must be comfortable with riding horses from any skill level.
* Students must pass riding exam before moving to a more advanced level.
STOCKSCH 155 Special Problems In Riding ~ Equitation by arrangement.
0
Semester 2
Based on Placement Exam Score
This is a placeholder for math requirement (MATH 100/101/104).
2-3
Semester 2
Equine Internship
Practical stable or related business experience in equine management. Minimum of eight-week internship as approved in advance by internship coordinator. Written reports required.
2-3
Spring
Semester 2
Core
Equipment Operations
Introduction to the selection, operation, safety and maintenance of farm tractors and equipment. Lectures and hands-on experience with emphasis on farm machinery used to operate an equine facility.
Equine Management majors only or permission of instructor.
2
Spring
Semester 2
Fundamental Stable Management II
A continuation of STOCKSCH 131. Topics include equine health, personnel management, time management, client communication, liability, contracts, and insurance information required for successful barn operation.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 131, STOCKSCH 161.
Equine Management majors only.
4
Spring
Semester 2
Core
Horse Breeds, Types and Selection
The history and development of the breeds and their present day type, conformation, and use. Emphasis on the importance of anatomy and conformation and the relationship of form to function. A systematic approach to selection.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 121
3
Spring
Semester 2
Core
Theories and Methods of Equitation Instruction
Preparation for riding instructor certification. Knowledge and skills applicable to instructing a group of riders, including theory and practice.
Prerequisite: two semesters of Equitation Lessons
3
Spring
Semester 2
Semester 3
Pasture Management
Potential of pasture to provide nutritional needs of livestock and the integration of well-managed pasture systems can contribute significantly to the sustainability of the farm. Major topics include a review of major forage species selection, grazing management, establishment of new pastures, and pasture renovation.
3
Spring
Semester 3
Equine Nutrition
Principles of nutrition and the development of rations. Emphasis on the nutrient requirements and nutrient content of feeds.
3
Fall
Semester 3
Core
Equine Business
Working knowledge of the format, construction, use and analysis of the cash flow statement from which the balance sheet and income statements can be derived. Inputs for income and expense will deal specifically with the equine industry.
Equine Management majors only or premission of instructor.
3
Spring
Semester 3
Core
Breaking and Training the Horse
Basic training techniques. The methodology and psychology of training horses. Includes halter breaking, lunging, driving, breaking the horse to ride.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 161 and two semesters of Equitation Lessons
3
Fall
Semester 3
Core
Equine Facility Management I
Management and operation of the Stockbridge Stables at the Hadley Farm. Development of cash flow statements, purchasing and ordering of supplies, delegation and supervision of labor, and appropriate client communication. Required weekly meetings and student committee assignements.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 203, STOCKSCH 237, Equine Management majors only.
4
Fall
Semester 3
Core
Semester 4
Equine Lecture Series
Participation in scheduled lectures given by equine professionals. Lectures will be offered in the evening and will be open to the public. Weekly meetings with the instructor required.
2
Spring
Semester 4
Management of the Equine Athlete
Focus will be on the care and management of the equine athlete. Conditioning and prevention of injury, common areas of breakdown within different sports, diagnosis of injury/lameness, as well as different modalities currently available for treatment and rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 121.
3
Fall
Semester 4
Equine Facility Management II
Continuation of STOCKSCH 252. Capstone experience will focus on improvements and efficiency of the operation, weekly evaluation of strengths and weaknesses, client feedback, and marketing of the business. End of the semester student presentations include a business plan, financial statement and recommendations.
Prerequisite: STOCKSCH 252. Equine Management majors only.
4
Spring
Semester 4
Core
Equine Stud Farm Management
Physiological basis and regulation of equine reproduction. Emphasis on application to horse breeding and management. Lab experience with breeding techniques.
Prerequisites: STOCKSCH 231