As equine therapy is beginning to gather adepts around the world, more and more farms and resorts fill their stables waiting for visitors and the demand for experts in the field is rising. In response to the rising interest in obtaining an equine science degree in Colorado, schools have included complex horse training and management classes in their curricula.
Why Study Equine Science
Most of those who choose to pursue a degree in equine science are horse lovers and horse owners trying to turn their hobby into a full time career. Horses are friendly, loyal and smart animals and working with them is easy, pleasant and rewarding. Equine therapy has been proven to provide numerous benefits, from a better physical condition to improved mood and self-confidence, easier communication and social skills.
Equine science involves studying the physiology, behavior, nutrition and reproduction of horses. The career opportunities available for graduates range from professional riding instruction to horse training or stable management. What equine scientists do is to use their expertise in order to ensure the welfare of horses, no matter if they are involved in athletic competitions or in leisure activities.
They also strive to improve the horse – rider relationship and, depending on their workplace, they may be responsible with the horses’ diet, reproduction or rehabilitation. The high number of jobs available, the attractive salaries and the above-mentioned non-material rewards make equine science a quite popular field of study for the youth in Colorado.
According to BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), horse trainers and riding instructors earn between $30,000 and $50,000 a year. The demand for horse care and service workers is on the rise, and further attractive career opportunities are available as well. For example, equine science graduates can continue their studies and become veterinarians. This profession is associated with annual incomes of up to $100,000 and more.
Equine Science Degree Colorado Requirements
According to specialists, the first conditions anyone deciding to pursue a degree in equine science should follow include high interest in horses and the related industry. Then, any previous experience with horses will be helpful. Finally, an open mind towards scientific methods and the use of special equipment will also help.
Moving on to more objective requirements, there is the bachelor’s degree. Most colleges and vocational schools require it from their students undertaking agricultural studies with an emphasis on horse training and management. Courses generally cover horse anatomy, breeding, disease and rehabilitation. It is not uncommon for equine science graduates to pursue a veterinary degree and continue their studies over four additional years.
While some institutions organize short-term courses and even provide online training, specialists warn that equine science is a complex field that requires in depth study and extensive practice. Thus, they advise those interesting in building a solid long-term career to avoid short-term fixes and offers that seem too good to be true and sign up for academic courses at the end of which they can obtain the equine science degree Colorado employers will value and reward accordingly.