Midway College
Midway, Kentucky
Equine Studies Program
M i dway Co l l e g e
THE HEART OF KENTUCKY’S Bluegrass Region,
Midway College’s Equine Studies program delivers exceptional
educational and applied learning opportunities which are
unrivaled in the nation. With impressive on-campus facilities, our
equine students have ready access to more than 60 horses of
various breeds and stages of training.
The faculty in the equine program come from varied
backgrounds, having experience, both academically and
professionally, in the equine industry. In addition, equine
professionals currently engaged in the business of marketing,
training, showing and raising horses are an integral part of a
Midway College Equine Studies education as consultants, guest
speakers, and internship advisors.
A degree in Equine Studies at Midway College fuses practical
horse experience and contact with industry professionals with
the technical background you need for a successful career in
the equine industry.
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degree prograMS
degree programs in equine Studies are designed for effective training
and career preparation. These programs fuse the art of horsemanship
with science and modern technologies involved in effective management.
Initially, there are required courses common to all degrees which provide
students with a strong foundation in general industry knowledge and
trends, practical horse care and management, anatomy, treatment
and prevention of illnesses and disease, record-keeping and legal
issues. Following core courses, students specialize in either health
or management based on degree option. Equine Studies majors can
choose to pursue the following degree programs based on their interest,
experience and career goals while at Midway College:
Bachelor of Science
in Equine Studies with
a Concentration in
Health and Rehabilitation
This degree program is focused on theoretical,
scientific and legal aspects of equine
rehabilitation and performance management.
Additionally, the emphasis on scientific
application effectively prepares students for
post-graduate degree programs. As this is a
technical degree, for which the students learn
to communicate with groups having various
levels of professional status and knowledge,
other career paths may include becoming a
pharmaceutical representative or technical
feed sales person to the equine industry.
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Bachelor of Arts in
Equine Studies with a
Concentration in
Equine Management
This degree program emphasizes the art of
equine and business management. Whether a
student wishes to work with horses directly on a
Thoroughbred farm, for private training or horse
show operation, or in a managerial position
within an organization, this path trains industry
leaders. For this degree, students are expected to
complete a curriculum which balances applied
aspects of horsemanship, equine handling and
good management practices with business
knowledge such as facility design, budgeting,
communications and marketing. This degree
option is good for students interested in
managing their own facility or riding and
training horses. Or for those who would like to
pursue a Masters of Business Administration
at Midway College, this would be a good
undergraduate choice.
Associate of Arts in Equine
Studies with a Concentration
in Applied Equine Studies
The Associate of Arts program is a two-year degree
that emphasizes equine and business management.
This program provides students fundamentals needed
to step into an entry-level position in the equine
industry. As the associate degree is progressive into
the four-year degree option, students can choose to
continue towards a baccalaureate degree or enter the
work force upon completion in two years, students
will gain experience handling a variety of horses, and
studying horse science, introductory record-keeping
and business management.
B.A. in Business
Administration with
a Concentration
in Equine Business
This degree program is designed for students
interested in the organizational management and
commercial aspects of the equine industry. This
concentration prepares graduates for positions in a
horse farm office or other business which supports
the horse industry in the areas of equine law, equine
marketing, and equine sport management or in
businesses that support the horse industry including
breed registries and breed associations, various equine
publications, bloodstock agencies, and tack shop
management.
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Certificate in Applied
Equine Studies
All Equine Studies students, and those
in other degree programs, have the
option to pursue this certificate during
their college education. Equine Studies
students are strongly encouraged to
complete this certificate within their first
year. The certificate program emphasizes
general equine knowledge and trends,
basic horse science, communication in
the industry, and applied skills. This is a
good option for individuals transitioning
into the industry while earning college
credits, or for other degree majors
looking to explore or expand their
equine knowledge and applied skills.
The certificate is granted after a student
completes 29 credit hours, with 14 hours
focused on equine courses including an
on-campus internship.
Minor in Equine Studies
This minor is designed for students who are majoring
in Biology, and are interested in either applying to
post-graduate programs in Animal/Equine Science or
Veterinary School. It will also provide students with
knowledge needed to obtain a position in an equinerelated field that requires a degree or special training
in another field of study. This degree emphasizes
science-oriented courses within the equine program.
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on-CaMpuS equine
reSourCeS
n The College maintains more than
60 horses on campus
n There are 120 acres of available pasture
n The Midway College Equestrian Center
is a state-of-the-art education and
training facility which houses a 226 x 95
foot indoor arena with sand footing, 8
stalls (14 x 14 feet), an equine laboratory,
classroom and audio-visual room, tack
room, offices and many other amenities.
n The Keeneland Barn houses a large
212 x 72 foot indoor arena with sand
footing, 16 stalls (9 x 10 feet), tack room,
washroom and office space.
n The Ashland Stables has 8 stalls (12 x
14 feet), tack room, wash room, office
and classroom space.
n The Theurkauf Outdoor Riding Arena
measures 227 x 117 feet and has a stone
dust footing.
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faC u lt y
The Midway College Equine
this exceptional faculty, Midway College
Studies faculty are both nationally and
students have opportunities to perform
internationally recognized in trade and
applied research on a wide range of topics
research publications. The current faculty
such as equine growth and nutrition,
has a combined teaching experience of
rehabilitation and performance, and
over 30 years in Equine Studies and are
behavior. In addition to their work in
members of a variety of professional
the classroom the faculty are also the
organizations. Furthermore, several
academic advisors, and assist students in
faculty members are actively involved
designing a degree program that will help
in the breeding and training of horses,
them gain desired employment within the
and are consultants within the industry,
equine industry.
thereby maintaining a modern perspective
of current trends. Under guidance of
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riding &
Co M p e t i t i o n
Equitation is also part of the Equine
Studies experience, whether a student takes
equitation courses or participates on one
or all of our intercollegiate riding teams.
Students have the opportunity to ride on a
variety of competitive teams: Intercollegiate
Horse Show Association (IHSA) Hunt
Seat and Western teams, Open Hunt Seat,
Western, and Dressage teams.
Team members participate at various levels,
from a beginner walk-trot or walk-jog
division to the open division in both hunt
seat and western equitation. Hunt Seat riders
may compete in IHSA, ANRC, or local
KHJA member shows.
Both IHSA teams have consistently won
or been reserve in the Zone 6 Region
2 Championships and have gone on to
compete at Zones and Nationals. The
teams consistently send individual riders
to compete at the Regional, Zone, and
National competitions. In addition, the
IHSA Western team holds a National IHSA
Western Championship. The Open teams
compete in area shows including those held
at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington,
Kentucky, and Lakeside Arena in Frankfort,
Kentucky.
e M p loyM e n t
a dva n tag e
Industry professionals appreciate Midway College’s tradition of excellence
in Equine Studies. Our students are recruited by many of the top farms for
employment because they value what is being taught in the classroom.
a few students from the Midway College
“Quite
Equine Studies Program have come to us for
internships over the years. We have found them
to be well prepared and motivated. Several went
on to be full-time employees at Three Chimneys
Farm and have proved valuable members of
our team. —Case Clay, President, Three Chimneys Farm, Midway, Kentucky
”
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CareerS
in the equine industry there are
many career options for graduating
students. These opportunities range from
commonly known manager and assistant
trainer to others including state-funded
extension and breed association positions.
Students should consider what skills they
have obtained, their interest in a specific
work environment, whether they are looking
for direct or indirect contact with horses, and
desired compensation when making a career
choice. The Midway College Equine Studies
degree programs will prepare you for many
career choices.
Left - Midway College graduate Rachel Kuntz ‘10
Right - Current student - Jackie Jolie
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possible Career options with an equine
Studies degree
• Assistant Manager
(Boarding or Breeding
Facility—with hands-on
experience)
• Bloodstock Agent/
Pedigree Researcher
• Breed Association
Manager (Masters degree
preferred or associated
experience)
• Consultant for Equine
Business
• Event Commentator/
Equine Sportscaster
• Extension Assistant or
Agent Facility or
Event Manager Farm
Marketing, Promotion
and Advertising
• Feed Dealer
• Foaling Attendant
• Geneticist Director
• Groom
• Horse Trainer
• Humane Investigator
• Judge (with further
organization-specific
certifications)
• Laboratory Technician
• Manager –Numerous
Types of Equine
Operations
• Massage Specialist
• Nutritionist/ Nutritionist
Assistant
• Office Assistant
• Office Manager for Farm
or Breed and Discipline
Associations
• Pharmaceutical Sales
Representative
• Physical Therapist
• Public Relations/
Marketing
• Publications Assistant
• Research Assistant
• Research Director
• Rider (Show, Race,
Exercise, Performance
Rider, etc.)
• Riding Instructor
• Sales Preparation
• Stable Assistant/
Manager
• Tack Dealer
• Teaching Assistant
• University Professor
• Veterinarian (DVM or
VMD required)
• Veterinary Assistant/
Technician
— Veronica Reed ‘08
B.A. Equine Studies- Equine Management concentration | Three Chimneys Farm, Stallion Groom |
First-ever female stallion handler to work in Argentina
applied experienCe
Keeneland Sales Pavilion
Learning extends beyond the classroom at Midway College. Equine Studies students
are also expected to:
n Assist with operation of the
campus farm
n Successfully complete riding courses in
a discipline of their choice
n Provide care for project horses
n Participate in leadership opportunities
such as preparing yearlings for auction
at the largest and world renowned
Keeneland Yearling Sales
n Contribute to daily operations of three
stable facilities and riding arenas
n Complete internships at local equine
enterprises (access to more than 50
farms and other area equine facilities)
n Meet industry professionals who guest
lecture both in class and as part of the
College’s Leadership Seminar Series
was a great learning experience.
“ ItI learned
a lot about the business
aspect of the equine world and
about Thoroughbreds. And I met
great people in the industry.
”
—Sarah Beth Causey ‘11
Recipient of the Kathleen Riley Torok Keeneland Internship
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Co M p e t i t i v e
a dva n tag e
Midway College Equine Studies students have continuously been hired by first-class
Thoroughbred farms, continued on to veterinary schools, and have become
equine business leaders in many different areas of the industry all across the U.S.
and beyond.
where are they now?
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DEANNA PIE ‘06
B.S. Equine Studies with minors in
Biology and Chemistry
JENNIFER GRAY MELLENKAMP ‘99
B.A. Business AdministrationEquine Business concentration
Graduate of New Bolton Center Veterinary
School, University of Pennsylvania
Currently at Southwest Equine Surgical and
Medical Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF),
Director of the National Breed/Discipline
Affiliates and Youth Programs
ASHLEY SRYGLER ‘11
B.A. Equine Studies Equine Management concentration
Bluewaters Sales
Lexington, Kentucky
JENNIFER LYNN COYLE ‘06
B.A. Business AdministrationEquine Business concentration
A.A. in Computer Information Systems
United States Dressage Federation, Inc.
Group Membership Coordinator
lo C at i o n
a dva n tag e
You can’t get any closer to the horse industry
than Midway College. Our campus is located at the heart of
Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region, often referred to as the “Horse Capital of the
World.” In addition to instruction by recognized industry professionals in
the classroom and laboratories, students pursuing Equine Studies degrees
gain the advantage of contact with area experts in the industry. Students
are exposed to these professionals through educational clinics and lectures,
internship opportunities, and jobs at the various equine businesses in the
area. In addition, industry professionals serve as equine advisory members to
the college.
Besides the geographic location advantage of having the world’s largest
concentration of Thoroughbred farms, students also benefit from the close
proximity of our equine facilities to the main campus. With all of the facilities
incorporated into our main campus, students have the advantage of literally
living on an active horse farm.
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h e r e ’ S w h at o u r St u d e n tS Say
“
I always wanted to travel and I
do love my job. The classes I took
at Midway were the ones I’ve
always wanted to have – equine
physiology, equine ethics. If I
have a horse with a problem,
I still go back to my classes
for help. Midway College was
brilliant for me, just perfect.
”
—Veronica Reed ‘08
B.A. Equine Studies-Equine
Management concentration
Three Chimneys Farm, Stallion
Groom. First-ever female stallion
handler to work in Argentina
adMiSSionS
“
To get a front-row seat with
hands-on experience in the
Thoroughbred industry was
just phenomenal.
”
—Marilee Meyers, ’09 on
her Keeneland Internship
experience
B.A. Organizational
Management
A.A. Equine Management
“
The work experience
I got at Midway was
terrific. Plus all the
contacts I made in the
equine industry were
helpful.
”
—Courtney Roehm ‘10
B.A. Business Administration-Equine
Management concentration
Applications for admissions are available online at www.midway.edu or by contacting our
Admissions Office at 1-888-75-Midway. If you have questions please call or email us at
[email protected].
CaMpuS viSit
We are happy to welcome prospective students and their families throughout the year. This is a
great way to understand how Midway College’s Equine Studies program works and to meet our
staff. Each visit includes a guided tour of campus and our equine facilities. We’ll also arrange
time for you to meet with an admissions counselor and financial aid counselors to answer any
questions. In addition, potential students are encouraged to attend an equine class, meet with
faculty, and talk with coaches.
During the Fall and Spring semesters each year Midway College hosts an equine overnight
program for students to spend two days with us and learn more about our programs from other
students and faculty members. Visits can be arranged by contacting our Admissions Office at
1-888-75-Midway.
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ACC R E D I TAT I O N
Midway College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association
of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 300334097 for questions about the accreditation of Midway College.
notiCe of non-diSCriMination
Midway College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age,
or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic
and other College-administered programs or in its employment practices. In conformity with Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 and its implementing regulation at C.F.R. Part 106, it is also the policy of Midway
College not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. The admission
of women only in the Traditional Day Programs is in conformity with a provision of the Act. For additional information,
contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator: Anne Cockley, Director of Human Resources, 11 Pinkerton Hall, 512 E. Stephens St.,
Midway, KY 40347, 859-846-5408.
512 E. Stephens Street, Midway, KY 40347-1120
1.888.75.Midway • midway.edu