Equine Science

students and faculty inspecting the leg of a horse
Designed for students with a specific interest in the equine area. For students interested in pursuing a career in the equine industry this option provides a combination of general animal sciences with a concentrated study of nutrition, reproduction, exercise, behavior, equitation, evaluation, and management of equines.
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Program Features

Facilities on Campus

Work hands-on with horses without leaving campus! Gain valuable experience handling horses on campus in the RB Warren Arena and in classroom settings. Our teaching horse herd consists of 20-25 horses housed on campus.


Grow Your Equine Skills On Our Award-Winning Teams

Students have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and network while evaluating Horses as a member of the Horse Judging team, or can improve their riding skills and compete in hunt seat and western riding as a member of our Equestrian team. The equestrian team has qualified for 14-straight IHSA National western competitions and has had multiple individual national qualifiers in both hunt seat and western riding.


Study Tour Regionally or Abroad

This program offers an in-depth study of the horse industry with study tours both throughout the U.S., and abroad! You’ll have the opportunity to travel to Ireland to explore its rich equestrian culture and history by visiting major breeding, training, racing, and schooling farms while interacting with equine professionals in the Irish horse industry.

Notable Courses

ASCI 252A: Intro to the Horse Industry and Management

Provides an introduction to the equine industry including history and basic biology of the horse, proper care and acceptable management procedures, and current issues.

ASCI 260: Basic Equitation

Study and application of basic equitation principles for the novice rider. Review of horse safety and horsemanship to include handling, grooming, equipping, riding western or English, and the relationship of riding to physical and mental well-being.

ASCI 322: Equine Nutrition

Equine nutrition including digestive anatomy and physiology. Nutritional requirements of horses as related to growth, reproduction, and performance. The relationship of nutrition to disease and environment.

ASCI 342: Equine Reproduction

Anatomy and physiology of stallion and mare reproductive systems. Estrous detection systems, artificial and natural breeding techniques, infertility, semen collection and processing, reproductive management, and record keeping.

ASCI 445: Equine and Canine Exercise Science

Physiological adaptations to athletic training in equine and canine athletes. Topics of emphasis include exercise-related adaptations in metabolism, locomotion, the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and endocrine system.

ASCI 450: Horse Management

Light horse production. Nutrition, reproduction, management, housing, and principle usage of light horses.

Huskers Do Big Things

From training elite horses (Micah Hansen-AQHA World Champion trainer; Samantha Flannery-Top-level Barrel Horse trainer) to caring for horses (Dr. Amy Cook-Nebraska Equine Veterinary Clinic; Anna Pesta Dunaway-Equine Nutritionist Purina Animal Nutrition) our graduates have gone on to a variety of careers throughout the equine industry. Our network of equine professionals can help you follow your passion to a rewarding career.

Internships

  • Willowbank Farms
  • Laze E Ranch
  • Hidalgo Performance Horses
  • Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA)
  • Pryor Ranch
  • Kentucky Equine Management Internship Program

Careers

  • Equine Education and Extension Specialist
  • Equine Facility Manager
  • Equine Feed Sales Representative
  • Equine Product Sales and Marketing Representative
  • Reproduction Technician
  • Veterinarian and Veterinary Technician

Graduate Schools

  • M.S., Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • M.S., Animal Science, Kansas State University
  • M.S., Animal Science, West Texas A&M University

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Equine Science, contact us.

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Contact Name
Alli Raymond
Contact Title
Admissions Coordinator
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