Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management

The Equine Business Management Degree combines equine course work with business administration courses to teach students the skills required for the care and management of horses and the efficient running of an equine-related business. Equine subjects include all aspects of proper horse care and stable management; anatomy and nutrition; ethical treatment of horses; up-to-date veterinary information, instructor training, and hands-on experience for each student. A variety of business courses through the required Interdisciplinary Leadership Core provides a solid grounding in management, and specific concentrations are recommended according to each student’s interests.

In today's competitive horse industry, those who wish to become successful professionals need to master as many skills as possible when preparing themselves for a career. The Equine Business Management program provides solid training and the flexibility that enables students to customize a course of study to suit their career goals. In addition, the combination of Post University's equine and business courses lead to Career Specialties through Certification or Concentrations. Along with strong classroom learning and certification, comes the hands-on experience that gives Post Equine Business Management program graduates a strong foundation to enter today's competitive workplace.

Some of the unique features of the Equine Business Management Program at Post are:

  • Small class size with personalized attention from faculty with many years’ experience in the equine field
  • Flexibility to customize studies for Career Specialties through Certification or Concentrations
  • Comprehensive academic studies coupled with practical, hands-on experience
  • Study abroad option with potential for British Horse Society professional instructor certification
  • Off Campus, ‘in the field’ training for specified Career Specialties
  • Good balance between equine classes and business/management classes according to selected Career Specialties/Concentrations
  • Extensive network of experts from many areas of the equine industry willing to give real-life experience via internships and ‘day release’ work experience. Also offered is the Real U Program where students ‘shadow’ professionals in specific areas of the horse industry.
  • Supplemental learning opportunities via Equine Resources Committee events such as lectures, demonstrations and clinics
  • IHSA Equestrian Team and IDA Dressage Team – open to all full-time students

Students may pursue such careers as riding instructors (certified through BHS or CHA) or therapeutic riding instructors (certified through NARHA at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center), equine law, equine marketing, equine sport management, equine podiatry, equine massage, or a host of other specialties in the very diverse horse industry.

The combination of academic studies with practical experience enables graduates to enter the equine industry with both a college degree and real world experience, giving them the greatest opportunity to succeed in this highly competitive arena. Students are also encouraged to experience as many aspects of this multi-faceted industry as possible, and use this experience to think “outside-the-box” to find their niche. Students are taught the skills that will make them strong business people, as well as good horse people. This combination will give them the greatest opportunity for success after graduation.

Through advising, students can choose a focus for their studies which can include equine law, equine sport management, or equine marketing. Using the available equine and unrestricted electives, as well as internships, students can customize the direction of their studies to best suit their post-graduation career goals. Opportunities are available for students to become certified as therapeutic riding instructors, equine podiatrists, or equine massage therapists. Students may elect to spend an immersion semester in the UK where they have the opportunity to receive the prestigious BHS instructor certification.

For more detailed information, follow the “Curriculum” link to see a list of required courses as well as specialty options available to Post Equine Business Management students.