Equine Science
The Equine Science major gives students the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of horses in the business, recreational, and production aspects of the horse industry.
Students take foundation courses in equine reproduction, genetics, nutrition, and disease management, along with hands-on horse management courses and electives in agronomy, animal nutrition, genetics, business, and economics.
Program Overview | Curriculum | Application Information | Faculty Research | Objectives and Outcomes | Contact Us
Program Overview
The Equine Science major provides students with an industry-oriented, science-based education that prepares them for careers in the equine industry and related fields.
Students develop in-depth scientific knowledge of equine physiology and function and learn how to apply those principles to the horse industry. The curriculum supports broad understanding of horses in the business, recreational, and production aspects of the industry through specialized courses that enhance technical, practical, and business skills.
Equine Science students work with faculty recognized internationally for pioneering research in equine reproduction, lameness, nutrition, and orthopedics.
What makes this program unique:
- Industry-oriented, science-based equine education
- Hands-on horse management coursework
- Foundation courses in equine reproduction, genetics, nutrition, and disease management
- More than 20 hands-on courses related to horse management
- Broad preparation across business, recreational, and production aspects of the horse industry
- Faculty recognized internationally for research in equine reproduction, lameness, nutrition, and orthopedics
- Access to the B.W. Pickett Arena and Temple Grandin Equine Center
Curriculum
The Equine Science major requires a minimum of 120 credits.
Plan of Study
Freshman Year
- ANEQ 102 — Introduction to Equine Science — 4 credits
- ANEQ 115 — Applied Equine Behavior — 2 credits
- ANEQ 193 — Student Seminar: Exploring Student Success — 1 credit
- ANEQ 292 — Equine Industry Seminar — 1 credit
- CO 150 — College Composition — 3 credits
- LIFE 102 — Attributes of Living Systems — 4 credits
- Select one anatomy course — 1–4 credits
- Select one computing or data course — 2–4 credits
- Select one chemistry group — 5 credits
- Select a minimum of 3 credits in mathematics — 3–4 credits
- Electives — 0–6 credits
Freshman Year Total Credits: 35
Sophomore Year
- SPCM 200 — Public Speaking — 3 credits
- Select one physiology course — 3–4 credits
- Select one genetics course — 3 credits
- Select one economics course — 3 credits
- Select one statistics course — 3 credits
- Business/Economics Electives — 3 credits
- Arts and Humanities — 3 credits
- Historical Perspectives — 3 credits
- Electives — 5–6 credits
Sophomore Year Total Credits: 30
Junior Year
- ANEQ 320 — Principles of Animal Nutrition — 3 credits
- ANEQ 334 — Principles of Equine Genetics — 3 credits
- ANEQ 344 — Principles of Equine Reproduction — 3 credits
- ANEQ 346 — Equine Disease Management — 4 credits
- Select one forage or rangeland course — 3 credits
- Experience Equine Science Electives — 2 credits
- Applied Equine Science Electives — 4 credits
- Business/Economics Elective — 3 credits
- Arts and Humanities — 3 credits
Junior Year Total Credits: 28
Senior Year
- ANEQ 324 — Principles of Applied Equine Nutrition — 1 credit
- ANEQ 440 — Equine Industry and Issues — 3 credits
- Select one course from Integrated Equine Science or Equine Business Management — 2 credits
- Advanced Science Course Electives — 3–4 credits
- Applied Equine Science Electives — 4 credits
- Business/Economics Elective — 3 credits
- Advanced Writing — 3 credits
- Electives — 7–8 credits
Senior Year Total Credits: 27
Applied Equine Science Electives
Students select a minimum of 4 courses for a total of 8 credits from Applied Equine Science electives.
Options include:
- ANEQ 200 — Applied Horsemanship and Equitation
- ANEQ 201A — Preparation of Horses for Competition: Western
- ANEQ 201B — Preparation of Horses for Competition: English
- ANEQ 203 — Equine Management
- ANEQ 204 — Equine Facilities Management
- ANEQ 205 — Equine Assessment, Evaluation and Retraining
- ANEQ 249 — Introduction to the Trail Riding Industry
- ANEQ 303 — Equine Digital Photography
- ANEQ 315 — Equine Behavior
- ANEQ 325 — Equine Exercise Physiology
- ANEQ 340 — Horse Training and Sale Preparation I
- ANEQ 341 — Horse Training and Sale Preparation II
- ANEQ 349 — Packing and Outfitting
- ANEQ 351 — Techniques in Therapeutic Riding
- ANEQ 352 — Introduction to Horse Evaluation
- ANEQ 353 — Advanced Horse Evaluation
- ANEQ 358 — Equine Event and Sales Management
- ANEQ 359 — Equine Sales Production
- ANEQ 365 — Principles of Teaching Therapeutic Riding
- ANEQ 384 — Supervised College Teaching
- ANEQ 386B — Equine Practicum: Equine Reproductive Management
- ANEQ 386C — Equine Practicum: Equine Farrier Management
- ANEQ 442 — Riding Instructor Training
- ANEQ 445 — Foaling Management
- ANEQ 486 — Therapeutic Riding Instructor Practicum
- ANEQ 495 — Independent Study
- ANEQ 496 — Group Study
Students may select a maximum of two courses from the additional animal science and sustainability options listed in the CSU Course Catalog.
Advanced Science Course Electives
Advanced Science Course Electives include options in animal reproduction, metabolism, molecular genetics, biochemistry, neurobiology, endocrinology, chemistry, microbiology, ecology, immunology, and psychology.
Total Program Credits: 120
Application Information
Students interested in the Equine Science major should visit the CSU Course Catalog to learn more about coursework and requirements.
Admission and Program Details
- Degree: Bachelor of Science
- Format: On campus
- Program Total Credits: 120
Application Deadlines
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: January 15
How to Apply
Students should follow the standard CSU undergraduate application process. Key steps include:
- Applying using the common application
- Paying the application free or waiver
- Submit a personal statement/essay
- Provide transcripts
Tuition & Support
- Federal financial aid and scholarships may be available
- Additional financial resources can be accessed through the Office of Financial Aid
Student Employment
Students should contact their advisor and department graduate coordinator for current opportunities. Other employment opportunities are available through Handshake.
Faculty and Research
Equine Science students work with faculty recognized internationally for pioneering research in equine reproduction, lameness, nutrition, and orthopedics.
Students gain hands-on experience through equine management courses, facilities, and applied learning opportunities connected to the horse industry.
B.W. Pickett Arena and Temple Grandin Equine Center
Learn equine handling skills and serve clients at a place of healing, treatment, education and research.
Learn more about the B.W. Pickett Arena
Learn more about the Temple Grandin Equine Center
Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building
CSU’s new home for Colorado agriculture, student aspirations and agricultural innovation for global impact.
Objectives and Outcomes
The Equine Science major prepares students to understand the role of horses in society, apply biological and business principles to equine systems, and evaluate issues in the horse industry.
Program Learning Outcomes
Successful students will be able to:
- Describe the role of horses in global society.
- Discuss biological principles and apply these principles to equine management systems.
- Identify business and economic principles and their application to equine enterprises.
- Critically evaluate equine industry issues.
- Apply problem-solving and leadership skills that enhance professional success.
What You’ll Learn
Students in the program will:
- Describe the role of horses in global society.
- Develop a broad-based understanding of biological principles and learn to incorporate these principles into the horse industry.
- Identify business and economic principles and their application to equine enterprises.
- Critically evaluate equine industry issues.
- Apply problem-solving and leadership skills that enhance professional success.
- Gain skills through CSU’s horse management courses.
- Explore career paths in equine science, animal welfare, and related fields.
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles in:
- Breed Organizations
- Equine Production Systems Management
- Extension or Community Education
- Planning and Organizing Equine Events
- Sales Representatives for Equine Sales
- Graduate and Professional Schools
- Auction Professional Roles
- Breeding or Breed Organization Roles
- Ranching
- Tourism
- Sales
- Research
- Medicine
Related interest areas include:
- Agriculture
- Animal Biology
- Disease Management
- Genetics
- Horse Training and Management
- Nutrition
Contact Us
Ready to learn more about the Equine Science major? Visit the CSU Course Catalog to review coursework and requirements, or connect with the Student Success Team with advising questions.
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Fort Collins, CO 80523-1101
Phone: 970-491-6274
Fax: 970-491-4895
Dean’s Office
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© 2022 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 USA
Come to the Table
Become part of our agricultural community and experience hands-on learning while building relationships. Bring your creativity, ideas and lived experiences. Leave with the confidence to collectively solve the grand challenges of sustaining our natural resources and feeding the world.
CONTACT
301 University Ave.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1101
Phone: 970-491-6274
Fax: 970-491-4895
Dean’s Office
Employment | Equal Opportunity | Privacy Statement | Accessibility Statement | Disclaimer
© 2022 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523 USA