Bachelor of Equine Studies: Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies at University of New Hampshire

Beginning in the 2022/23 academic year (Spring 2023), the Equine Studies Major: Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies option will no longer be accepting new students. Current students will continue to have access to the same high-quality education and resources until they graduate.

This option is designed for:

• Students interested in a teaching therapeutic riding or other equine-assisted activities and therapies.
• Students interested in an administrative career at a center conducting equine-assisted activities and therapies, such as fundraising, volunteer coordination, or management for a therapeutic riding center.

This option includes classes in equine studies, equine-assisted activities and therapies, non-profit organizations, and topics related to human development and special needs. Students also prepare and test for PATH International instructor certification, which allows them to teach therapeutic riding at any PATH International operating center.

In addition to the standard core courses for all Equine Studies majors, students in Equine Management take courses in human anatomy and physiology, agricultural business management and non-profit management, equine-assisted activities, therapeutic riding instruction, equine management, and equine conformation.  Students then select 20 approved credits to allow them to focus in the areas most relevant to their desired career.  Those courses may include classes in equine training, riding instruction, sign language, human development, and education.

All students who graduate from the B.S. in Equine Studies program will be able to:

• Identify, explain, and demonstrate safe, effective, and humane equine handling and stable management skills.
• Identify, explain, and demonstrate equine health management practices and basic equine first aid.
• Explain guidelines for equine nutrition, feeding, and parasite management.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency with English tack, boots, bandages, and blankets.
• Demonstrate safe, competent longeing technique using a trained horse.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of riding practices in equestrian sport.
• Communicate effectively, in written and verbal form, about professional topics in the equine industry.

Therapeutic Riding option:

• Demonstrate an applied understanding of equine assisted activities & therapies (EAAT) teaching techniques for a broad spectrum of disorders and disabilities.
• Provide documentation of successful completion of the PATH Intl. registered instructor certification program.
• Identify ideal conformation and movement faults as they relates to equine form and function and the therapeutic needs of clients with disabilities.
• Demonstrate proficiency with adaptive equipment, tack, and procedures used in an equine assisted activities & therapies (EAAT) setting.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of key elements of business planning, management, and development, as they relate to an equine assisted activities & therapies (EAAT) setting.