Equestrian Studies

About Equestrian Studies

Wilson College offers two concentrations within the Equestrian Studies major: Equine Management and Equestrian Management.

Equine Management Concentration
The student interested primarily in the management of a barn will select the Equine Management concentration. This program directs the student's interests to the mechanics of running a stable and the handling of horses within a barn, including practical stable management.  The Equine Management concentration requires two business-related courses.

Equestrian Management Concentration 
The student primarily interested in riding and the teaching of riding will select the Equestrian Management concentration. The program improves skills in riding and provides an education focused on teaching. In addition to equestrian courses, both concentrations include courses in biology, psychology, physical education, and veterinary medical technology. The Equestrian Management concentration also requires an educational psychology course.

All students who wish to ride are evaluated and classified as beginner, novice, intermediate, or advanced according to their demonstrated skills. Students are grouped with riders of comparable skills in small classes. Equitation is considered a physical education activity and, as such, earns one-half course credit.

All students, regardless of major, may take as many equitation courses as their schedules can accommodate. The student in the Equestrian Management track may apply a maximum of three and one-half equitation course credits (seven semesters) toward graduation requirements. Other majors and students concentrating in equine management may apply not more than one and one-half course credits (three semesters) toward graduation requirements.

Wilson College emphases a classical approach to balanced seat riding. Equestrian Studies Students are trained to be in self carriage with independent aids and seat such that they can influence the horse with maximum sensitivity and harmony with an emphasis on riding the horse correctly from back to front in all the disciplines. After mastery of the mechanics and schooling figures, riders are trained to influence and reshape their horses with patience and professionalism as they will in their careers. There is no emphasis on the short quick fix in any discipline.

Equine Management Course Requirements

BUS 124: Introduction to Management

Study of management from a general perspective. Major functional areas of internal and external activities of an organization, the decision-making process and the computer’s place in contemporary management. Emphasis on formulation and implementation of policy in keeping with an organization’s goals.

One of the following six courses:

1. ACC 105: Principles of Accounting I

The accounting cycle, from the analysis of business transactions through the preparation of the three basic financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet and the statement of cash flows; basic theory and practice with respect to accounting for assets, liabilities and equities; external uses of accounting information; interpretation of accounting data; analysis of financial statements; income and cash flow analysis. Prerequisite: MAT 096/099 or Mathematics Placement Exam Results.

2. BUS 220, 320: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Consideration of the problems of start-up, survival, profit and growth of a new or ongoing venture. Examination of small-business operations including business plans, finance, legal aspects, government regulation, record-keeping, marketing and human resources issues. Prerequisite: 124.

3. BUS 223: Marketing Management

Analytical systems approach to marketing decision-making. Consumer behavior, marketing research, pricing, product and promotion strategy, distribution channels. Why marketing activities develop in an industrial economy. Social and ethical issues are analyzed. Prerequisite: 124.

4. BUS 225: Business Law

Study of contract, agency, debtor credit, trusts and estates, property, corporation and partnership law; Uniform Commercial Code. areas of governmental regulation, including antitrust, securities and employment law; work papers, privileged communications and confidentiality. Prerequisite: 124. CC

5. ECO 101: Introduction to Macroeconomics

Institutions and functioning of capitalism; national income and its determination; monetary and fiscal policy; international economics; and problems of growth and development. CC

or

ECO 102: Introduction to Microeconomics

The mechanisms by which resources are allocated in a market system, and study of modifications to account for imperfections in the system. Topics include demand, production and cost, theories of business behavior and consumer behavior, market performance in the U.S. economy and comparative economic systems. CC

6. BIO 101: General Biology

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

or

Bio 110: Contemporary Biology

A survey of relevant biological principles and processes designed as an introduction to the life sciences for the non-science major. Topics include human biology (cellular and physiological processes), evolution of biodiversity and ecology. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

And all of the following:

EQS 110: Introduction to Equine Management

The foundation course for equestrian studies, which addresses basic equine anatomy, breeds, colors, conformation, equipment, feeding, grooming, minor veterinary care, shoeing, soundness and stable management. Lecture, demonstration, discussion; practica and experiential work required at the stable.

EQS 116: Equine Anatomy and Physiology

A study of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems of the horse from anatomical and physiological perspectives. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 110. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

EQS 125: Equine Breeding Management

An introduction to all aspects of horse breeding including heredity, selection, the reproductive system of mares and stallions, live cover and artificial insemination, fetal development, parturition, care and handling of breeding stock and foals, and breeding farm design and management. Lectures, laboratory, and visits to breeding farms. Experiential work required at the stable. Prerequisite: 116 or permission of the director of equestrian studies.

EQS 220: Management of Equine Events

Designed for show managers, riders, trainers and instructors, this course examines the operation of various shows, trials, events and competitions, including basics of course design. Reviews national and international rules, governing bodies and organizations. Practicum experiences running college-sponsored events, lecture and discussion. Practica and experiential work requirement at the stable. Not open to first-year students.

EQS 225: Equine Health Management

Examines the care of the horse, symptoms, causes, care and prevention of diseases and injuries; assisting the farrier and veterinarian; basics of blood testing, immunizations, parasites and their control; and record-keeping. Lecture, discussion, practica, laboratory and experiential work required at the stable. Prerequisites: 110, 116.

EQS 230: Introduction to Training the Horse

Presents the basic concepts of a variety of traditional and modern training methods. The course provides an understanding of the horse’s natural behavior, instincts and ability to learn. Students are taught the use of aids, tack, equipment, schooling exercises and training techniques, all designed to develop a calm, obedient, forward-moving horse. Lecture, discussion and practica.

EQS 240: Introduction to Teaching Horsemanship

A preparatory course for teaching the basics of safe horsemanship, emphasizing theory of riding principles, methods of instruction, safety, prevention of accidents, and supervision of groups and individual riders. Lecture, discussion, observation, practica. Prerequisites: 110, 230.

EQS 310: Equine Facility Management

A study of the management, design and operation of stables and horse farms. Includes managing employees, basics of raising crops and pastures, designing buildings, arenas, and layout, transporting horses, insurance concerns, fire prevention and farm vehicle maintenance. Lecture, discussion, practica, computer labs and site visits to local stable. Includes an experiential work requirement at the stables. Prerequisite: EQS 110.

EQS 315: Equine Performance Management

Addresses the management of the equine athlete, including nutrition, lameness and conditioning; and modern techniques of prevention and treatment of injuries. Lectures, discussion, laboratory, practica and experiential work requirement at the stable Prerequisite: 225.

PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and social behavior. CC

Certification in CPR and First Aid (noncredit)

One additional major-related course at the 200 or 300 level, chosen in consultation with the student's academic adviser.

Student Learning Goals

EQUINE STEWARDSHIP (EQS I):  Students will develop their ability to act as stewards for the horse through the utilization and integration of knowledge, critical analysis of standards of operation, and ethical decision-making.

Outcomes:   The student’s ability to be an equine steward will be demonstrated through:

• Demonstrating a basic knowledge of the horse’s evolution, history, breeds, conformation, and general care and maintenance
• Practical application of equine anatomy and physiology
• Demonstration of theoretical proficiency related to the breeding process, care and maintenance of the breeding stallion and mare, and the care of the foal
• Adherence to industry standards in  the management and design related to equine competitions
• Performance of preventative health care and general herd health practices
• Practical application of training techniques utilizing the training pyramid
• Conceptual design and practical management of an equine facility
• Design and application of a conditioning program for the performance horse

TEACHING PROFICIENCY (EQS II):  Through a progressive course of study and mentorship, students will learn to become competent and safe instructors of a basic equitation class.

Outcomes:   The student’s competency as a basic-level riding instructor will be demonstrated through:

• Discussion of the theories of riding and teaching and writing basic lesson plans
• Integration of equitation and equine training skills in the writing of progressive lesson plans, discussion of methods of instruction, and application of practical skills through peer instruction
• Integration of equitation and equine training skills in the writing of complete lesson plans, mentored teaching of a basic-level rider, and submission of self- and peer-evaluations
• Student-teach (mentored) a basic-level group equitation class

EQUESTRIAN SKILLS (EQS III):  Students in equitation classes will progress their skills in a safe and effective manner following the training standards in one or more disciplines/seats of riding. 

Outcomes:   Students will develop and demonstrate skills in progressively challenging levels of classes.  Progression of skills will be demonstrated by:

• performing discipline-based and level appropriate skill examinations
• thinking critically about their progression and submitting plans through journals
• integrating their equine knowledge into their training programs
• demonstrating depth and breadth of their skills through cross-training

Equestrian Management Course Requirements

BIO 101: General Biology

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

or

BIO 110: Contemporary Biology

A survey of relevant biological principles and processes designed as an introduction to the life sciences for the non-science major. Topics include human biology (cellular and physiological processes), evolution of biodiversity and ecology. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

EDU 206: Educational Psychology

A pragmatically oriented study of learning processes and factors that stimulate and impede those processes. Psychological testing, methods of measuring and evaluating learning. Special needs of learners with exceptionalities and racial and ethnic minorities. Techniques of interpersonal relations and classroom management. Observation in local schools and other institutions. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

EQS 110: Introduction to Equine Management

The foundation course for equestrian studies, which addresses basic equine anatomy, breeds, colors, conformation, equipment, feeding, grooming, minor veterinary care, shoeing, soundness and stable management. Lecture, demonstration, discussion; practica and experiential work required at the stable.

EQS 116: Equine Anatomy and Physiology

A study of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems of the horse from anatomical and physiological perspectives. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 110. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

EQS 220: Management of Equine Events

Designed for show managers, riders, trainers and instructors, this course examines the operation of various shows, trials, events and competitions, including basics of course design. Reviews national and international rules, governing bodies and organizations. Practicum experiences running college-sponsored events, lecture and discussion. Practica and experiential work requirement at the stable. Not open to first-year students.

EQS 230: Introduction to Training the Horse

Presents the basic concepts of a variety of traditional and modern training methods. The course provides an understanding of the horse’s natural behavior, instincts and ability to learn. Students are taught the use of aids, tack, equipment, schooling exercises and training techniques, all designed to develop a calm, obedient, forward-moving horse. Lecture, discussion and practica.

EQS 235: Applied Horse Training Techniques I

A practicum class in which students work with young, green or problem horses to break, train or retrain for use as riding horses. Coursework includes lunging, long-lining, ground driving, use of cavalletti systems and gymnastic jumping, backing and work under saddle .5 credits. Does not satisfy PE requirement. Prerequisites: EQS 230, EQT 203 or permission.

EQS 240: Introduction to Teaching Horsemanship

A preparatory course for teaching the basics of safe horsemanship, emphasizing theory of riding principles, methods of instruction, safety, prevention of accidents, and supervision of groups and individual riders. Lecture, discussion, observation, practica. Prerequisites: 110, 230.

EQS 326, 327: Methods of Teaching and Training I, II

Courses designed to provide knowledge of riding and schooling principles, methods of instruction, lesson planning, student assessment and lesson horse selection. Lecture, discussion, student teaching practica, laboratory. Prerequisites: 240.

EQS 328, 329: Principles and Practices of Equestrian Management I, II

Capstone courses in teaching horsemanship. Emphasis is placed on building a repertoire of teaching techniques; and critical evaluation of riders, horses, lesson plans, methodology and style. Discussions include the ethics of the industry and philosophical differences among disciplines. Preparation of riders and horses for competitive riding, supervision of teaching staff and peer evaluations. Discussion, presentations, supervised teaching practica, laboratory and experiential work requirements. Prerequisite: EDU 206 (for EQS 328), 327.

PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and social behavior. CC

John Tukey

Director of Equestrian Studies
Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies
717-264-4141 Ext. 3296 j
tukey@wilson.edu

Graduate "A" USPC 1978
Trained with Kevin Freeman (twice Olympic Silver Medalist), Richard Meade (British Three Day Team), Dietrich Von Hopftgarten, Lockie Richard, Henrik Johansen and Major Jeremy Beale (British Olympic Teams)
Teaches all levels of EQT courses. EQS Management, Anatomy and Physiology, Breeding Management, Coaching Classes, Equine Health Management, Facility Management, Event Management, Design and Construction of Cross Country Courses.

Advisor and Coach to the Eventing Team.
Advisor to Dressage and Hunt Seat Teams. Private Instructor for over 30 years.

Dr. Tukey on Bally Riddle

  Ann O'Shallie

Associate Professor of Equestrian Studies and EFT
717-264-4141 Ext. 3202
aoshallie@wilson.edu

Annette Gavin, B.A.

• Competes in Eventing and Dressage.
• Trained and competed in Europe. Completed BHS training. C-3 Pony Club Examiner.
• Teaches EQS classes, advanced level EQT classes and Spec.
• Trained with Jane Bartle and Henrick Johansen.

Judie Blessing

B.S. Wilson College Riding Instructor, Horse Show Manager 717-264-4141 Ext. 3414 jblessing@wilson.edu • Competes at 1st level in Dressage. • Teaches EQT and EQS classes. • Teaches camps and runs summer shows. • Trained with Annette Gavin, Col. Kitts, Jane Bartle and Henrick Johansen.

Elizabeth Leary

Wilson College Stable Manager 717-264-4141 Ext. 2005 elizabeth.leary@wilson.edu

BS from Ferrum College (when they had a riding program - no longer do) in Outdoor Recreation with an Environmental Science concentration and minor in Equine Science (no equine major at Ferrum).

• Competed in IHSA hunt seat.  Trained with Jane Flynn - IHSA lifetime achievement award recipient, Deb Dyer coach of multiple ApHC national and world competitors. 

• Wide range of experience managing horses, teaching, coaching and training multiple disciplines including therapeutics, hunter/jumper, stock seat, western pleasure, trail, AVA, ASA, NAAHSA, AQHA, APHA and ApHC. 

• Extensive breeding and foaling experience. 

• Many hours in a round pen starting young horses and working with aggressive and behaviorally challenged horses.

• Managed mulit-use equestrian facility as well as an elite private A-circuit Hunter facility. Spent 6 years teaching and training as an independant contractor.  6 years experience as a small animal veterinary nurse.

My passion is managing equine athletes and teaching horses and horse people solid all around horsemanship skills.

 

Sarah Bartle

Stable Assistant
717-264-4141 Ext. 3414
sbartle@wilson.edu

Barbara Berman

Adjunct Riding Instructor
stillpointbarb@aol.co.uk
  • Instructor in Hunter Jumper in 1987, Trained with the following instructors:
     Bruce Davidson, Jane Sleeper, Lucinda Green, Paul and Jean Belasik,
     Marilyn Heath, Nicole Uphoff, Belinda Wertmann, Jessica Ransenhousen,
     Lars Peterson, Nico Van Stigt, Todd Flettrich
  • Competed through Intermediate in Combined Training and Prix St. George
     in Dressage.
  • Training through Grand Prix in Dressage. 
  • Students through Prix St. George in Dressage.

Emily Lecker

Assistant Stable Manager Adjunct Riding Instructor Wilson College Graduate '03 Dual Equestrian/Equine Management Major elecker@wilson.edu

Risa Hurst

Adjunct Riding Instructor
Stable Assistant Wilson College Graduate '10 Equine Management Major

Bev Henicle

Stable Assistant

Jere Wingert

Stable Assistant