Equine Journalism

About the Major

Equine Journalism represents a professional track for majors interested in Equestrian Studies, and a specific focus for majors interested in Mass Communications. A joint effort of the Wilson College Equestrian Studies Department and the English and Mass Communications Department, the major in equine journalism provides in-depth knowledge of equestrian studies in conjunction with the guiding principles of journalism. By the completion of the degree, students will have gained a foundational knowledge of the Equestrian world—vital for working in that industry—while taking every writing course every Mass Communications and Journalism major takes.

This curriculum provides a potent one-two punch. Courses in equestrian studies will offer comprehension of equine anatomy, horsemanship and horse-related industries. Courses in journalism and writing teach the basics of Associated Press style, conventions of journalism, public relations, feature writing, and media ethics and practices. Students apply this learning in small courses that prepare them for careers as professionals in the equestrian world.

There are exciting opportunities available for students majoring in Equine Journalism at Wilson College. Students can cover Wilson’s own “horse beat” for the award-winning school newspaper, The Billboard. They can intern over the summer at one of the premiere equestrian magazines in the country, or for one of the top businesses in the industry. Majors can join one of Wilson’s many horse-related clubs and teams: Dressage, Drill, Eventing, Hunt Seat Equitation, Intercollegiate Riding, Quadrille, and Western. Students can board their horses at Wilson College’s Equestrian Center or ride the college’s horses.

Wilson is a member of the American Horse Publications (AHP), an organization that counts over 400 equestrian periodicals, magazines, media organizations, and businesses as members. All students in the major are automatically given membership in the AHP once they reach junior status; they are then paired with a professional in the field who will aid in personally guiding and mentoring the student. The AHP also allows the student to access amazing opportunities for internships, grants, conferences, and student writing awards in the Equine Journalism field. For more information on the American Horse Publications organization and how it can benefit students, please click here.

Use the links below to learn more about the major in Equine Journalism, opportunities for career and graduate studies, and the faculty that teach the classes. Check out our Resource page to search listings for jobs, internships, and other amazing opportunities.

Questions? Please contact the Equine Journalism Program Administrator: Dr. Michael G. Cornelius 717-264-4141  ext. 3308

Course Requirements

ENG 210: Advanced Exposition

Development of expository writing skills at an advanced level across the major academic curriculum and disciplines (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, etc.). Course also establishes the foundations of rhetorical theory and the application of advanced rhetorical techniques to academic writing. WI

 

ENG 212: Technical Writing

Examination of and practice in technical writing. Emphasis on developing effective style after analysis of purpose and audience. Analyses and assignments in formulating definitions, mechanical and process descriptions, reports, proposals and technical presentations. WI

MCM 201: Journalism I

Development of skills required by newspaper writing and production, including principles of interviewing, reporting, editing and design. WI

MCM 301: Journalism II

Continued study of media writing and design, including magazine journalism, genre-based journalism, advertising copywriting, writing for public relations and desktop publishing. Prerequisite: MCM 201. WI

MCM 355: Internship

MCM 400: Assessment Portfolio (.5 course credit)

A study in writing and reflection, MCM Assessment Portfolio will impart the advanced rhetorical skills that will enable a student to assemble an assessment portfolio and demonstrate mastery of the department’s assessment criteria. Prerequisite: senior standing in Mass Communications or instructor’s permission.

BIO 101: General Biology I

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

EQS 110: Intro 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 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: Intro 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: Intro 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.

Plus one of the following courses (chosen in consultation with academic adviser):

ENG 220: Creative Writing

Introduces students to techniques and skills in writing the four major genres of creative writing: poetry, fiction, drama and creative non-fiction. Class will consist of craft exercises, critical renderings of others’ work, self-reflective analysis and the completion of four distinct projects in portfolio format. ART

FA 118: Introduction to Photography

Introduction to basic skills of black-and-white still photography, including darkroom techniques. Lectures and examinations on the history of photography. (Students must supply their own single-lens reflex cameras.) ART

FA 120: Intro to Computer Graphics

Examines the basic types of computer graphics: pixel, object and vector based. Participants will learn the basic computer graphic tools, develop original graphics and manipulate existing graphics using popular graphics packages. Graphic layout for artistic, publication and multimedia purposes will be discussed and implemented, including the use of color, foreground, background, text and images. Prerequisite: CS 110 or permission. ART

MCM 303: Media Law and Ethics

Legal and ethics-based study of court rulings and other issues that concern journalists, especially with respect to censorship, obscenity, libel, copyright, privacy and First Amendment rights and responsibilities. ETH, WI

MCM BB: BIllboard (for total of one course credit)

This course is designed to provide students with the practical experience of participating in the production of a media text. Students will be involved in all aspects of preparation, production, reporting and publication design over the course of the semester. Under guidance of the Billboard adviser, students will be primarily responsible for output of the publication. Both the afternoon and evening journalism practicums will also serve as a refresher course for Journalism I and II. The Billboard adviser will provide students with the necessary instruction to be able to produce the paper, as well as work toward increasing the Billboard’s circulation and advertising clients. Prerequisite: MCM 201 or permission. This may be taken as .5 or 1 course credit.

or relevant MCM Topics course (per academic adviser's approval)

And one of the following courses (chosen in consultation with academic adviser)

EFT 201: Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics I

An introductory course addressing: therapeutic program development, program personnel and team-building, qualifications, and training; overview of disabilities commonly encountered in the therapeutic program; learning styles; record-keeping and use of the horse in equine-assisted activities. Prerequisite: EQS 116.

EFT 213: Training the Therapy Horse

A practical course to train the therapeutic riding horse. Students will train/retrain assigned horses in the following: leading techniques (on- and off-lead) in walk and trot; ramp safety for mounts and dismounts; acceptance of adaptive equipment; de-sensitization techniques; and working with behavior issues related to herd work, emergency situations and boredom. Prerequisite: EQS 230.

EFT 215: Equine Biomechanics and Kinesiology

A study of equine movement. A thorough understanding of how a horse moves is used to improve the posture, balance and mobility of both horse and rider. To gain an understanding of the horse’s movement in real time, students will complete a research project using video analysis, still photography and other media applications. Prerequisite: EQS 116.

EQS 125: 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 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.

EQT XXX: Equitation (for total of one course credit)

or relevant EQS Topics course (per academic adviser's approval)

HEAR FROM A WILSON WOMAN…ON EQUINE JOURNALISM!

REBECCA HARTMAN-BERRIER, ‘04

Rebecca Hartman-Berrier was an English major whose studies included an emphasis in Equestrian Studies. Rebecca’s career aspirations including working in Iceland and specifically working with Icelandic ponies; she found that her expertise in English allowed her to fulfill a niche in that field, as she explains below.

I currently run a boarding stable in Connecticut for amateur and competitive riders; I have also worked with horses all over the east coast, and in Canada and Iceland. My time in Equestrian Studies/Equine Sciences classes taught me how to be an effective horsewoman, teacher and business manager. My degree in literature has been helpful not only in learning new languages, but also has given me a greater appreciation for the culture in many of the places I have traveled. Since several of my employers spoke English as their third or fourth language, they depended on me to write letters to clients, and ads for horses and services. I have been published in Icelandic horse periodicals, and am in the process of co-authoring a multi-media presentation on the biomechanics of the Icelandic horse in its unique gaits. I would not have been able to enjoy the career I’ve had so far without the unique combination of English and Equestrian Studies courses I was able to complete at Wilson.

HEAR FROM A WILSON WOMAN…ON INTERNSHIPS IN EQUINE JOURNALISM!

C.J. GIACOMINI ‘13

C.J. Giacomini interned for Horse News, a monthly newspaper that covers the Mid-Atlantic region. At the magazine C.J. worked as an editorial assistant and even wrote stories that appeared in the publication.

 I had a ton of fun learning about how a newspaper gets put together and all the work that goes into it. I got to edit results, help judge the photo contest, and I even got to write a few articles for the magazine. It was great to see my work in print! This internship was an amazing opportunity to see behind the scenes in publication. For anyone looking to go into the Equine Journalism major interning at a place like Horse News is a great way to see what the major can do in action and to see different aspects of the sport, since papers like Horse News cover everything from hunters and show jumpers to racing and steeplechase. It’s a great place to learn new skills and put to use what you are learning at Wilson.