Equine Studies Degree | Midway University

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Equine Studies (Management, Rehab or Science)

Hours

120 Credit Hours

Farm

200-acres on campus

Herd

30+ Horses

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Midway University is located at the epicenter of the equine industry and is a renowned equine studies university. From boarding and breeding operations, sales and racing, equine association headquarters, therapy centers, animal health and pharmaceutical companies, and renowned veterinary practices, our campus is perfectly situated to give future equestrians the chance to put their education into practice.

As a part of our holistic approach to equestrian studies and equine training, our campus is a working horse farm providing true access to hands-on learning with our large equine herd of varying breeds and disciplines. Students can walk from their residence hall to the barns in minutes.

What is Equine Studies?

The Equine Studies program at Midway provides students with the essential skills they need to enter the broad equine industry or prepare for graduate school. Equine science degree students have opportunities throughout the program to work with a variety of breeds. Students are also able to perform tasks of varying levels in assisting with managing our farm and herd. Students learn basic horse handling techniques as well as barn and farm management principles and practices. Through academic preparation in theories and methods of equine characteristics and needs, students acquire the basis on which to make decisions affecting horse care.

Students who successfully complete the Equine Studies program will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to implement and assess safe, ethical and sustainable equine management practices
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and to utilize emerging technologies related to the global equine industry
Demonstrate awareness of the human-horse bond and of diversity in the competitive and the non-competitive equine industries
Identify and evaluate equine anatomy and physiology and relate form to function and feeding strategy

Program Options

Students can choose from three areas of concentration within Equine Studies. Students also can work with an advisor on a Pre-Vet advising path to prepare for graduate school.

equine management: Student smiling in stables

Equine Management Major

Midway University's Equine Studies-Equine Management concentration is designed to develop strong farm operation and facilities management skills. This area of concentration is a good choice for students who wish to lead their own farm operation or become a manager within the industry.

View Equine Management Course Catalog

Equine Rehabilitation Major

Caring for the animal's well-being is the central focus of this program. The Equine Studies - Equine Rehabilitation degree will help students develop strong, applicable skills in equine rehabilitation, exercise physiology, Eastern medicine, nutrition, and pharmacology.

View Our Equine Rehabilitation Course Catalog

Student looking through microscope in science lab

Equine Studies - Science Major

The Science concentration is a great choice for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in veterinary or animal sciences. Students complete all the major courses and then 21 credit hours in microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus/trigonometry, physics anatomy, and animal nutrition.

View Our Equine Studies-Science Course Catalog

Pre-Vet Advising Program

Midway University offers two degrees best suited to prepare students for veterinary school: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with concentration in Science.

Learn More About Pre-Vet Advising

woman in grey Midway University coat with horse

Minor in Equine Studies

The Equine Studies minor is designed for students who are majoring in Biology and are interested in applying to post-graduate programs in Animal/Equine Science or Veterinary School. It will also provide students with the knowledge needed to obtain a position in an equine-related field that requires a degree or special training in another field of study.

Learn About Our Minor in Equine Studies

equine management student running with her horse in autumn

Equine MBA

For students who have already earned their undergraduate degree and want to earn an advanced degree, consider Midway University's Master of Business Administration Concentration in Equine Management. This degree program combines elements of Midway's strong business and the equine studies programs.

Learn More About the MBA-Equine Management Degree

Career Outlook

How can an Equine Studies degree work for you? According to the Kentucky Equine Survey, the economic impact of Kentucky’s equine industry is $4 billion and generates more than 80,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs.

Individuals with this degree often work in the equine industry and can serve in such roles as:

stable managers
show managers
riding instructors
farm managers
equine trainers
equine rehabilitation therapist
various associations or government agencies

Equine Riding Teams

Midway University currently fields two riding teams in the Intercollegiate Hose Show Association (IHSA)-Hunt Seat and Western. We compete in Region 6, Zone 3. Students interested in one of the teams should complete an admissions application and state your interest or complete an interest form on our Athletics Recruitment Center on GoMidwayEagles.com.

Equine Education Centers

Midway’s equine education centers allow students to pursue equestrian studies regardless of the weather. Three centers are used for equestrian classes and by Midway’s equestrian teams. Equine students also enjoy an outdoor riding arena, a jumping field, and 163 acres of pastureland. View our equine facilities online.

The 36,000-square foot Equine Education Center houses a 105 x 235-foot indoor riding arena, eight stalls, laboratory, classroom, a large tack room, audio-visual room, wash stall, and equine staff offices.
Bud’s Barn and Spy Coast Farm Education Center was completed in August 2022. The new facility is adjacent to the Midway University Equestrian Center, which overlooks the main campus, and creates an equine hub on the north side of campus. This facility includes a 5,376 square foot barn with 18 stalls, tack room, feed room, and a 6040 education center classroom.
The Ashland stables and Theurkauf outdoor riding arena complement the two large equine centers, thus creating a comprehensive facility that meets the demands of all riding disciplines and equine training needs. The Ashland stables include 8 stalls, tack room, washroom, office, and classroom. The Theurkauf outdoor riding arena measures 227 x 117 feet and has a stonedust footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer a simple online application process. Create your account, submit all materials and track your application status conveniently online. Admissions Counselors are available to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have about Midway University and our programs. Give them a call at 1.800.952.4122 or email admissions@midway.edu.

We cannot board student horses on campus, but we have a list of boarding facilities available. Email admissions@midway.edu for more information.

Complete a questionnaire on our athletics website at www.gomidwayeagles.com

No. All horse care, riding and maintenance are part of the equine studies program and with the hunt seat and western riding teams.

We own and lease horses for our equine program that are used for both our Equine Studies program and our Hunt Seat and Western Riding Teams. We have a herd that includes Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Quarter Horses, and Appaloosas.

Students are eligible as “full-time and “part-time” students for Federal loans and may be eligible for Federal and/or State grants. (A full-time student is a student taking 12 credit hours or more per term; a part-time student is a student taking 6-12 credit hours.)

Visit Financial Aid page for more details.

An admission decision can only be made with official documents. Transcripts are considered official when they are either mailed directly to Midway University from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope or sent electronically by a secured third party such at National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment.

Midway University works hard to provide quality degree programs at an affordable price for our students. Students can view our Tuition and Fees Schedule online.

Make sure you get the whole picture before making your decision. First, complete your FAFSA so you can see what financial aid you are eligible to receive and complete your application. Once you are admitted to Midway University, you can meet with our Financial Aid Office to discuss all the eligible aid (federal, state and institutional) that you have access to and apply for scholarships. This is the only way to figure out the true cost and if you will have any out-of-pocket expenses to cover.

Midway University accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions that are 100-level or higher with a grade of “C” or better. At the time of admission, our Admissions Counselors will provide an unofficial evaluation of your transfer credit. An official evaluation will be completed by the Registrar’s Office after acceptance.

Depending on your student type, there are different steps needed to get you ready to begin classes. Visit our Next Steps page to find your path, or contact admissions at admissions@midway.edu.

Student Testimonial

"I came to Midway a girl and left a woman, ready to face what the world had to throw at me. The things I learned at Midway prepared me for a successful career in the equine industry and beyond. I have a lot of appreciation for the faculty, and coaches who supported me through my four years at Midway. They gave me a foundation, and that foundation grew each year, opening doors along the way."

Sierra Dewald '20, Equine Studies
Currently working at the Thoroughbred Training Center as an Exercise Rider.