Minor in Equine Studies
AGS 161 - Introduction to Horses - 3 Credit Hours
Students will be introduced to the horse industry. They will learn the responsibilities of ownership, selection of a horse, breeds- development and uses, basic care- nutrition, health care, conditioning, and facilities needed to safely house horses. Lab will include demonstrations and field trips designed to expose students to the many facets of the horse industry. Offered fall semester.
AGS 162 - Introduction to Riding - 1 Credit Hour
This course is an introductory course with a focus on safety and beginning level principles for handling and riding horses. The student may select either stock seat or hunt seat. The course serves as a prerequesite for all other equine classes including 492 Equestrian Team. Offered each semester, including summer.
AGS 191 - Evaluation and Appraisal of Performance Horses - 2 Credit Hours
Students evaluate conformation, soundness, and performace of horses in various disciplines. This class is a prerequisite for participating on the Horse Judging Team. Offered fall semester.
AGS 262 - Riding for Training - 2 Credit Hours
The focus of this course is to develop the skills necessary for training a horse. Students should complete this course prior to enrolling in AGS 361. Students may enroll in this class after completing AGS 162 or if they have equivalent experience. Riders may ride either hunt seat or stock seat or both. If a student has 3-5 years of riding experience and is comfortable at a lope on a strange horse they should have the skills to take this course. Offered each fall semester and will alternate years with AGS 362 in the spring.
AGS 361 - Horse Management and Training - 3 Credit Hours
Students learn how to train performance horses. Topics include haltering, leading, longeing, driving, saddling, and riding green horses. Offered each spring semester and in the summer as interest and availability of horses for training permits.
AGS 362 - Riding for Instruction - 2 Credit Hours
The focus of this course is to develop the skills necessary to instruct elementary level equitation. Students should complete AGS 162 and/or AGS 262 and have an interest in developing an understanding of the theory of riding and teaching riding. Offered every other spring semester.
AGR 399 - Therapeutic Riding - 3 Credit Hours
The focus of this course is the preparation of horses for use in a therapeutic riding program. Students also learn about the management of a therapeutic riding program. Students should complete either 162 or, preferably, 262 prior to enrolling in this course. This course has been approved for Service Learning Credit. Offered spring semester.
AGR 399 - Principles in Horseshoeing - 2 Credit Hours
This course is designed to instruct students in proper hoofcare techniques including hoof trimming, shaping a shoe, shoe placement, and finishing. This is a practical course and therefore students interested in enrolling should be aware of the physical exertion required before registering. Offered fall semester as interest permits.
AGS 461 - Light Horse Production - 3 Credit Hours
Topics covered include reproduction, nutrition, health care and managemnt of horses for pleasure and for profit. Offered spring semester.
AGS 492 - Equestrian Team Practice - 1 Credit Hour
This course satisfies the eligibilty requirements for participation on the Equestrian Team. Course content includes practical riding in a group lesson, continuing education articles, and self-evaluation. Offered fall and spring semesters.