An equine education that meets your career goals: ��ϳԹ�’s online associate degree in equine studies

For those wanting to work in the horse industry, ��ϳԹ�'s AAS in Equine Studies is a fast track way to the equine industry.

Equine careers demand more than a love of working with horses. They call for knowledge, strategy, and the right credentials. That’s why ��ϳԹ� created the online Associate of Applied Science in Equine Studies, offering two specialized tracks—Commercial Equine Business Management and Equine Studies, to give students the foundation they need to gallop confidently into the industry.

Program Director and long-time equine industry professional Kelly Hall, explains that the decision to offer this comprehensive program comes from a rich history at ��ϳԹ�’s Southern campus.

“We already had an online degree component with our equine business management track, and then we expanded it to include a general equine degree.” This shift reflects ��ϳԹ�’s commitment to adapting to the needs of the equine industry while providing accessible educational opportunities.

How OHIO’s Online equine program builds career skills through creative teaching and diverse perspectives across the country

The online nature of the program creates a unique learning environment, bringing together students from various regions and equine backgrounds.

“I’ve had students from Montana, Alabama, and Manhattan,” says Hall. “The culture of horses from Montana to New York City is very different, which makes teaching in this program fascinating.”

This diversity offers students the chance to broaden their perspectives on the equine industry and learn from each other’s experiences. The flexibility of the program allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, whether it’s working with Mustangs in Tennessee or pursuing careers in equine journalism or photography. Students are encouraged to interact within the program and with each other by providing a platform for sharing industry news and announcements.

Looking ahead, Hall is excited about the program’s ongoing development.

“I think it’s a really good program, and the changes we’re making are very important. It’s going to be easier for students to take the classes they want and work toward graduation,” she said.

The move to a more tailored curriculum will allow students to better align their studies with their career aspirations by continuously assessing areas of improvement, including embracing new technologies to enhance the online learning experience.

Hall's teaching philosophy in equine education centers on the idea that creativity leads to improved comprehension of the subject.

“I want to be more creative with my classes. I don't want to just put facts up and articles to read, so I try to look for creative ways to present useful topics,” says Hall.

Creative approaches can include perspective-taking, mental simulations, empathy development and scenario planning.

“When studying horse behavior for example, students must remember horses are prey animals and we are predators. I ask students to pick a spot in their normal day-to-day routine and pretend they're a horse and how would they react to different situations,” says Hall.

“So, we know horses want to run away, and they don't want to stay and fight. What did the horse react to in the situation? Would they feel fear? Would they be comfortable? What could you change about the environment so that they're more accepting,” Hall ponders. “We are always trying to find ways to make courses engaging, interesting and useful.”

What careers are available in the equine industry?

The from the highlights the industry’s growing power—adding $177 billion in value to the U.S. economy. Beyond farms and stables, the equine sector influences tourism, tech, agriculture, and more.

“There are 1,000,000 full-time jobs in the equine industry at any given time,” says Hall, highlighting the wide range of careers available.

These include roles that involve direct interaction with horses, such as competition and working equines (e.g., police and ranch horses), as well as the growing field of equine-assisted therapy and recreational riding, which Hall identifies as the “fastest-growing segment of the equine industry.”

Other potential career options include r, farm manager, , equine sales and marketing agent, horse trainer, event manager, and equine journalist.

Explore two career-focused tracks in OHIO’s online AAS equine studies program

Initially, the program offered two tracks. The Commercial Equine Business Management track was designed for those interested in self-employment or traditional business roles within the equine industry. This track emphasizes business skills in areas such as leadership, law, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and event management which attracts a broad audience.

Recognizing the diverse needs of students with prior horse experience, the program has evolved.

“We’re now focusing on the equine studies degree, and students can select courses according to their interests, tailoring the degree to their specific needs,” Hall explained.

This track offers a foundational approach focused on developing student skills in equine welfare, health and care, farm management, riding, riding instruction, equine-assisted activities, and business, enabling students to tailor their education to their specific interests within the equine field.

Capitalizing on the efficient workforce entry an associate degree offers, ��ϳԹ�’s online equine studies program provides students with a streamlined pathway to their chosen equine careers.

“It’s one of the few associate degrees in the U.S, and we were one of the first to go online,” says Hall noting that their program has even served as a model for other institutions.

Customize your equine degree: Ideal for career changers and horse industry pros

Is OHIO’s online equine AAS degree suitable for career changers or those already working with horses?

According to Hall, “There are two main types of students who come into these classes,” she explained. Some are lifelong horse lovers reconnecting with their passion, while others, like a recent Ph.D. student in equine nutrition, are looking to expand their knowledge. However, she emphasizes that the most successful students are those who “understand the hard work and self-motivation it takes to succeed in the equine industry.”

While the program is entirely online, it includes practical learning experiences.

“I build in hands-on activities that students film themselves or have a mentor sign off on,” Hall said. For example, students studying equine nutrition might be tasked with visiting a feed store, reading feed tags, and determining the best formulation for their horse. This blend of online learning and real-world application ensures students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

It’s important to learn versatility in the equine industry especially if someone is looking at long-term career prospects. Hall noted that her own career span has been diverse.

“My first job was teaching riding at 15 years old, but along the way, I've sold horse and farm insurance,” says Hall. I have had a variety of jobs that I saw as opportunities, and that's what it takes. It takes being brave and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.”

The increasing demand for credentials and certifications within the equine industry further highlights the value of this degree.

“Now, clientele looking for riding lessons, for example, are coming from urban areas, and they’re not the same parents that used to be involved,” Hall explained. Many new horse enthusiasts prioritize safety and seek instructors with recognized qualifications. “They’re looking more and more for credentials, and having a degree or certification gives you a real edge.”

OHIO’s equine program: Hands-on learning meets modern equine tech

A distinctive feature of the program is the requirement for students to have access to horses in order to complete the degree.

“As part of admission, you must have access to horses,” says Hall. “This isn’t just theoretical groundwork.”

The hands-on component varies depending on the course. For example, while business-focused courses like equine economics and marketing may not involve direct interaction with horses, courses like therapeutic riding require practical experience. Students pursuing therapeutic riding instruction, for instance, must complete a “teaching practicum” and accumulate 25 hours of teaching under the guidance of a mentor.

This hands-on approach aligns with standards from organizations like the , ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for certification. The certification process itself is also evolving, with options to submit video recordings of teaching and riding for evaluation.

As technology plays a greater role in the equine industry, proficiency in digital tools has become essential.

“My marketing class, for example, includes assignments on the value of Facebook ads, how many people look at Facebook every day, and how effective are ads?”

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of social media and digital tools in marketing, as well as understanding market segments, from local to global. Hall also highlights the competitive nature of the industry, where riding lesson providers are competing not just with other equestrian programs, but with a wide variety of children’s programs.

Understanding market analysis, including SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), is vital. The program also covers the growing role of the non-profit sector, with courses focused on managing organizations such as equine rescues and therapeutic riding programs.

Equine welfare is another key area covered by the program.

Hall, who teaches equine welfare, explains, “We look at all the different disciplines to assess whether animals are being treated ethically. This is a very hot topic in the industry.”

Is OHIO’s online equine studies program right for you?

��ϳԹ�’s online associate equine studies program is ideal for individuals already experienced with horses who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as horse health, welfare, farm management, riding instruction, and equine-assisted activities. The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in equine studies, giving students the flexibility to focus on their areas of interest and career goals.

To learn more visit the program’s webpage or you can direct questions to program director Kelly Hall.

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Academic Story

Southern Campus

Patton College of Education

Published

April 21, 2025

Author

Staff reports

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