About Equestrian Training Courses

Equestrian training courses vary widely. They range from short courses on specific matters to full-blown four-year programs ending in the acquisition of a degree in Equestrian Studies or Equine Studies. All courses help students work toward a career in training or breeding horses or in riding instruction.

College Courses

College courses in Equine Studies are available at numerous technical and agricultural colleges throughout the United States. There are also specialist equestrian colleges, such as the Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre, which offer only equine-related courses. These colleges generally offer certification or possibly an associate degree and should be considered as vocational schools. Students can also take a veterinary course and choose to specialize in horses or get a degree in farm and ranch management.

Instructor Certification

One of the most common courses of study taken by those seeking an equestrian career is training in becoming a riding instructor. These courses tend to be short and lead to certification. Most instructor training takes place on the job. Certification can also be obtained in specialized areas such as dressage, western showing or vaulting.

Training Certification

A bewildering variety of courses in horse training are offered, not all of them recognized by an overall body. This includes programs in specific training techniques such as clicker training. These courses are usually short, sometimes as short as a couple of days.

Working Student Programs

Students seeking to become a horse trainer, professional sports rider or instructor may benefit from a working student program. These programs are similar to apprenticeships. The student works as a groom for an experienced trainer. He then progresses to riding the easier horses and developing hours of on-the-job experience that can translate into striking off on his own. Working students are generally paid, but not very much, and may get bed and board.