A Future in Horses
Get the education and skills for an exciting equine career!

Your love of horses could put you on the fast track to a successful future. Canada’s horse industry is looking for skilled individuals who can provide expert management and training assistance. You can prepare to fill these opportunities by enrolling in the two-year Equine Science diploma program at Olds College.

Scroll down or click to read more about:
Program Description
About the Majors
Career Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Equine Facilities
What People Say About Us
Contact Information

Program Description

The Equine Science program offers extensive training in equine science leading toemployment in the equine industry. The curriculum provides for the development of occupational skills including care and training of horses, general riding skills, breeding and business management. The Equine Science program is divided into three majors:

• Equine Business Management
• Equine Production and Breeding Management
• Horsemanship

You will begin training in September and, depending on your major, end between April and late June. Each year, 40 students are accepted: 10 into Equine Business Management, 10 into Equine Production and Breeding Management, and 20 into Horsemanship. The three majors each include industry internships and independent study.

About the Majors

Equine Business Management
Our newest major focuses on equine business and management skills, including computers, accounting, marketing, establishing a business, salesmanship and tax law. At graduation students are prepared to run their own successful business or enter the business side of the equine industry.

Equine Production and Breeding Management
This major teaches students current reproductive techniques such as hand breeding, artificial insemination, and how to transport cooled semen. Students gain experience managing pregnant mares, foaling, and participating in a commercial breeding operation.

Horsemanship
In this major, students develop their riding skills as well as learn techniques for the breaking and training of young horses, in either the Western or English discipline.

Career Opportunities

A career in the horse industry will often be physically demanding and involve long hours, early mornings and late nights. But it also offers you the options of becoming an owner/operator of your own business or to pursue a rewarding career in:

• Boarding and coaching stables
• Breeding and foaling management
• Sales and marketing for equine-based businesses and products
• Equine event and competition management
• Equine customer services
• Veterinary pharmaceutical sales

Admission Requirements

• Any Alberta high school diploma or equivalent with 50% or better in Math 20 or 23 and 50% or better in Biology 30.
• Applicants must complete a questionnaire indicating a minimum or 160 hours of related volunteer or paid work experience in a horse operation away from the family farm.
• A riding test or practical exam is required.
• Admission is on a competitive basis and applications will be prescreened.

Equine Facilities

Olds College Equine facilities include:

• Heated indoor complex with riding arena, classroom and stabling
• Outdoor riding arena
• Production complex covering 22 acres
• Breeding barn complex with artificial insemination laboratory
• Foaling barn

Horses

Horses used in the courses are solicited from industry breeders and trainers. Your own horse can be used in horsemanship, provided the horse meets with the instructor’s approval. Horses for the breaking and training component of the program will be provided by outside clients. You may also board your horse(s) at Olds College during the school year; however, space is limited.

What People Say About Us

“Olds College is the first place we contact. We have routinely hired Olds College students and graduates. The students are informed, aware of tasks that need to be performed and adapt quickly to our routine. The students have always been able to contribute new ideas and up-to-date information. We feel the instructors have always represented the students fairly and honestly, enabling us to hire with confidence.”

Carol Schaffer, Sandy Ridge Stallion Station, Bassano, AB

“We currently employ two students from the Olds College Equine Science Program in our business. If they are typical of the students you turn out then your program should be considered the best in North America. They are wonderful girls with excellent skills and work ethic. We would welcome and appreciate the opportunity to work with other students from your excellent program.”

Jay Hayes, North Ridge Stable, Cheltenham, ON

“The program at Olds College gives you an edge in the equine industry. With the knowledge you gain about all aspects of horses and the industry, it gives you confidence going out into the job market, and with their contacts all over North America, the possibilities are endless.”

Alycia Chicoine, 2nd year Production and Breeding student

“As a student in the Western Horsemanship major, I have learned a wide variety of skills and techniques that I will be able to use in the industry. This is a truly exceptional program and I recommend it for any and all western horsemen.”

Tracy Perkins, 2nd year Horsemanship student

“I have learned a vast amount of business knowledge as well as a great amountof hands on with the horses. I love doing the hands on work as it has given me a better perspective on what was taught in the classroom. The teachers have always encouraged me in every way possible. They are always available after classes and school hours to help with anything I have needed. The opportunity to act as barn manager also gave me insight into what will be required of me when I start my own business.”

Carrie Kuffler, 2nd year Business Management student

“The diversity of courses and hands-on experience provided by the Equine Science Program educates students in many aspects of business in the equine industry. The knowledgable and friendly instructors are available for student inquiries and concerns at all times.”

Lisette Elash, 2nd year Horsemanship student

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the program or application procedure, please feel free to contact our program coordinator:

Dr. Marion Anderson-Ejack
Phone: (403) 556-8369
Fax: (403) 556-4714
E-mail: mandersoneja@admin.oldscollege.ab.ca
Website: www.oldscollege.ab.ca/careers/programs/EquineScience.asp
4500 - 50 St.
Olds, Alberta T4H 1R6

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