There are numerous students searching the Internet these days searching for the best equine program out there.  Equine business degrees have become increasingly popular over the past ten years or so and more colleges are offering students the offer of a 4-year degree versus the 2-year Associates degree.  Many colleges are also offering degrees in the area of business and agribusiness rather than liberal arts, this offers students more options if they choose to get into the business side of horses through breed associations and other organizations.

Earning a degree in equine business can also help aspiring trainers, instructors and breeders learn how to properly plan, start and manage their business.  Most of these degree programs prepare horse lovers and riders in a variety of ways.  Students are still required to complete core college courses, but the degrees also allow students to learn horsemanship in both English, Western and Saddle Seat is available at some colleges, they also learn horse care and management, reproduction, nutrition, breeding and judging.  There are numerous options for students and all of them will benefit them in the long run whether it is their own personal horse management or the management of a large breeding or training operation. 

Students will need to determine what they are interested in before selecting a college.  If they are interested in training, showing or breeding they will want to choose a college with strengths in those areas.  If students are interested in working for breed associations, they will need to determine how much of their equine competition they are willing to give up.  Breed associations do not allow employees to train, stand a stallion or compete at approved shows as this is considered a conflict of interest.  This may deter many students.

The majority of these colleges allow students to stay competitive while they are attending class.  Most of equestrian teams through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, which allow students to practice and compete with riders at their own level.  The main focus is that students learn to ride many different horses and improve their equitation.  Check to see if your college has this program and what their try-out procedures are.  When you are choosing your college you will want to consider a few questions:

• What disciplines are available at the school?
• Can your board your own horse and use him in classes?  Can you bring more than one horse?
• What is the cost of boarding and how do you get feed and hay?
• Does the college own their own facilities or lease?
• How long are lessons and how frequently do you get to ride?
• Is the program a 2 or 4 year degree plan?
• Does the stable have indoor and outdoor arenas?
• What kind of jobs have graduates received after graduation?
• Can riders compete at local shows?
• Are their additional fees involved?
• Are scholarships available?
• Is job placement available after graduation?

There are personal question you will need to ask yourself as well.  There are thousands and thousands of equine jobs, but how cheap are you willing to work?  Are you willing to move away from home?  Are you willing to give up competing to work for a breed association?  These are all questions that you will need to ask yourself and be true to yourself about as well.