Undergraduate

Equine Assisted Services

Explore various disciplines within equine-assisted therapy while developing essential horse handling skills.

Degree

Minor

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

Credit

20 hrs.

Full-time

- -

Part-time

- -

View course catalog

Apply now Request info Visit campus

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems

The Equine Assisted Services minor at UNH offers specialized training in using horse movement to support therapeutic goals. You’ll explore disciplines within equine-assisted therapy while building essential horse handling skills.

With coursework that combines equine care and therapeutic techniques, the program prepares you for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding. You’ll learn how rhythmic horse movement supports physical, cognitive and emotional development, positioning you to make a meaningful impact in equine-assisted therapy.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Department

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Liz Brock

Program Coordinator

Clinical Assistant Professor

Elizabeth.Brock@unh.edu

Kendall Hall, Room 427, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-1097

What is the Equine Assisted Services minor?

Equine assisted services EAS are dynamic treatments that focus on the frequent, rhythmic, low-amplitude movement of horses to help individuals achieve specific physical, cognitive, social and emotional goals. The minor in program provides students with exposure to several disciplines within this diverse field. The required courses introduce students to key concepts in equine handling and EAS, including equine skills and the opportunity to test for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding.

Why study Equine Assisted Services at UNH?

Undergraduates have the opportunity to work with individuals who have physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities and learn how to create an environment that integrates members of the disabled and able-bodied communities. Students in the program can earn their Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International instructor certification, which enables them to teach at any PATH International operating center in the world. Students have daily opportunities to work with horses in numerous facilities that are located within a 10-minute walk from campus.

Potential career areas

Counselor for mental health or youth at risk
Veteran's programming
Fundraiser
Nonprofit manager
Hippotherapy
Therapeutic riding instructor
Therapeutic riding center manager
Volunteer coordinator

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The minor in Equine Assisted Services (EAS) provides students with exposure to several disciplines within this diverse field. The required courses introduce students to key concepts in equine handling and EAS, including equine skills and the opportunity to prepare for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding. The elective courses list for the EAS minor is designed to provide students with supporting knowledge of equine-specific topics and non-profit challenges necessary for professionals working in the EAS field.

Requirements for the Program

Academic policies related to Minors.

The minor consists of completing a total of 20 credit hours.

Students pursuing a degree in Equine Studies will NOT be eligible to complete the minor.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
ANSC 427	Introduction to Equine Science	4
or ANSC 526	Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance
ANSC 402	Horsemanship Lab	1
or ANSC 538	Equine Handling/Longeing
ANSC 500	Equine Assisted Services	4
ANSC 522	Ethical Horsemanship - Considerations and Theory	3
ANSC 643	Principles of Therapeutic Riding Instruction	4
Total Credits		16

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Electives
Select at least 4 credits from the following:
ANSC 526	Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance	4
ANSC 548	Agricultural Business Management	4
ANSC 640	Principles of Riding Instruction (W)	4
ANSC 641	Principles of Dressage Instruction	2
OT 510	Exploring Occupational Therapy and Occupation	4
ANSC 795	Investigations ¹	1-4
or ANSC 795W	Investigations
PSYC 561	Psychopathology	4
RMP 501	Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice for Recreation Services	4

¹: Topics for ANSC 795 or ANSC 795W must be specific to Equine Assisted Services and serve the student's professional goals. Topics will be approved by the Minor Advisor.