Equine Studies, Minor - COLSA, UNH

Undergraduate

Equine Studies

Explore various disciplines within equine-assisted therapy while developing essential horse handling skills.
2026
Degree
Minor
Location
Durham, NH
Courses
5
Credit
20 hrs.
Full-time
- -
Part-time
- -
View course catalog
student riding a horse

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems

The Equine Studies minor at UNH combines hands-on horsemanship with an introduction to equine science, industry practices or equine-assisted services. You’ll study equine care, health and anatomy while working directly with horses to build practical skills.

This minor complements any major and broadens opportunities for careers in the equine industry, including communication, veterinary care, and business management.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Department

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Sarah Rigg
Principal Lecturer
Sarah.Rigg@unh.edu
Smith Equine Center, Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-1356

What is the equine-assisted activities and therapies minor?

Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) 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 EAAT, including equine skills and the opportunity to test for PATH International CTRI instructor certification in therapeutic riding.

Why study equine-assisted activities and therapies at UNH?

UNH is one of a handful of PATH Intl. Level III Higher Education Centers. Through the PATH Intl. Premier Accredited UNH Therapeutic Riding Program, 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

01
Program Description
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The equine studies minor supports students' interest in horsemanship while also getting an introduction to equine science, equine industry and management, and equine assisted services. You’ll be able to explore equine care and management, equine health, and equine anatomy while also working with horses to develop professional equine skills. Compliment any major with a minor in equine studies to expand your studies and/or possibilities for an equine-related career.

Students wanting to declare a minor in Equine Science must do so on Webcat by their Junior year. It is advisable to meet with the Minor coordinator in advance of this to verify your curriculum choices.

02
Requirements for the Program
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Academic policies related to Minors.

A minor in equine studies consists of a minimum of 20 credits of equine-related animal science courses.

  • ANSC 402 may be counted only once for minor credit.
  • Students must receive a minimum grade of C- in any course used for the minor. Students failing to do this will need to retake the course in order to receive credit.
  • No courses taken on a pass(credit)/fail basis may count toward the minor.
  • No more than 12 credits at the 400-level may be used for the minor.
  • Students may petition equine faculty in their junior year to include a course that is not listed.
  • Students must take at least one course at the 600- or 700-level.
  • Students who transfer from other institutions may petition the equine program faculty for course approval.
  • Students who choose both ANSC 500 and ANSC 643 as two of their courses toward the minor in equine studies will be eligible for PATH International therapeutic riding instructor certification.
Required Course
ANSC 427Introduction to Equine Science4
Electives
Select a minimum of 16 credits from the following:
AAS 434Equipment and Facilities Management3
ANSC 402Horsemanship Lab1
ANSC 419Horse Power4
ANSC 500Equine Assisted Services4
ANSC 522Ethical Horsemanship - Considerations and Theory3
ANSC 526Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance4
ANSC 536Preparation and Competition Techniques for the Modern Sport Horse4
ANSC 538Equine Handling/Longeing1
ANSC 548Agricultural Business Management4
ANSC 640Principles of Riding Instruction4
ANSC 641Principles of Dressage Instruction2
ANSC 642Principles of Jumping Instruction2
ANSC 643Principles of Therapeutic Riding Instruction4
ANSC 647Equine Stable Management4
ANSC 665Agricultural & Equine Event Design, Planning and Management2
ANSC 695Supervised Teaching Experience 11-2
ANSC 724Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination4
ANSC 795Investigations 11-4
ANSC 795WInvestigations 11-4
ANSC 799Honors Senior Thesis 11-4
1

Subject to approval. Must be equine-related.