SCAD Equestrian Curriculum Changes Equestrian major requirements overhauled for the upcoming academic year. By Alexandra Doucet
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ew years always come with change – new classes, new students, and for the equestrian studies major this fall, new curriculum requirements. These reforms span the major requirements in both EQST and RIDE classes as well as changes to general education requirements. EQST classes are the heart of the major, held in a classroom, while RIDE classes are the directed electives conducted on horseback.
The last changes involve the general education requirements. Equestrian majors will no longer have to take 20th Century Art History, instead they may choose from an Art History elective or an English elective. Majors will also be able to take a second Business class, which was put in place because many Equestrian majors pursue the business facets of the equine industry.
First, the EQST classes which make up most of the major requirement, were revised. The changes occurred in the names of courses, which now better describe the content offered and covered in each of the academic courses. The program will merge Rules and Regulations and Course Design, into a Competition Design class (EQST 405). There will also be two Riding Instruction Techniques classes offered, which teach students the intricacies of coaching and riding instruction.
These new changes took place in the Fall of 2016 for incoming first-years as well as any major student who wanted to change catalogue years. Kelly Theisen, the chair of the Equestrian Studies department, spearheaded the reforms. She said: “The changes were important to better align the curriculum with industry standards and needs. We are excited about it because it will better prepare our students for careers and give them a better experience.”
RIDE courses are one credit hour classes where students ride in lessons taught by SCAD equestrian professors. These courses underwent a complete overhaul in their organization. Riders will take four fundamental classes (RIDE 101, 102, 201, and 202) and are then allowed to pick the remaining eight classes. The beginning classes are to solidify position and form, and the rest are for specification in certain equestrian disciplines. A class focused on the sport of three-day eventing is also being added to the existing list of choices. This is espeically exciting for students like Charlotte Collier, who grew up Eventing and are eager to see it incorporated into SCAD’s curriculum. Students will also be allowed to repeat RIDE classes up to three times for credit, which will allow for further mastery of specific skills. Photo Credit Nikki Cramer.
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