Equestrian Studies
Developing industry leaders for more than 50 years.
GET A LEG UP!
Become a star in the equine industry when you join the William Woods College of Equestrian Studies. With more than 100 performance horses to work with, students in the equestrian program have the opportunity for hands-on-learning in the booming equine industry. If you have a passion for horses, there are hundreds of ways you can participate in the field that don’t just involve riding, and William Woods can guide you there. The possibilities are endless when you learn from WWU’s talented faculty and staff.
According to a 2023 economic report from the American Horse Council, the equine industry directly and indirectly employs more than two million jobs.
WWU EQS faculty and staff will be able to put you in contact with the people you should know in the industry, leading to high employment rates after graduation.
Equine
Equine-Assisted
Equine-Assisted
Equine
Equine
Equine
COURSEWORK STUDY FOR SUCCESS
All students majoring in any Equestrian degree program must take these courses. Each course is 3 credits
EQU 101 - Equestrian First Year Seminar
EQU 111 - Intro to the Horse Industry
EQU 118 - Theory of Performance Horse Health Management
EQU 202 - Foundations of teaching & Learning
EQU 206 - Intro to Equine Entrepreneurship
EQU 221 - Stable Management
EQU 403 - Equine Senior Seminar
EQU 415 - Equestrian Senior Portfolio
MASTER’S DEGREE
TAKE THE REINS
Turn your passion for horses into a career shaping future riders. William Woods University’s online Master’s in Equestrian Education combines top-ranked equestrian and online education programs to launch you into a rewarding career. Join a vibrant online community and master the art of teaching the next generation of horse lovers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions are expected to experience an average 17% increase in employment.
Enter the growing equestrian education market by earning the online Master of Education in Equestrian Education degree from William Woods University. This program will help you gain the skills and experience you need to make the transition from equestrian professional to equestrian educator. While earning this degree, you will improve your instructional techniques and learn to construct effective curriculum by applying instructional theories and strategies.
The professors that taught my classes were all extremely knowledgeable, and always very willing to offer any extra help I needed. The curriculum chosen for this program was essential in allowing me to feel much more prepared for applying to and interviewing for jobs in the higher education industry.
Ahna Phelps ‘20
Associate Chair and Professor of Equestrian Studies
at Savannah
College of Art & Design
EQUESTRIAN JOBS
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Accountant
Auction Clerk
Bookkeeper
Equine Accountant Specialist
Equine Consultant
Equine Insurance Actuary
Equine Insurance Investigator
Equine Tax Specialist
Extension Horse Specialist
Identification File Clerk
Insurance Agent
Internal Auditor for Equine Organization
EXECUTIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND MANAGERIAL
Administrator of Equestrian Program (College/University)
American Horse Council
Barn Manager (Assistant)
Breed Association Position
Breeding Farm Manager
Business Manager of Horse Publication
Equine Library Collections Manager
Equine Museum Curator
Executive Secretary of Horse-Oriented Organization
Fair or Exposition Show Manager
Farm or Ranch Manager
Field Secretary of Horse-Oriented Organization
Horse Show Manager
Humane Society Official
Lobbyist
Office Manager
Stable Owner/Manager
Tack Store Owner/Operator
Technical School Director
Turf Club Director
Youth Director of Horse-Oriented Organization
Teaching/Instructing/Exhibiting
Assistant Riding Instructor
Assistant Trainer
College Instructor/University
Professor of Equestrian Studies
Equine Assistant Therapy
Girl Scouts Equestrian Director
Riding Instructor
Therapeutic Horsemanship Instructor
Trainer
4-H Instructor Director/Exhibitor
HEALTH DIAGNOSING/ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT
Artificial Inseminator
Blood-Typing Specialist
Chemist
Drugging Inspector
Farrier
Horse Show Vet Nutritionist
Rehabilitation Specialist
Soring Inspector
PROFESSIONAL SPECIALTY OCCUPATIONS
Veterinarian
State Veterinarian
Track Veterinarian
Veterinarian
Veterinarian Assistant
Veterinarian Technician
Engineering
Agriculture Engineer
Parks and Recreations Administrator
Recreation Planner
Trail Engineer
Architecture and Surveys
Architect
Physical Science
Animal Nutritionist
Geneticist
Horse-Feed Development
Pedigree Analyst
Racing Chemist
Research Scientist
MARKETING, SALES, AND MANUFACTURING OCCUPATIONS
Advertising Copywriter
Advertising Director
Advertising Sales Manager
Award Manufacturer
Auctioneer
Bloodstock Agent
Commercial Feed Manufacturer
Feed Company Representative
Feed Salesperson
Harness Saddle Maker
Insurance Salesperson
Jockey’s Agent
Jump Equipment Manufacturer
Leather Dealer
Marketing Director of Equestrian Program
Merchandiser/Retailer
Pharmaceutical Salesperson
Tack Company Representative
Tack Salesperson (Wholesale)
Wholesale Clothing Salesperson
Wholesale Distributor
Public Relations
Director of Public Relations
Publicity Agent
Radio and Television
Announcer
Paddock Announcer
Writing and Editing
Author
Editor
Equine Journal or Publication
Publication Circulations Manager
Publisher
Show Reporter/Journalist
Visual Arts
Clothing Designer
Commercial Artist
Course Designer
Horse Trailer Designer
Illustrator for Equine Publications/Manuals
Model Horse Designer
Photographer
Tack and Equipment Designer
SERVICE/MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS
Equine Appraiser
Equine Lawyer
Transportation Specialist
Racing Back Stretch Jobs
Clocker Commissioner
Editor
Exercise Rider
Groom
Handicapper
Hot Walker
Jockey
Pony-Boy/Girl
Racing Commissioner
Racing Secretary
Racing Steward
Starter
Secretary of Racing
Trackman
Security
Concession Operator
Horse-Drawn Equipment Operator
Identification Maker
State Director of Identification Services
Stunt Rider
Track Security
TECHNICIAN AND RELATED SUPPORT
Breeding Farm Assistant/Technician
Condition-Book Technician
Developmental Laboratory Technician
Veterinarian Technician
Show/Entertainment
Crewman/Props
Judge
Judge Crewman
Horse Identifier
Horse Show Secretary
Horse Show Steward/Technical Delegate
Packer/Guide
Paddock Judge
Paddock Master
Program Coordinator/Manager
Ringmaster
Rodeo Secretary
Rodeo Stock Contractor
Show manager
THRIVE AT THE WOODS
Find your home here, on the beautiful green campus called the Woods. Whether you’re interested in academic challenge, Greek life, theatre, faith, careers and leadership, diversity and social issues, Owls athletics – or a little bit of everything – you’ll find like-minded students and a caring community to support your success.
I fell in love with WWU because it gave me countless opportunities to develop myself as a student and member of the campus community, and build meaningful relationships with my peers and professors.
Molly O’Connell ’22
Plan your visit to The Woods at
26 athletic teams
Tucker Dining Hall has all your favorites – home cooking, new flavors, endless desserts, and lots of options.
The Owl’s Nest is the place for coffee, snacks, and meeting up with friends.
14 honorary societies
30+ student clubs and activities
Junior Lake is home to sand volleyball, kayaking, patio parties, and relaxing by the water. Pull up a chair.
4
Housing options include traditional suite-style, apartment-style, Greek life communities, and our Honors program living-and-learning community. sororities
85 of our student body lives on campus all four years
3 fraternities
ACADEMICS AT A GLANCE
School of Business & Technology
School of Arts & Sciences
School of Education
College of Science & Health College of Equestrian Studies College of Art, Design, and Media College of Social Sciences & Humanities
MAP OF THE WOODS
Lambert Hall
Brockman Hall
Serena Hall
Tau Gamma
Cockrell Hall
Gamma Delta
Booth Hall
Equestrian Classrooms
Stables – Hunter/Jumper
Stables – Saddle Seat
Stables – Dressage
Stables – Western
United Professional Horseman Association (UPHA) Arena
Outdoor Riding Arena
Rowland Applied Riding Arena
Gladys W. Kemper Center for the Arts
Swearingen - Allen - Smith
Complex
Suzanne Neal Memorial Tennis Complex
WWU SEATS
DRESSAGE
An Olympic sport since 1900, dressage is a classical form of horsemanship which dates back to the 4th century, B.C. The term dressage originates from the French verb dresser, or “to train.” At its core, dressage is the art of riding and training the horse in a manner that develops harmony, flexibility, athleticism, and balance.
HUNTER/ JUMPER
The hunter horse and rider work to develop a consistent and effortless performance over traditional, hunter-style fences. The ideal hunter shows superior manners, style, and grace over a course of fences. The jumper horse and rider are the ultimate demonstration of athleticism and bravery as they attempt to beat the clock and clear the jumps.
SADDLE SEAT
A unique American riding style, Saddle Seat riders use subtle cues to show off the horse’s energetic movement and exaggerated front end motion. Riders can compete in classes such as fivegaited, three-gaited, park, fine harness, and country pleasure. Students at WWU learn skills and management techniques that are unique to the discipline.
WESTERN
While the western discipline has its roots in the ranches and wide open spaces of yesterday, it has become a style of riding that has embraced tradition with a modern twist. The discipline now includes many types of horses and competitive events. Horse shows that feature western-style horses will include a wide variety of classes from reining, ranch horse and western pleasure to trail, showmanship, and pleasure driving.
SHOWS & CLINICS
RIDE AND SHINE
Students have the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national horse shows both on and off campus. Working with university-owned horses allows students to be competitive and gain unparalleled experience in professional settings. They are also able to attend and participate in numerous clinics throughout the academic year to learn from various experts in the equine industry. The educational and networking opportunities these shows and clinics provide are invaluable. Some of the shows include: The American Royal, Color Breed Congress, Pinto World Championships, WEC, and more!
RIDING & TEACHING
SADDLE TIME
Applied riding courses are offered in dressage, hunter/jumper, saddle seat, and western. One-hour classes meet two days per week during the semester. Students practice horsemanship by caring for their mounts before and after riding class. There are additional opportunities to ride depending on students’ abilities. Anyone enrolled at WWU can register for classes upon approval of the instructor. They can take lessons from Teaching Techniques students or graduate assistants and ‘free ride’ available horses each day. Teaching Techniques students can also become certified riding instructors through the equestrian program.
FACILITIES
Enjoy the incredible on-campus facilities to further enhance your education. WWU’s campus is equipped with: four heated barns with a total of 150 box stalls, nine tack rooms, two heated indoor arenas, a lighted outdoor ring, an outdoor round pen, four turnout paddocks, two fully equipped, technology-enhanced classrooms, student tack lockers, a 40-acre cross-country course, our 17-acre Center for Equine Medicine, and a 10-acre Annex facility.
JOIN OUR LEGACY
An over 50 year-old program with plenty more stories to tell, the William Woods Equestrian program is filled with legacies.
The riding program was officially established in the 1924. Riding was considered an athletic endeavor and included in the athletic department. The college sanctioned riding as part of its desire to promote outdoor, athletically challenging events. During the 1920’s the number of college owned horses housed on the campus grew. They were featured front and center in advertising, considered an attractive draw to potential students and their families.
The 1953 “Woods Echoes” yearbook spotlighted a picture of a young woman on a saddle horse showing at the American Royal, demonstrating that the riders of William Woods have been competing at this historic show for over half a century.
In the 1960’s, William Woods College (before we became a university) President Randle B. Cutlip was instrumental in the further development of the equestrian program as a separated academic division with full administration support. It was under his leadership that the B.S. in Equestrian Science was established in 1974.
Today, WWU graduates can be found as trainers, riding instructors, college and university professors, veterinarians, journalists, authors, and racetrack and horse show photographers.
Gayle Lampe on Midnight Wingo - 1969
1924 WWU’s riding program is officially established.
1974
WWU becomes the first in the nation to offer a B.S. in Equestrian Science.
1953
Students have been competing at the American Royal for more than half a century.
Today William Woods EQS graduates continue to become equine industry leaders.
AFFORDABILITY COMMITMENT
William Woods University is committed to ensuring that as many students as possible can earn a college degree. Apply for a wide range of scholarships. WWU offers scholarships based on financial need as well as scholarships based on academic, athletic, and performance achievements. Speak with the Family Financial Planner in Admissions, who can assist with finding the right scholarship for you and your financial needs.
100% of students offered financial assistance. 26% lower tuition than national average for private universities.
SCHOLARSHIPS AT THE WOODS
Earn scholarships for anything and everything at William Woods University. Your college experience should be accessible, so WWU offers scholarship opportunities to help you pay your tuition. You don’t have to go through the process alone, either. The Admission team’s Family Financial Planner will help find the scholarship and financial aid that is best for you and your budget.
You may qualify for a scholarship in:
• Academics
• Athletics
• Equestrian
• Music
• KC Scholars - Institution Only
• LEAD (Attending the requisite number of on-campus LEAD events every month)
• Trek to the Woods (For campus visitors from over 50+ miles away. Applicable either for campus visits or Discovery Day)
• Owl Media Corps (Applied for on-campus student media team)
