Career Opportunities

According to the American Horse Council, there are more than 280,000 horses in the state of Missouri. This translates to more than 56,000 jobs, and a total economic impact of $718 million. The equine industry demands highly trained individuals with an equine education and hands-on experience.

Jobs in the equine industry include:

• Farm and Breeding Management
• Teaching and Research
• Boarding and Training
• Riding Lessons
• Pharmaceuticals and Feed
• Equipment
• Marketing and Sales Coordination
• Journalism
• Farrier and Veterinary Care
• Therapeutic Riding

B.S. in Animal Science with minor in Equestrian Science:

Earn an Animal Science degree at MU while learning the biology and science behind equine management, as well as gain valuable hands-on training in many different areas.

MU equine courses include:

• Horse Selection and Evaluation (conformation and its effects on
  soundness and performance in a variety of disciplines)
• Horse Production (reproduction, nutrition, diseases, and management)
• Horse Training and Management (behavior, individualized training plans, and hands-on use of various non-traumatic training methods)
• Equine Breeding and Management (hands-on experience in breeding management of the mare and stallion)
• Internships at MU (hands-on experience caring, handling, training, marketing, and breeding horses at the MU Horse Research and Teaching Farm)

Stephens College coursework (18 hours) includes:

• Riding (various disciplines)
• Equine Management
• Horse Keeper

Dual Degree – B.S. in Animal Science and Equestrian Science:

This pre-professional program prepares you for a career in the equine industry, where you will work with horses and other farm animals. Students enroll in class work at both MU and Stephens College. This is a challenging program for the serious student and may require more than four years.