About the Equine Science Minor
If you’re interested in horses, consider adding an equine science minor to your degree
— regardless of your major! It’s a wonderful way to gain experience, pursue your passion,
and ultimately decide whether a career in the horse industry is right for you.
The equine minor is a science-based curriculum that helps students develop skills
and knowledge in equine science. Throughout the coursework, students meet leaders
in the horse industry and get hands-on experience — customized to their interests.
The horse industry is filled with different opportunities — from veterinary science
to equine management to production. That’s why undergraduate research, internships,
and service learning projects are all crucial parts of our equine degree. So students
graduate with marketable, hands-on experience and a better understanding of the careers
they’re interested in.
Specifically, every equine science student has the opportunity to create a custom
service project as part of the Advanced Equine Production course.
What can you do with an equine science minor?
An equine science minor can open doors to a variety of careers related to horses and the broader animal science field. You could work in areas like horse training, breeding, nutrition or management at stables, ranches or therapeutic riding centers. It also complements majors like animal science, agriculture, biology or veterinary science, preparing you for graduate studies or veterinary school. With this background, you could pursue roles in equine health, education, research or equestrian business and event management.
- Stable or ranch manager
- Equine nutrition or health specialist
- Breeding program assistant
- Therapeutic riding center staff
- Equine event or facility coordinator
- Veterinary assistant or pre-vet student
- Animal science or agricultural educator
- Equine sales or marketing professional
- And many more!
Many of our alumni work on ranches, at animal hospitals or own equine-related businesses. Others go on to receive additional education and/or teach equine science to others.
Here are some of the jobs that UW equine science graduates have pursued:
- Equine specialist
- Field assistant
- Veterinary assistant
- Ranch hand
- Business owner
- Program manager
- Equine manager
Here are just a few of the places our equine science graduates have made an impact:
- Littleton Equine Medical Center
- Pine Grove Ranch
- Bridle Bit Training and Tack, LLC
- North Four Mile Creek, LLC
- Lander Valley Animal Hospital
- CSU Temple Grandin Equine Center
- Laramie County Community College
- Guynn Training Center
- Elk Run Ranch
- AQHA World Horse Show
- AQHA Congress
Real Students, Real Goals: Nicole’s Path in the Equine Industry
Thinking about turning your passion for horses into a career? Hear from UW student Nicole Sederstrom, an Animal Science major and member of the Cowboy Rodeo Team, as she shares how her classes and rodeo experience helped her prepare for a future in the equine industry. With years of rodeo under her belt, Nicole competes in breakaway roping, goat tying, barrel racing and more—and after graduation, she’s heading to work with champion barrel horse trainer Hallie Melvin Hanssen. Watch her spotlight video to see how UW helped her turn her goals into a game plan.
"The equine program at UW is progressive and inclusive. People from all skill levels and disciplines are welcomed with open arms. We can always learn from each other; that's the biggest theme that runs through our equine program. My experience was that we were always trying to improve, and I think that can be a difficult thing to bring into academia."
