Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Equine Related Opportunities

The College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky offers a challenging and rewarding program to students interested in preparing for careers with horses. Furthermore, as the center of the international thoroughbred industry and the home to the world famous Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington can offer students a variety of equine experiences not available anywhere else. Beginning in 2007, students interested in horses will have two program options: a B.S. in Animal Science with an Equine Specialization or a B.S. in Equine Science and Management. By enrolling in the B.S. program in Animal Science, students can learn about the breeding, feeding, care and management of several species of animals, including horses. The equine specialization within this degree includes three equine-specific classes. Students interested in the B.S. degree in Animal Science should contact:

Dr. Lee Edgerton
Director of Undergraduate Studies-Animal Science
605 W.P. Garrigus Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546-0215
859-257-7530
asc017@uky.edu

For students that want to focus only on horses, a separate B.S. degree program in Equine Science and Management will be available through the College of Agriculture after Fall 2007. Students interested in the new Equine Science and Management degree should contact:

Dr. Bob Coleman
Director of Undergraduate Studies-Equine Science and Management
912 W.P. Garrigus Building
University of Kentucky
Lexington KY 40546-0215
859-257-9451
rcoleman@uky.edu

The UK Advantage

By combining a strong academic program with the diverse practical learning opportunities available in the horse industry, the University of Kentucky can offer students an equine educational experience unlike any other. Graduates of the UK Animal Sciences Department have successfully pursued careers in many areas including:

• veterinary medicine
• horse farm management
• horse training
• equine association management
• equine nutrition and feed manufacturing
• pharmaceutical sales
• equine bloodstock services
• journalism, communications and public relations
• adult and youth education
• equine sales and marketing

Equine Internships and Part-time Employment

Because of the number and variety of equine businesses in the Lexington area, students enrolled at the University of Kentucky can easily gain valuable insight into the many career paths available in the horse industry. Many students work part-time at the University Horse Farm or other local horse enterprises. However, through Experiential Learning (EXP) courses, students are eligible to receive credit for approved internships. Students have completed internships with breeding farms, sales companies, feed companies, training facilities, veterinary clinics, the Kentucky Horse Park and Central Kentucky Riding for the Handicapped. Some students choose to develop their own internship experience, while others participate in more structured programs. One such program is the Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) Program which is designed specifically for college students wishing to obtain in-depth experience in horse production and farm management.

Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

There are many extracurricular other activities for students interested in horses. The UK Equestrian Team and the UK Dressage Team are club-sports teams. These teams compete in intercollegiate and interscholastic competitions during the year. UK does not have any riding classes or a riding facility so these teams practice at local stables. There is also a UK Horse Judging Team that competes in Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contests. The UK Horse Racing Club provides opportunities for students to learn more about the horse racing industry in Kentucky. The Block and Bridle club exposes students to many aspects of animal agriculture and the Pre-vet club is for students interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

For More Information

To obtain application and scholarship information or to arrange a visit, contact:

College of Agriculture
N-6 Ag Science North
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40546
859-257-3468

Additional information on undergraduate admission to the University and visiting the campus is also available from the University web site.