Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment

Equine Science & Management

122

billion dollar

U.S. horse economy

3

emphasis areas

to customize your degree

100

acre horse farm

for teaching & research

Restart your search

By learning both science and business concepts, our Equine Science and Management graduates are prepared to enter a wide variety of careers across the horse industry.   

 

What better place than the Horse Capital of the World?

With 450+ regional horse farms, Keeneland's world-class racecourse and auction house, and dozens of equine tourist attractions, we have no shortage of hands-on learning opportunities.

The horse industry is dynamic, and it involves more than breeding and training horses. With a $122 billion annual economic impact in the U.S., the horse industry also includes career opportunities in business management, communications, tourism and more.  

Equine Science and Management graduates earn careers in:

  • Non-Profit Management
  • Training and Riding
  • Feed & Nutrition Manufacturing
  • Education
  • Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Marketing & Public Relations
  • Rehabilitation & Therapy
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Farm Management

 

Click here to see a list of upcoming campus events for future students. 

 

 

 

Our Curriculum

Equine Science and Management courses emphasize basic science and business concepts that apply to equine production and management. In addition to fundamental courses, students can tailor their degree with one of three emphasis areas:

  • Equine Science 
    provides scientific study of topics such as physiology, nutrition, reproduction and genetics of horses

  • Equine Management and Industry
    teaches skills related to marketing, operations, and managing equine businesses

  • Communications and Leadership
    prepares students for leadership in equine business through courses in community dynamics, leadership development and agricultural communications

Students interested in veterinary medicine or graduate research may also work with one of our pre-professional advisors to ensure they are academically prepared and competitive for post-graduate work. 

During their senior or junior year, all students are required to complete an applied equine project related their interests and career goals. This may include an equine-related internship, service learning project or research project. The Equine Science and Management internship coordinator supports students throughout this process to ensure they develop valuable, transferrable skills. 

 

Did you know?

The University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center is the only scientific institute in the United States  conducting full-time research in equine health and diseases. Professors at Gluck conduct equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology, toxicology and reproductive health. For students interested in science-based professions, the Gluck Research Center is the ideal place to complete internships and research projects.

 

 

Come See For Yourself

To schedule a campus visit, where you can meet with an Equine Science and Management advisor, click here

 

In-State Tuition

Thanks to special agreements through the Academic Common Market, residents from the following states may enroll in the University of Kentucky Equine Science and Management program at in-state tution rates: 

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware*
  • Louisiana 
  • Maryland*
  • Mississippi 
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

*Only applicable to the Equine Management and Industry emphasis area 

These agreements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information on the Academic Common Market, click here

Courses You Will Take

Access Major Map

source: myUK: GPS

Equine Science and Management (BSESM) 120 - 123 hours
Freshman Year
Sophomore Year
Junior Year
Senior Year
«
»

Total Freshman Year Credit Hours : 30 - 33

Fall Semester
15 - 17 Credit Hours
EQM 101
3
EQM 101 - INTRODUCTION TO THE HORSE AND THE HORSE INDUSTRY

EQM 101

3 credit hours

This course is an introduction to the horse and its basic anatomy, biology, and terminology. This course will also cover breeds, disciplines, and an overview of the equine industry.

Prereq: Restricted to Equine Science and Management majors.

AFE 100
3
AFE 100 - ISSUES IN AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT

AFE 100

**UK Core - Community, Culture & Citizenship**

3 credit hours

How do farmers in Kentucky impact families in California? How can the fashion industry curb the amount of plastic in our oceans? How does fast food affect sea life in the Gulf of Mexico? Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a relationship with agriculture, food and the environment. From race and gender, diet and lifestyles, tourism and evolving technologies, this course encourages you to recognize and think critically about the interconnected systems that affect all human life. By addressing these challenges, you will develop a greater appreciation for how you can positively impact our planet.

Prereq: This course is open to students enrolled in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment or those in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Residential College's Belle C. Gunn Living Learning Program. Freshman only in Fall semesters and transfer students only in Spring semesters.

CHE 105 & 111 --OR-- CHE 104
3 - 4
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. I
3
MA 109 or MA 123 or MA 113
3 - 4
Spring Semester
15 - 16 Credit Hours
ASC 101
3
ASC 101 - DOMESTIC ANIMAL BIOLOGY

ASC 101

3 credit hours

Introduction to the biological principles of animal sciences with emphasis on anatomy, nutrition, reproduction, and breeding and genetics of livestock, poultry, and horses.

Prereq: Fall semesters – Animal sciences majors. Spring semesters – Animal sciences majors and minors, Career and Technical Education majors, Equine Science and Management majors, or consent of instructor.

EQM 105
2
EQM 105 - EQUINE BEHAVIOR AND HANDLING

EQM 105

2 credit hours

This course covers basic equine behavior and how to handle horses safely in a variety of management situations. Students will use their understanding of equine behavior to develop management strategies and practices for all classes of horse.

Prereq: Grade of 'C' or better in EQM 101, successful completion of ASC 101, and restricted to Equine Science and Management majors.

CHE 107 & 113 --OR-- CHE 108
3 - 4
UK Core - Comp. & Comm. II
3
UK Core - Humanities
3
EQM 106
1
EQM 106 - INTRODUCTION TO CAREERS IN THE EQUINE INDUSTRY

EQM 106

1 credit hours

This course will introduce students to more than 30 equine industry related jobs through guest lecturers, career research, and job shadowing. Guest lecturers will represent various jobs in different disciplines. They will explain how they ended up with the career they have and through question and answer sessions discuss how others can find similar careers and share career advice with the class. Students will also learn about benefits including insurance, retirement, 401K plans, housing, time off, etc. and they will study different careers in relation to Myers-Briggs personality types. Enrollment is limited to Equine Science and Management majors.

Total Sophomore Year Credit Hours : 30

Fall Semester
15 Credit Hours
ASC 320
3
ASC 320 - EQUINE MANAGEMENT

ASC 320

3 credit hours

Study of the basic principles associated with horse management. Topics will include equine diseases and herd health programs, facilities and environmental management, nutrition and feeding management.

Prereq: ASC 101.

BIO 148
3
BIO 148 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY I

BIO 148

3 credit hours

BIO 148 introduces the student to the biological mechanisms operating at the molecular, cellular, and population level that contribute to the origin, maintenance, and evolution of biodiversity including the origins and history of the evolutionary process. Course material is presented within a phylogenetic context, emphasizing the shared history of all living organisms on earth through common ancestry. The first semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and BIO 152).

Prereq: Math ACT 25 or Math SAT 590 or HS GPA of 3.6 or MA 109 or BIO 155 grade of B or better, or permission of instructor.

STA 210 or STA 296
3
UK Core - Social Sciences
3
ECO 201
3
ECO 201 - PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS I

ECO 201

3 credit hours

This course will introduce you to the economic way of thinking and provides basic tools of economic theory used to study markets, individual consumer behavior, and the behavior of firms. It employs concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, tradeoffs, marginal thinking, and gains from trade. This course will examine how markets work and how supply and demand interact to determine prices, explore market failure such as externalities, the tragedy of the commons and public goods and the role of the government in market activity. Students will also be introduced to theories of the firm and individual behavior, competition and monopoly, and welfare economics. Students successfully completing this course should leave with an understanding of these basic economic principles and their applicability to real world situations. Students should also be able to incorporate the tools of economic analysis into their own decision-making processes as they weigh costs and benefits to make choices.

Spring Semester
15 Credit Hours
ASC 310
3
ASC 310 - EQUINE ANATOMY

ASC 310

3 credit hours

This course will focus on the functional anatomy of the horse. Topics will include the anatomy of skeletal, muscular, respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, reproductive, nervous, endocrine, and urinary systems.

Prereq: ASC 101, BIO 148 and sophomore standing; primary registration access limited to ASC and ESMA majors; secondary registration access limited to CAFE majors.

UK Core - Global Dynamics
3
Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
BIO 152
3
BIO 152 - INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY II

BIO 152

3 credit hours

The second semester of an integrated one-year sequence (BIO 148 and 152) that is designed to develop understanding and appreciation for the biocomplexity of multicellular eukaryotes, with emphasis on animals and terrestrial plants. Structure and function relationships will be explored at many levels of organization.

Prereq: C or better in BIO 148 or permission of Department.

EQM 305
3
EQM 305 - EQUINE INDUSTRY ISSUES

EQM 305

**Graduation Composition and Communication Requirement (GCCR)**

3 credit hours

This will be an 'assignment-intensive' course designed to present provocative, current equine industry issues to students. Students will then repackage and/or further research that information and communicate the information in various written and oral formats. This course fulfills the Graduation Composition and Communication Requirements (GCCR) for Equine Science and Management students.

Prereq: Successful completion of UK Core Composition and Communications I and II; minimum of 30 credits; C or higher in EQM 101. Restricted to Equine Science and Management students.

Total Junior Year Credit Hours : 29 - 32

Fall Semester
13 - 16 Credit Hours
UK Core - Arts and Creativity
3
Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3
Any elective
1 - 4
Spring Semester
16 Credit Hours
EQM 351
3
EQM 351 - EQUINE HEALTH AND DISEASES

EQM 351

3 credit hours

This course will focus on health issues affecting the horse industry. Students will learn about the diseases and parasites affecting horses in Kentucky and across the nation. In addition, discussions will focus on management practices used on horse enterprises to reduce incidence of disease and maintain health for breeding horses, performance horses and the recreational horse.

Prereq: BIO 152, ASC 320, and major in Equine Science and Management.

AEC 302
4
AEC 302 - AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

AEC 302

4 credit hours

A comprehensive study of economic principles and management tools useful in farm and agribusiness decision making. Utilizes a systems approach to the planning, implementation and control of the agricultural business. Specific attention to application of management and decision theory, economic principles used in decision making, and risk management strategies. Emphasis on planning the future course of the business, acquiring and managing the necessary resources, and establishing physical and financial control over the business. Lab incorporates microeconomic applications of management principles developed in lectures. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours per week.

Prereq: "C" or better in ECO 201.

Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3

Total Senior Year Credit Hours : 25 - 28

Fall Semester
12 Credit Hours
EQM 399 or EQM 396
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3
Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Take: UK Core - NPM --OR-- Elective
0
Spring Semester
13 - 16 Credit Hours
EQM 490
3
EQM 490 - CAPSTONE IN EQUINE SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT

EQM 490

3 credit hours

Discussion of the major issues impacting today's equine industry. Students will use concepts from core and discipline related courses to analyze and variety of scenarios to the industry. The scenarios will range from production to enterprise management, but may also include issues that have the potential to impact all aspects of the industry.

Prereq: Senior standing, major in Equine Science and Management degree.

Equine Science and Management Emphasis Area Course
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3
Equine Science and Management Specialty Support Course
3
Any elective
1 - 4

Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).

 

We spend so much time with these horses and take care of them as if they were our own, so when one makes it to the "big time," it makes all of that hard work worth it.

Julie was one of only two U.S. students awarded the 2019 Godolphin Flying Start scholarship. Godolphin is a prestigious, worldwide leadership program that takes awardees to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and Dubia. To read more about Julie's experience at the University of Kentucky, click here


Love Saddlebreds? 

Of the many horse breeds you'll find in and around Lexington, the Saddlebred industry is one all its own. 

 


Apply for Our Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more. 

For CAFE first-semester freshmen, the scholarship application is now open and will close January 16, 2024.
For CAFE transfer students and current students, the scholarship application opens in January and will close on March 1.

Freshmen Housing Program

Live where you learn: 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.

Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment.  All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life. 

Click here for more information on the CAFE LLP. 

 

International Opportunities

Equine Science and Management students may gain international experience while earning credit towards their degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.

These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce. 

Pre-Med? Pre-Vet? Pre-Law?

Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services. 

Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with: 

  • Listing required courses for respective professional schools 
  • Scheduling pre-professional courses alongside your major requirements 
  • Suggesting supplemental coursework 
  • Connections to student organizations, volunteer work, shadowing experiences, etc.
  • Preparatory information for admission tests
  • Navigating the application process

Click here for more information.

Clubs & Organizations

Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students may be interested in:

Dressage Team
students interested in the discipline of riding

Eventing Team
compete at local shows and events

Horse Racing Club
experience the horse racing industry

Polo Team
competitive intercollegiate league

Saddleseat Team
be involved in riding and shows

Equestrian Team
club sport for the hunt seat and western disciplines

Rodeo Team
promote and develop the sport of rodeo

Collegiate Professional Horseman’s Association
leadership, professional development and service

Learn more about Clubs & Organizations in our college.

 

 


Imagine Your Future

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$62,890

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

1.6m

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

63,300

new jobs (average)


Imagine Your Future

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$73,060

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

847,600

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

-23,600

new jobs (average)


Imagine Your Future

Sales Managers

Sales managers direct organizations' sales teams.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$127,490

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

469,800

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

23,800

new jobs (average)