The goal of the SIUC Equine Science Program is to give our students the tools to use that knowledge for the horse's benefit. Equine Science at SIUC provides a multifaceted, hands-on education in the major areas of horse care and athletic development, management and business. The program utilizes a graduated curriculum that emphasizes a practical yet scientific approach to horse management. Using its whole horsemanship approach, the curriculum provides state-of-the-art information in areas such as equine anatomy and physiology, gaits and movement, breeding and genetics, health care and rehabilitative therapies, training with respect, riding in partnership and balance, and in-depth horse-business management. Each class combines technical information on equine function with techniques of human management to maximize equine athletic potential and vital hands-on practice using the program's 50 horses. The sophistication of the classroom material as well as expectations and responsibilities of students at the horse farm increase with each horse management course. Students are expected to perform horse-care and management duties from their first day in class. Basic chores are later supplemented with administration of treatments and medications, training youngstock, assisting with breeding and foaling, and ultimately handling stallions and starting horses under saddle. On-campus study culminates with each student assigned full responsibility for the care, management and training of a subset of the SIUC horse herd. Specialized management experience and industry placement is ensured through the required semester-long internship at a professional horse enterprise. Written by Sheryl King, PhD
