Expert Barbara Strawson

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

I am a horse trainer and would like to become certified. I looked into the John Lyons program and found it to be way out of my price range, $18,000. I own and operate a breeding and training program, have four young children, ten horses, and cannot leave home to go to a college or school for a long period of time. Do you know of a program available online?

I am a high school student planning on bringing my horse to college with me. What universities and/or colleges offer competitive eventing teams and good facilities?

I want a career in the horse business, but my parents want me to go to college -- what should I do?

Is it important to have an equine degree from a college to be successful in a career with horses?

What qualifications are needed to instruct in the riding department of a college, university or secondary school?

Can you offer suggestions as to majors/degrees I should pursue which would help me land a career in the horse industry.   I am interested in maybe doing sports medicine research for equine athletes or genetics/breeding careers centered around horses.  I am currently in a BSN (nursing) program and have many science credits.

What education is needed to own and operate a breeding farm? I would want to start out working in a lab or for someone else.

I am a high school student planning to bring my horse with me to college. What competitive colleges on the East coast offer good equestrian teams and riding facilities?

Questions and Answers

Q. I want a career in the horse business, but my parents want me to go to college -- what should I do?

A. It is important to have a college education to fall back on, and chances are a college education will help you to succeed in the horse world, i.e., through business. It is also important to follow your interest. Maybe you could suggest combining both. You could work part time and attend college part time – this would allow you to explore your interests in both areas. Also, there are many colleges with equestrian programs.

Q. Is it important to have an equine degree from a college to be successful in a career with horses?

A. It really will depend on your area of interest. In breeding, you would need to consider this. In other areas, I have seen many places which look at the person’s practical experience as much or more than an equine degree. I have known many very successful people in the horse world who do not have an equine or college degree. It is very important to pursue anything with an inquisitive mind, open attitude, and a willingness to learn no matter how much experience you have.

Q: What qualifications are needed to instruct in the riding department of a college, university or secondary school?

A: This will depend on what aspect of instruction you plan on.  Do you want to teach the academic classes or instruct riding?  If you want to teach the academic classes, are you interested in full time or part time teaching.  If you are interested in being a program director, you will need a Masters or a Ph.D.  If you want to be a part time teacher or teacher's assistant, experience may be sufficient.  It might be best to call various universities in your area to find out their requirements.  If you would like to send me more details of your interests, perhaps I can give you some information and/or references where you can get more information. 

Q: Can you offer suggestions as to majors/degrees I should pursue which would help me land a career in the horse industry.   I am interested in maybe doing sports medicine research for equine athletes or genetics/breeding careers centered around horses.  I am currently in a BSN (nursing) program and have many science credits.

A: Paul Loomis of Select Breeders Services suggests either an Animal Science Program or Pre-Vet Curriculum, focusing on classes such as genetics, animal production, and physiology.  Without knowing more information on your specific interest in sports medicine research, I would suggest you contact the Association for Equine Sports Therapy, P. O. Box 4506, Santa Barbara, CA  93140-4506, Ph: 805-965-1028, Fax: 805-965-0722.   Also, try asking a college which has an equine program.  Recently, the Chronicle had a listing of Equine programs that you could try. 

Q: What education is needed to own and operate a breeding farm? I would want to start out working in a lab or for someone else.

A: A good foundation in biology is very valuable and would be a requirement for owning a breeding farm. Physiology (especially equine) basics, at least, would be extremely useful. The equine science programs give a good foundation for understanding and controlling equine diseases. Most importantly, some practical experience with horses, mares, foals and their special handling needs is essential.

Along with working in a lab, try to find an opportunity where you can assist in the foaling and handling of the broodmare stock. The stallion repro end is one part, the mare repro end is the other. Hilltop Farm offers a seven month internship that provides a solid experience in each. 

Q: I am a high school student planning to bring my horse with me to college. What competitive colleges on the East coast offer good equestrian teams and riding facilities?

A: There are three colleges that I can recommend, there may be others that I am not familiar with.  Lake Erie - All purpose riding; Mt. Holyoke - Which specializes in eventing and hunters; Sweet Briar - An all girls school specializing in hunters. You can look in the Love Joys College Guide for more information on these schools and information on other colleges. You can find this guide in any bookstore or look it up on Amazon.com by going into Equerry's Bookstore at www.equerry.com. 

Q: I am a high school student planning on bringing my horse to college with me. What universities and/or colleges offer competitive eventing teams and good facilities?

A: Three colleges which offer nice riding facilities on the East Coast are:

Lake Erie College, Ohio - All purpose riding
Mt. Holyoke College, Massachusetts - Eventing & hunters
Sweet Briar College, Virginia - all girls, hunters

You might start talking with these schools. Their programs may have changed focus. They may also be able to recommend colleges with your interests and in your area. 

Q: I am a horse trainer and would like to become certified. I looked into the John Lyons program and found it to be way out of my price range, $18,000. I own and operate a breeding and training program, have four young children, ten horses, and cannot leave home to go to a college or school for a long period of time. Do you know of a program available online?

A: I am not sure of what type of certification you are searching for. I am only familiar with dressage. I have not heard of any programs online, but that does not mean they do not exist. My thoughts would be that you could do some learning online, i.e. classes on horse care, management, etc. But in order to be a trainer there is a certain amount of practical experience necessary. Again, this would depend on your current experience level and area of interest.