Kentucky Horse Colleges

Kentucky is horse country.

Kentucky, with its Bluegrass Region in the central part of the state, is known as the "Horse Capital of the World." The horse industry impacts the economic well-being of the Commonwealth and its colleges respond to the industry by creating equine programs. These programs concentrate on the different aspects of the industry with their course offerings.

The University of Kentucky

In response to the outbreak in 2001 of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome that caused an estimated loss of $340 million due to foal loss in mares, the University of Kentucky at Lexington developed and implemented the Equine Initiative. This initiative signaled a commitment by the college to the horse industry. One result of the initiative is a new undergraduate degree program in Equine Science and Management. An equine industry advisory committee advises the university on issues of importance and an executive committee receives that advice and coordinates equine policy and actions within the University,

Midway College

Located in Midway, Midway College awards two Bachelor's Degrees in Equine Studies, one with a concentration in health and rehabilitation. The other has a concentration applied equine management which can also be studied for an associates degree. Any student with another major can earn credits in equine studies and be awarded a degree with a minor in the area. In addition, Midway offers a certificate in applied equine studies.

University of Louisville

The College of Business at the University of Louisville offers an equine industry program. The degree program is structured for the person seeking a career in the business side of horses. Students take the standard business courses. The program contains 30 hours of courses which target the horse business. Due to the proximity to the horse industry, the college arranges field trips, lecturers from the horse business and internships. As of the Summer of 2011, the college will begin offering an online equine business certificate which will take 14 months to complete.

Murray State University

Murray State University's Equine Center encompasses the Equine Instructional Facility. That facility includes a stall barn and breeding facility along with indoor and outdoor practice arenas for the school's equestrian team. The breeding program at Murray State gives students an opportunity to experience the breeding and foaling process. It also provides opportunities for training young horses.

Georgetown College

Georgetown College, located in Georgetown, offers the Equine Scholars Program for students who want to study at a liberal arts college but maintain their equine interests. Scholars receive an annual scholarship of $1,000 and the program will match other equine scholarships up to $1,000. Numerous horse related activities are offered through the program including riding and training horses.

References

• The University of Kentucky: About The Equine Initiative
• Midway College: Equine
• University of Louisville: Equine Industry Program
• Murray State University: Equine Facilities
• Georgetown College: Equine Scholars