About Our Program

This certificate is designed for a student who has the desire to become a Riding Instructor. The courses within this certificate are the courses included in the General Equine Science Certificate together with Horse Training I and II, Riding I and II, and Riding Instruction I and II. Within about one year of study this certificate will prepare students for an entry-level career as a Riding Instructor.

Nature of Work and Employment

Careers in the equine industry vary in nature and requirements. There are positions requiring considerable versatility, such as within a small privately owned facility with only a few employees. Other positions are more specialized and are generally found in large, complex operations. This Riding Instructor Certificate may lead to a career as a Riding Instructor beginning at an entry level with fundamental instruction knowledge for basic level teaching in the English and Western discipline. Other related work experiences may also lead to an entry-level career as a Horse Trainer or an Exercise Rider with emphasis in training and retraining of horses in the English and Western disciplines.

Special Considerations

The certificate includes instruction both in theory and practice. There are courses that include classroom instruction and field trips. Courses such as Horse Handling, Equine Health Care, Horse Training and Riding are held solely at a stable to provide the student with as much direct contact with the equine environment as possible. The certificate also includes 150 hours of workplace experience to further ensure the practical aspect of working with horses. The academic courses include basic computer and business communication skills for day-to-day work in an equine environment.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Hours
INFT 180	Intro to Information Systems 1	3
EQUI 107	Equine Health Care I	2
EQUI 117	Equine Physiology	3
EQUI 125	Horse Handler First Aid	1
EQUI 127	Horse Handling I	2
EQUI 133	Horse Training I 1	2
EQUI 137	Riding I 1	2
EQUI 139	Riding II 1	2
	Hours	17
Second Semester
BUSN 141	Business Communications 1	3
EQUI 103	Equine Evaluation	2
EQUI 115	Equine Nutrition	3
EQUI 131	Horse Shoeing	1
EQUI 135	Horse Training II 1	2
EQUI 141	Riding Instruction I	2
EQUI 143	Riding Instruction II 1	2
OCED 290	Work Place Experience 1	2
PHYD 121	Physical Fitness I	0-2
	Hours	17-19
	Total Hours	34-36

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Course has a prerequisite. See course description.

Program Outcomes

• Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in various riding techniques across multiple disciplines, and will be able to effectively teach these techniques to riders of all levels, ensuring safety, skill development, and proper equine care.
• Graduates will possess a comprehensive understanding of equine behavior, health, and management practices.
• They will be able to assess the physical and psychological needs of horses, implement appropriate training strategies, and maintain safe and healthy equine environments for both horses and riders.

Program Contacts

Call Highland at 815-235-6121 for the following program contacts:

• Dr. Matt Magee, Dean of Agriculture, Business & Technology
• Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor/Transfer Coordinator