Rutgers University in New Jersey takes horses seriously with an Equine Academic Program that entices students from across the country. Students interested in pursuing careers in the horse industry or just improving their knowledge of horses can study equine science in the Department of Animal Sciences.
Cook College Green at Rutgers
Animal Industries-Equine Specialization major students take equine science courses, and also sign up for hands-on credits through the Equine Practicum.
© 2012 by GK tramrunner
Under the auspices of the Animal Industries-Equine Specialization major, students take all of the equine didactic courses available, plus courses in marketing, basic sciences and animal science, and also sign up for “hands-on” credits through the Equine Practicum, Research in Animal Science course and/or Cooperative Education. A minor in Equine Science is also available to students majoring in other disciplines.
Our courses tend to emphasize the science of horses—not only “how,” as in many other equine curricula, but “why.” Thirty to sixty students are involved in equine studies each semester at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Students interact closely with their advisors and are given guidance in career decisions.
With a Memorandum of Understanding with Delaware Valley College wherein Rutgers students can take a semester of “how to” classes on topics such as Equine Breeding, Management, Horse Training and Conditioning, Horse Show Management, and Stable Management.
These all tend to be very hands-on courses due to the active breeding and horse show programs at Delaware Valley College. Their students come to Rutgers for the “science” of the industry and to get research experience.
The opportunities at Rutgers have helped one horse lover who suffered a devastating loss, move on to a life of involvement, not only with riding and caring for horses, but looking forward to a career in the horse industry.
Merrill Simpson has been determined to ride and work with horses since she was four years old. Although her parents tried to steer her into safer and less costly activities, she was able to persuade them that she had to have a horse while still in high school.
Heading to college was bittersweet; because Merrill had to sell her horse, but the opportunity to attend Rutgers and be part of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences’ equine science program was her dream.
Sadly, during her senior year in high school, her mother was diagnosed with melanoma and passed away during her freshman year when the melanoma spread to her brain.
Rlemembering that time, Merril says, "As a caregiver for my mother, I did not have the inclination or time to spend at the barn. When my mother lost her battle with cancer, I was devastated; but I did not let the grief of her death overcome my life because I realized what was most important to her was for me to pursue my dreams."
"In this time of great sadness – and to honor the memory of my mother – I decided to reclaim my joy, and pursue the positive activities that contributed to a healthy lifestyle. I was going to ride horses once again."
Because of her love of riding, Merrill joined the Mounted Patrol at Rutgers and is now a supervisor for the patrol. Her leadership capacities combined with her opportunities for advanced knowledge of equine sciences is helping her prepare for a life in the equine industry that would make her mother proud.
Information for this news article taken from Rutgers Equine Science bulletin.