WATERBURY – There will be a slightly different look to the Post University Equine Business Program starting in the fall.

It’s more than a name change.

Courses such as Stable Management, Anatomy and Nutrition, Horse Industry Orientation, Equine Business Ethics and the Senior Research Seminar are still core requirements for the equine program, but there are a lot of elective choices – both equine and business – which can lead to off-campus certifications or on-campus concentrations.

These cover such areas as Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification through the NAHRA Instructor course run by High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center in Old Lyme; an Equine Podiatry diploma through the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry run by KC La Pierre in Orlando, Florida; an Internship in Horse Breeding through KEMI in Lexington, Kentucky; a Study Abroad Program for instructors at a top college or riding center in the United Kingdom; and a certificate in Equine Massage through courses in Granby or Virginia.

All of these involve a semester off-campus for ‘hand’s on’ training in that particular specialty. Post University students will receive credits for their work so they can still graduate in four years.

In addition, there are Concentrations available On-Campus that would be very helpful to anyone starting work in the vibrant and diverse equine industry. These involve at least five specialty classes offered by Post, and include a Certificate in Equine Law through the Legal Studies program and certification as a Facilities Manager or Instructor through the Certified Horseman’s Association (which would require some off-campus training) through the Equine Department. Other Concentrations available include Entrepreneurship, Public Relations, Marketing, Sports Management and Environmental Studies through already existing courses at the university.

Students who wish to ride can join either the IHSA Equestrian Team or the IDA Dressage Team, which offer two practices per week to prepare for competition at several shows each semester. Riding classes will be at two barns in the area that will supply the horses, but the teaching will be done by the university’s Coaches. There will also be practical ‘labs’ at regional barns in the freshman classes and also an opportunity for ‘real life’ experience working with barn managers of several local stables. Internships are required in whatever particular field the student plans to work as part of the ‘on the job’ training that is so important for a successful career.

Anyone interested in getting more information about the Equine Business Management program can contact Post University at 800-345-2562 or e-mail Admissions@post.edu.

In fact, there will be some openings for adjunct instructors, so if anyone is interested and possesses the necessary equine experience and qualifications, and would like to join the team, get in touch with Carole Baker – Tel: 203-596-4631 or e-mail – cbaker@post.edu.