What Courses Are in the Program?

General Education Core: 35 creditsEnvironmental Professional Core: 14 creditsElective Courses: 32 creditsProgram Core: 39 creditsANIM 205: Animal NutritionANIM 301: Animal Husbandry and GeneticsANIM 302: Animal Comparative AnatomyANIM 304: Animal Comparative PhysiologyANIM 315: Equine Health, Nutrition, and CareANIM 415: Horse Facility ManagementBIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of AnimalsBIOL 310: MicrobiologyBIOL 315: Cell BiologyCHEM 103: Chemistry IICHEM 104: Chemistry II LaboratoryCHEM 201: Organic Chemistry ICHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I LaboratoryCHEM 301: BiochemistryCHEM 302: Biochemistry LaboratoryFor course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

Equine Animal Science

Q: What Does the Bachelor's in Equine Animal Science Prepare You For?

The Bachelor&#8217;s in Equine Animal Science prepares students for careers in horse training, farm and stable management, equine health, equine-assisted services, and veterinary support. Students develop practical skills in equine care, nutrition, behavior, breeding and genetics, ethical handling, and sustainable facility management. The program also provides a foundation for careers across the diverse equine industry, from recreation and competition to therapy, as well as advanced study in equine science or veterinary medicine.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Enhance Equine Welfare

The equine animal science bachelor’s degree offers skills-based learning in equine health, behavior, and animal science, preparing you to improve horse welfare through ethical care, facility management, and evidence-based practices, and to pursue careers in training, behavior, operations, and equine advocacy.

Career Outlook: Horse Trainers in the U.S.

47 K

Number of jobs in 2024*

6 %

Est. job growth through 2034

$ 40 K

Median annual salary in 2025*

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

Career Outcomes

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Animal Science?

Equine Farm Manager

Direct breeding, nutrition, and daily operations on horse properties.

Equine Nutritionist / Feed Specialist

Optimize feed programs to support horse health and performance.

Horse Trainer / Riding Instructor

Train horses and teach riders using sound horsemanship methods.

Equine Reproduction Technician

Support breeding programs through assisted reproduction techniques.

Equine Welfare Specialist

Investigate and enforce humane care standards for horses.

Therapeutic Riding Program Director

Lead equine-assisted programs for individuals with disabilities.

“I chose Unity because of the flexibility that the programs here offer and that it is an environmental university.”

Tabitha M.
Unity Alum

Read Full Testimonial

Tabitha M.
Unity Alum

I chose Unity because of the flexibility that the programs here offer and that it is an environmental university.

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FAQ

Learn More About the Bachelor’s in Equine Animal Science

Equine Animal Science is the study of horses and other equines, with a focus on their biology, health, behavior, care, and management. The field draws on animal biology, chemistry, nutrition, physiology, and other sciences to understand equine anatomy, growth, reproduction, genetics, and behavior. It also considers practical and ethical approaches to training, handling, breeding, health care, and facility management, with an emphasis on the well-being of horses and sustainable practices across the equine industry.

The Bachelor’s in Equine Animal Science prepares students for careers in horse training, farm and stable management, equine health, equine-assisted services, and veterinary support. Students develop practical skills in equine care, nutrition, behavior, breeding and genetics, ethical handling, and sustainable facility management. The program also provides a foundation for careers across the diverse equine industry, from recreation and competition to therapy, as well as advanced study in equine science or veterinary medicine.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of Distance Education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years

General Education Core: 35 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 14 credits
Elective Courses: 32 credits
Program Core: 39 credits

ANIM 205: Animal Nutrition
ANIM 301: Animal Husbandry and Genetics
ANIM 302: Animal Comparative Anatomy
ANIM 304: Animal Comparative Physiology
ANIM 315: Equine Health, Nutrition, and Care
ANIM 415: Horse Facility Management
BIOL 301: Animal Behavior: The Evolution, Ecology, and Social Behavior of Animals
BIOL 310: Microbiology
BIOL 315: Cell Biology
CHEM 103: Chemistry II
CHEM 104: Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 201: Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 202: Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 301: Biochemistry
CHEM 302: Biochemistry Laboratory

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Equine Animal Science Course Examples

Animal Comparative Anatomy

Study structural systems, comparing species and exploring the evolutionary relationships among them.

Animal Husbandry and Genetics

Explore animal breeding programs, genetic diversity conservation, inheritance patterns, and principles of quantitative and molecular genetics.

White horses feeding in a green pasture.

Horse Facility Management

Learn to manage natural environments and built facilities to optimize horse health using ecosystem-based best practices.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Multiple Start Dates

Up to 8 terms each year let you take breaks without affecting financial aid.

Real Career Outcomes

Ranked in the top 1% of universities nationwide by the Social Mobility Index.

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the animal industry.

Sustainability Core

Focused on sustainable practices for an environmentally aware future.

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

MS and BS in Animal Sciences

Elizabeth Share
Global Expert in Equine Care and Management

Read More About Professor Share

Elizabeth Share
Global Expert in Equine Care and Management

Elizabeth “Lizz” Share is an Adjunct Faculty member at Unity Environmental University. She received a M.S. and BS in Animal Sciences from the Ohio State University. Lizz has been involved in horse care and management for over 15 years. Besides working in academia, she has worked for Extension using her expertise to help horse owners across the nation. She is primarily an equine nutritionist but works extensively with welfare and behavior as well as the practical management of horses. She is passionate about student-focused learning and the practical application of knowledge to real-world situations. In her spare time, she enjoys competitively sorting cattle with her Quarter Horses.

Learn from Leaders

M.A. in Biology, B.B.A. in Management

Jennifer Riddle
Global Expert in Veterinary Medicine and Equine Science

Learn More About Professor Riddle

Jennifer Riddle
Global Expert in Veterinary Medicine and Equine Science

Jennifer Riddle received her A.A.S. in Equine Management from Midway College and A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology from Columbus State Community College. She finalized her education by earning a B.B.A. in Management from Morehead State University and holds an M.A. in Biology from Miami University’s Advanced Inquiry Program. As a Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician for over 20 years, she was able to utilize her medical and management skills in a large and small animal clinic working on species from cats to buffalo and continues to assist in aftercare equine injuries today. Her M.A. work centered around Environmental Conservation and Sustainability with an emphasis on Equine Green Spaces. Some of her most valued accomplishments include presenting at the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics and as a keynote speaker at the World Community Conference for a collaborative effort in an educational program to increase student knowledge of biodiversity.

Coupling her medical, animal, and conservation education, she has taught at a post-secondary level in person and online for over 10 years, bringing her passion for conservation and sustainability to the forefront in an inquiry-based teaching style. She continues to teach Animal Behavior and Conservation at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens for the Advanced Inquiry Program and understands the necessity of creating an in-person atmosphere for a distance educational program. Outside of the classroom, she spends her time with her family on their working ranch.

Learn from Leaders

BS, MS

Holly Greene
Global Expert in Equine Research and Altitude Effects

Read More About Professor Greene

Holly Greene
Global Expert in Equine Research and Altitude Effects

Holly M. Greene has been working in higher education for over 3-decades. Her background includes 20 years as an equine research lab manager, technician for the university livestock veterinarian, and adjunct faculty supporting equine educational courses at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Holly received her M.S. degree from Cal Poly Pomona studying the effects of high altitude (3800 meters) on respiratory gases, pulmonary artery pressures and acid-base balance in horses. She was part of a team from Cal Poly Pomona that studied high altitude effects in burros and mules. Ms. Greene enjoys mentoring undergraduate students on equine research encompassing a whole animal physiology model approach.

Holly is very knowledgeable on USDA Animal Welfare regulations for cattle, goats, horses, sheep, and swine. Ensuring both animals and students are safe, and the welfare of the animals is paramount for any class or research activity.

Teaching philosophy: The role of a teacher in students’ lives is a significant one. If students are taught how to learn in a positive environment this will encourage future continuing education and knowledge. Teaching impacts the lives of so many and demands nothing less than best efforts. Student success is not just measured within the classroom and her teaching extends well beyond the confines of the classroom. For many students, there are powerful lessons learned with informal discussions. Sharing with peers and working on problems during (or outside) office hours is very beneficial. Helping students understand the invaluable ability to think critically is part of student success.

Equine Animal Science
Bachelor of Science