Term Effective: Spring 2012

The requirements for this program of study are effective beginning the semester shown above. If you began working on this program before the effective semester, you may not be affected by the changes. Consult with the program contact person or the department chair to determine your eligibility to complete the program under previous requirements.

Description:

This is a Certificate of Achievement program. Today's multi-billion dollar horse industry is diverse, sophisticated and high tech, requiring individuals who are knowledgeable and skilled to work in this multi-faceted field that annually employs 1.4 million full-time employees. Students who have studied at Santa Rosa Junior College with a major in Equine Science are more than qualified for a wide variety of these diverse careers in the equine industry. Many Equine Science graduates aim for a future in horse farm management at breeding facilities, lesson barns, and race and show training stables. Students may also qualify for employment as technologists, consultants, show and race facility managers and staff, high school and junior college riding and equine science instructors, government agents, journalists, and sale/service representatives for companies promoting horse feed, health, and care products. Other career opportunities are available through breed associations, humane organizations, agriculture extension services, recreational services, horse publications, and more.

To prepare students for these exciting career opportunities, Santa Rosa Junior College’s Equine Science program provides students with a broad technical study of all phases of equine business and management practices coupled with general studies necessary to become a well rounded individual. Individuals enrolled in Equine Science courses receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience – both very necessary to become the future leaders of the equine industry. Instruction is taught using lecture classes & hands-on laboratories using Santa Rosa Junior College’s beautiful 365-acre Shone Farm. The Equestrian Center consists of a new state of the art Agriculture Pavilion that houses an indoor arena, stables, outside shelters with runs, a large outdoor arena with all-weather footing, large hay storage barn, turn-outs and pastures, and acres of riding trails.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Identify and implement sustainable equine management practices that will improve horse quality, provide efficacious management, protect the natural resources and ensure economic viability of the equine industry;
2. demonstrate a working knowledge of life cycles and state of the art principles of horse production to develop a ranch management calendar that incorporates scientifically based management decisions and the latest technological advances in equine husbandry;
3. name and demonstrate proper use of equipment used to humanely manage or treat horses;
4. recognize and practice basic horse handling safety skills while on the ground and when mounted;
5. identify and evaluate equine anatomy and physiology and relate form to function;
6. define nutritional needs and demonstrate proper feeding techniques; and
7. list common infectious diseases and parasites and explain the role of preventative health.

For students interested in an Associate degree, an Equine Science major is available. Students interested in a suggested order for taking classes in this program, can view the recommended course sequence.

For more information see the Agriculture Department website.

Course Prerequisites and Advisories:

Courses in a program of study may have prerequisites or advisories; that is, courses that must or should be completed before taking that course. Please check for prerequisites or advisories by clicking on the course numbers in the Program Requirements section.

It is important that students who are completing an Associate Degree and desire to transfer to a four-year institution meet with a counselor to plan their lower division coursework. While many majors at SRJC are intended to align with lower division major preparation required by California public universities, specific lower-division major requirements vary among individual campuses. See a counselor, visit the Transfer Center, and check Guides For Transfer in Specific Majors, and ASSIST to review transfer preparation guides for specific schools and majors.

Notes:

AGRI 99I is to be taken for a minimum of 5 units.