Equine program is more than just a pony show
By CCTIMES, Published February 16, 2008

Florida is usually not the first state that pops into people’s minds when they think about horses. It’s probably not the second, either.

But the numbers tell the how big the industry is in the state. There are about 500,000 horses in Florida, with 104,700 jobs related to the equine industry, which has a $5.1 billion economic impact on the state, according to the American Horse Council.

Central Florida Community College (CFCC) sits in the middle of horse country, so it’s natural that the college offers equine studies to meet workforce demands. In Marion County, where the main campus of CFCC is located, the equine industry accounts for 15 percent of the workforce and has an economic impact of $500 million.

The college started the equine studies program after it conducted a survey in partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and the local economic development board to determine the need for employees trained in horse farm management. Surveys from 92 horse farms demonstrated a definite need, and professionals from the equine industry helped the college design an associate degree program.

The first classes were offered in 2003, and the program has steadily grown. In fall 2007, 168 students were enrolled in the program, with 56 enrolled as equine majors. The goal is to grow the program to 100 or more students in the next year or two, said Judy Downer, program coordinator and instructor.

“The goal is well within reach due to the high demand for trained equine professionals,” she said.

Partnerships like the one with the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) are also helping to expand the program, which will add a therapeutic riding management component this fall. MTRA provides opportunities for youths and adults challenged by physical, mental or emotional disabilities to try horseback riding and carriage driving as therapy. CFCC first partnered with MTRA as a provider of docile horses for beginning equine students.

As CFCC’s equine program has grown, the college realized that it could prepare students for jobs at MTRA and as certified instructors from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The college surveyed management of 26 therapeutic riding centers in Florida who all reported a need for a training program to prepare students for the certification exam.

“Therapeutic riding programs are offered at only a few colleges across the country,” Downer said. “Other programs focus on riding instruction while CFCC’s program exposes students to additional career opportunities at therapeutic riding facilities.”

Separate semester-long internships give students hands-on training as barn managers, volunteer coordinators, instructor aides and student teachers, she added.

It is this multi-faceted preparation that sets the CFCC program apart, according to Kate Robbins, program coordinator at MTRA.

“Paid positions at nonprofit organizations such as MTRA are limited, so individuals who are well versed in all areas of management are valued in the industry,” she said.

In addition to basic courses in English, math and science, specialized courses focus on equine science, behavior and psychology, handling and safety, medicine, nutrition and health care. The therapeutic riding management specialization includes courses on disabling conditions, child guidance and general psychology.

Students earning a degree in equine studies can continue their studies at partner colleges. CFCC has articulation agreements with New York’s Morrisville State College and State University of New York-Cobleskill and is pursuing others.

Outside the classroom, equine students serve the community through the Horseman’s Society. Students routinely participate in guest lectures, field trips and intercollegiate horse shows.

Twice each year they bring their horses to an assisted living facility to present a mini horse show for residents. Last fall, students worked with pre-kindergarten students at a partner elementary school to give the students a primer on the equine industry. The youngsters learned about the characteristics of horses, practiced grooming with a three-foot-high animated horse, learned about jobs and had their own hobby horse races.