Dream
I feel like I have a family here. The faculty are role models, and we all support each other and give one another confidence to go after our dreams. Dreams can be accomplished at Stephens.� - Alexandria Hagelston ’15
Equestrian Studies
at Stephens College. Stephens College has a long-standing reputation of excellence in Equestrian Studies. Be part of a community of riders who support and encourage one another across four disciplines—while also getting individualized, intensive instruction and training from dedicated faculty members who have open door policies. At Stephens, you’ll ride and study Hunter/Jumper, Western, Saddleseat and Reining, gaining valuable experience and an industry understanding of all disciplines. Hands-on, immersive learning at our Equestrian Center is complemented by a comprehensive liberal arts education. Our women’s college environment provides unprecedented opportunities to get involved, be a leader and challenge yourself to chase down your dreams.
Amazing Facilities.
Steps from Campus. It’s all about location—and the Stephens College Equestrian program couldn’t ask for a better one. An easy walk from campus, our Equestrian Center is a vital part of the Stephens College footprint, nestled between campus and downtown on one side and a beautiful park on the other. Our Equestrian Center is also proud to be one of Columbia’s “Most Notable Properties.” For generations, we’ve been educating amazing horsewomen at our center (and we’ve been home to a special group of horses, too). Highlights of the property include: • • • • • • • •
Two stable areas, including a Saddleseat/Western barn and a Hunter/Jumper barn An indoor riding arena with seating for more than 100 and a speaker system An outdoor arena Seven grass turnout areas, including four large pastures Laundry facilities On-site classrooms and a student lounge Historic property status Convenient close-to-campus location
Follow Your Dream.
Chase Down Your Future. We know the equestrian industry is full of potential and possibilities. Here, you’ll develop a solid liberal arts foundation complemented by real-world experience—so you can earn a living doing what you love. We offer three equestrian degrees: • B.S. in Equestrian Science [training and showing] • B.S. in Equestrian Studies: Business Management [barn management, equine law, equestrian event planning] • B.S. in Equestrian Studies: Equestrian Education [teaching and instruction] At Stephens, you’ll develop an understanding and appreciation of many horses, including Quarter horses, Saddlebreds, Paints and Pintos, Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds. This well-rounded education will help you broaden your career opportunities.
Four Disciplines.
One Family. We compete in national, regional and local shows and enjoy clinics from many industry professionals. We also host shows on campus, giving you management, announcing and other show-related experience. Here are a few of the places we compete: HUNTER/JUMPER SHOWS • American Royal “A” Show • Queenie Productions “A” Show • Maffitt Lake Equestrian Center “A” Show Spring Gathering • Irish Fox Stables Show Series SADDLESEAT SHOWS • St. Louis National Charity Horse Show • Boone County Horse Show • UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show • MHSA Kick Off Horse Show • UPHA Chapter 5 Horse Show
WESTERN SHOWS • Mid Rivers Circuit • Golden Circle • Maple Leaf Quarter Horse Show • March to the Arch Quarter & Paint Horse Show • Pinto World • Color Breed Congress REINING SHOWS • Spring Spin & Slide • MRHA Autumn Slide I • MRHA Autumn Slide II • Red Dirt Reining
We Bring the Equestrian World to You.
Experts on Campus.
Each year, we welcome industry professionals to campus for guest clinics. Experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds share their perspectives with students and provide personalized attention thanks to our small class sizes. Previous guests have included the following: • • • • • • • • • •
Jim Dudley Melanie Smith Taylor David O’Connor Paul Cronin McKrell and Christian Baier Lynn Coates Holmes Brittany Harpool Mari Jebens Robert Gardiner Fran and Kim Crumpler
• • • • • • • • •
Bret and Suzi Day Melissa Moore Jo Cornell Neila McCracken Sandy Sessink Kendra Weis Kendra Robson Mike Camden Richard Shrake
A Thriving Industry
With Endless Opportunities.
The equestrian industry is large, diverse and an important part of the economy. According to a recent study by the American Horse Council, the equestrian business has a more than $112 billion impact on the U.S. economy and supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. In addition to traditional equestrian careers such as stable manager, horse trainer and exhibitor, veterinarian and equine insurance agent, there are many other industries that require expertise in equestrian studies. At Stephens, you can tailor areas of study to get the precise skills you need for the career of your dreams. Here are a few examples of other equestrian-related jobs: MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE Breed Association Official Therapeutic Riding Center Director SHOW PRODUCTION Horseshow Announcer Horseshow Judge Horseshow Manager EQUINE HEALTH & BREEDING Equine Acupuncturist Equine Dentist Equine Chiropractor
COMMUNICATIONS & ADVERTISING Equine Journalist Equine Photographer Radio/Television Writer for Equestrian events OCCUPATIONS CONNECTED TO EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY Pedigree Analyst Equine Pharmaceutical Representative
“
My experiences at Stephens gave me the skills I needed to succeed in my equine industry and to feel confident in accepting a job offer from my intern supervisor upon my graduation.” - Megan Hasemann ’14
Stephens alumnae have a record of success in the equine industry. Here’s what a few of our graduates are up to now:
Our students also benefit from required internships. Students have recently conducted internships at:
• Alicia Harris, editor of National Horseman; Scottsdale, Ariz.
• North Run Farm, Warren, Vt.
• Anastasia Dryjanski, barn manager at Southern Blues Equestrian Center; Collierville, Tenn. • Dr. Lisa Stephens, owner of an equine veterinary practice; Weatherford, Texas • Melissa Sperry, coordinator, Texas Quarter Horse Association Racing Division; Elgin, Texas • Lauren Friday, riding instructor at Sunflower Farms; Bristol, Wis. • Emily Brammeier, assistant trainer at Free Flight Farms; Tulsa, Okla. • Cara Wolf, assistant trainer at R&R Stables; Lee’s Summit, Mo.
• Mark Harrell Quarter Horses, Caseyville, Ill. • Southern Blues Equestrian Center, Collierville, Tenn. • Phelps Media Group International, Wellington, Fla. • Mitch Clark Stables, Danville, Ky. • Maplewood Stables, Reno, Nev. • Virgil Helm Stables, New Bloomfield, Mo. • Mark Bolender, Silver Creek, Wash.
dream up. Equestrian Studies www.stephens.edu