Click to apply for the New Equine Lecturer Position in ADVS
PDF of lecturer position information

Program Description
Utah State University’s Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department proudly offers a new 4 year Equine Science and Management Emphasis.  Through lecture, laboratory and actual on-the-farm experiences, students are exposed to exceptional management and handling techniques. The program is directed by Utah State University faculty with industry and show credentials. Course work covers areas such as nutrition, management, riding fundamentals, colt starting, and equine evaluation, along with a special topics course, which allows students to focus on a specific area or areas.  

Students are actively involved in the daily Equine Education Center activities including feeding, medical care, and facility upkeep.  Students also gain industry experience by working with a professional in their area of interest through an internship program.  With Utah State’s strong Extension equine program, students are encouraged to attend and assist with programs presented across the state. This provides students with the opportunity to meet and work with professionals in the industry developing their own industry network.

Facility
A modern equine facility will be built to allow for continued growth of the undergraduate and Extension equine programs.  This facility will accommodate over 40 head of horses with two tack rooms, wash racks, feed rooms, two classrooms, and office space which will provide a working environment experience. Large indoor and outdoor arenas will be constructed that will accommodate more classes, hosting of Extension events, and the offering of horse shows and clinics.  A breeding barn will be a part of the new facility to provide students will real experiences in handling stallions, collecting semen, evaluating semen, teasing and inseminating of mares, and foaling.

The Department also offers a Minor in Equine Management for students from other departments.  The Minor gives students a broad exposure to the equine classes with hand-on opportunities.

Career Opportunities
         Students who complete this program will have a strong working knowledge of how to care for horses of all ages and performance levels. Students will be able to make decisions in many aspects of management and training. These skills will greatly improve the chances of being employed by an equine facility or equine related business. There are many careers that require daily interaction with horses that may interest graduates, including, but not limited to: veterinarian, equine extension personnel, rehabilitation therapist, equine dentist, chiropractor, mounted police, college instructor, stallion or broodmare manager, farrier, riding instructor, stable manager, veterinary technician, trainer, groom, and exercise rider. There are also positions without daily contact with horses, such as equestrian organization personnel, feed store owner, tack sales, horse hair products producer, photographers, journalist, horse trailer designer, high school agricultural teacher, certified horse appraiser, pharmaceutical sales, insurance sales, director of advertising, researcher, and equestrian illustrator.

• ADVS 1600 Riding Fundamentals I
  Introduction to equitation skills for western and hunt seat. Lectures cover aspects of effective position, verbal cues, bits and their use, proper fitting of tack, footfall patterns at all gaits, diagonals and leads.



• ADVS 2190 Horse Production
  Lecture and lab course. Lectures include breeds, colors and markings, use of the horse, body condition scoring, vital signs, restraint, judging conformation, skeletal and muscular systems, alternative therapies, lower leg and hoof care, nutrition, stallion care and management, and broodmare care and management.



• ADVS 2300, ADVS 2310 Stable Management I and II
  These two courses give students the opportunity to work at the farm to learn and use skills that are necessary to be proficient in the equine industry. This hands-on lab course will require students to work at the Equine Educational Center 10 hours per week assisting with the daily operation of the Center. Students will have the opportunity to be involved in handling horses of all ages, caring for lame or sick horses, and preparation of horses for sale, classes or extension events.



• ADVS 2600 Riding Fundamentals II- Western
  A more advanced riding course that introduces students to reining patterns, lead changes and greater understanding of working with a horse to acquire proper body position in the horse for lead departures and changes. Students will ride horses that need help in specific areas to develop skills in training horses and not just equitation. Lectures cover more in-depth use of western tack for different events, and training equipment. Each student researches and critiques an industry professional and their methods.



• ADVS 2650 Riding Fundamentals II – English
  A more advanced riding course that introduces students to lead changes and jumping. Students will work with specific problematic horses to develop training skills. Lectures cover more in-depth use of English tack for different events and training equipment. Each student researches and critiques an industry professional and their methods.



• ADVS 3100 Equine Evaluation
  This course introduces students to judging the conformation horse through lectures, videos and live animals. Students learn how to evaluate balance, leg structure and quality of muscling. Multiple breeds are evaluated. Students develop and present oral reasons.



• ADVS 3150 Equine Evaluation
  This course introduces students to judging the performance horse through lectures, videos and live animals. Multiple breeds are evaluated. Students develop and present oral reasons.



• ADVS 3600 Equine Behavior and Training I
  Students work with young horses to develop ground manners and skills. Students use round penning techniques, sacking out, tying for the first time, and introduction to trailer loading.



• ADVS 3690 Equine Behavior and Training II
  Students work with young horses to develop skills under saddle. Students use round penning and resistance free methods to introduce the horse to the saddle and rider. The student will work with the horse to develop skills at the walk, jog/trot and lope/canter, roll back, and stop.



• ADVS 4270 Internship
  Students will work in the industry in an area of interest for a semester or summer.



• ADVS 4300, ADVS 4310 Stable Management III and IV
  These two courses will give seniors the opportunity to mentor other students in all aspects of horse and facility management. These students will take a leadership role in teaching other students aspects of wrapping, care of punctures, handling of horses, care of broodmares, foals and stallions. Students will take a role in record keeping in all aspects of horse care.



• ADVS 5190 Horse Management
  Lectures include breeding methods, teasing techniques, development of facilities, lameness detection, dental care and aging by teeth, diseases and vaccination programs, and internal parasites and de-worming programs.

• ADVS 3910 Special Topics- Wild Horse Behavior
  Students are invited to camp out with a wild herd near Tooele, Utah. Students keep journals, take pictures or video of behaviors viewed during the five day trip.



• ADVS 3910 Special Topics- Farrier
  Students are invited to attend this week long course held in May. This course includes both lecture and hands-on work on trimming and shoeing.



• CE 654 Senior Citizen class: Introduction to Equine Behavior
  This is a weeklong course for senior citizens. It introduces them to equine behavior, basic handling, grooming, movement at each gait and use of the round pen.

• Equestrian Team
  This club provides students the opportunity to compete against regional and national universities in both western and hunt seat. Students attend weekly lessons to prepare for 10 competitions per year. Students can compete at the beginner to more advanced levels.


• Rodeo Club
  This club provides students with the opportunity to compete against other schools in typical rodeo events

Rebecca Lewis
4815 Old Main Hill
Horse Arena
Logan, Utah 84322-4815
435 752 1251

rebecca.lewis@usu.edu