36 courses with the subject EQS, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
100-Level Riding Hours* ..................................................................................... 4
Students are introduced to the theory and practice of elementary dressage and jumping. Emphasis is placed on developing the strength and feel to ride in a balanced and harmonious fashion at all three gaits. May be repeated for up to 4 credits.
Students begin applying theoretical concepts into their riding to produce horses who are supple and correctly connected, and being able to produce rhythmic and steady jumping courses. Rider strength and position are emphasized. May be repeated for up to 4 credits. Prerequisites: permission of instructor
Students will effectively energize, balance, and supple horses into an elastic and influential connection and perform steady hunter trips. Continued emphasis is placed on the athleticism of the rider and effectiveness of aides. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated for up to 4 credits.
Students study effectiveness of aids and position necessary to influence the quality of movement of the horse through 1st level dressage, and jumping. Focus is placed on the theoretical application of the training scale to the riding of horses on the flat and over fences. This class is required for the Dressage and Eventing Tracks.
Total Equine Science Minor Hours: 18 Courses of Instruction in Equestrian Studies NOTE: Students auditing riding classes will not participate as riders or be assigned a horse. EQS 102 Novice Riding (PEA 103) (2) A laboratory course designed for non-equestrian studies majors. The basic equestrian skills necessary for the student to prepare and ride the horse in a disciplined, safe and harmonious manner at walk and trot are stressed. The class is strongly assisted by equestrian studies student teachers.
121 | A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y A c a d e m i c C a t a l o g 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
This course will help the student understand the basic reproductive anatomy and physiology of the mare and stallion and be able to apply this knowledge to the practical management of the breeding stallion and broodmare. Care and management of the pregnant mare, including foaling procedures, and neonatal and postnatal care of mare and foal will be covered. Students will be presented with the techniques of assisted equine reproduction, including artificial insemination, semen preservation and shipment, and embryo transfer. Lab and Lecture. Prerequisites: EQS 208 suggested.
This course will study the leading exercise/training plans for equestrian athletes. Students will research and help design their own training plans based on those held by experts in the field. Students will meet for lab and lecture periods in addition to training time on their own. Can be repeated for up to 6 credits.
This is a riding course designed to help the student develop the skills necessary to ride in a disciplined, safe and harmonious manner. Students will develop strength, coordination and feel to increase their effectiveness as riders in both dressage and jumping. Prerequisites: EQS 108. May be repeated for up to 6 hours
A service-learning course held at the Blue Blood Adoption Center designed to prepare students for retraining off the track Thoroughbreds. Students work with horses in different levels of retraining to prepare them for adoption. Students will demonstrate understanding of retraining an off the track Thoroughbred and the issues surrounding the Thoroughbred industry and retired racehorses. Pre-requisites: EQS 108. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours.
The students learn correct, effective lunging technique modeled after the USDF instructor trainer program for lunging. Students will learn and practice safe lunging technique, develop their eye for analyzing horse movement and begin to assess rider position for seat lessons. Prerequisite: EQS 107
A course designed to introduce the student to the skills and knowledge required to compete in the sport of Eventing. The aim of the instruction is to develop in the rider a correct, balanced, supple, and effective seat for jumping and dressage. Riders learn the correct use of aids for the exercises appropriate to the level, focusing upon the progressive development of horse and rider leading to greater confidence between them. Many aspects of the sport will be discussed, such as tack selection, horse health, and rules for event competitions.
An interdisciplinary overview of the introductory principles of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) as a therapeutic tool to address behavioral, emotional, and relational issues within the individual, family, and/or group counseling sessions. Pre-requisites: none
An introduction to the behaviors of horses in the wild and in domestication. Through lecture and field observations students will learn to recognize how equines communicate through their behaviors and body language with an emphasis on how recognizing these behaviors can be used in EAP sessions and in the proper care, management, and training of equines. Prerequisites: none.
A lecture and laboratory course to study the basic concepts of equine anatomy and physiology. A limited comparison with some of the other domesticated, large animals will be included.
A course designed to teach organization, preparation, control and presentation of a novice riding lesson. Several riding theories are presented as they relate to teaching the novice rider. Prerequisites: EQS 108 and EQS 211. 128 | A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y A c a d e m i c C a t a l o g 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
A laboratory course designed to allow students to teach novice riders under supervision. Attention is paid to students’ ability to implement the skills and theory gained in the teaching lecture course. Prerequisites: EQS 225.
125 | A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y A c a d e m i c C a t a l o g 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
This course is the second in a series that focuses on the continued training of the horse in one of three disciplines: dressage, hunt seat, or eventing. The goal of the riding instruction will be to help the rider produce a horse that is going freely forward in his gaits and accepting the aids in an appropriate frame for the level and discipline. Riders work to refine their aids and learn exercises appropriate for advancing a horse through the levels. Combined training is stressed as it is important in the development of a mentally and physically sound horse. Equine fitness and health management will be discussed as the level of training increases. The students may participate in clinics, workshops, or competitions that may fall on weekend days. Prerequisite: EQS 230.
An elective course designed to introduce the student to the training of young horses by actually handling foals, yearlings, and two-year olds. Subjects include halter-breaking, lunging, driving, mounting for the first time, and basic directional control. Prerequisites: EQS 109.
Total Management Concentration Hours: 31 Sample Four-Year Course Sequence for Equestrian Studies: Equestrian Studies Management
This course is designed to provide students with insight to the equestrian community in other countries. They will be exposed to the equestrian culture in a foreign country as it pertains to dressage, stadium jumping, and stable management. They will have an opportunity to ride under a native instructor and receive feedback on their riding technique and theoretical knowledge. The students will have the chance to compare and contrast the foreign country’s equestrian culture with the American equestrian culture. By permission of instructor.
This combination of lecture and laboratory provides the student an opportunity to begin performing EAP work in a peer setting. Students will role play EAP sessions and participate in an Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) training session to prepare for certification.
This combination of lecture and laboratory provides students with an opportunity to begin performing EAP work with outside populations. Students will be supervised in their work with clients in both EAP and EAL work. Emphasis will be placed on treatment planning, case notes and research. 129 | A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y A c a d e m i c C a t a l o g 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
Total Equestrian Studies Minor Hours: 21 Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2. 5 in their ES classes. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Minor* This minor is for students in the psychology/sociology/criminal justice departments who are interested in the field of EAP and its application in their career area. *Participation in this minor does not qualify you to participate as a member of a riding team.
Total Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Concentration Hours: 33
This course is the third in a series that focuses on the continued training and advancement of the horse in one of three disciplines: dressage, hunt seat, or eventing. The goal of the riding instruction will be to help the rider produce a horse that is going freely forward in his gaits and accepting the aids in an appropriate frame for the level and discipline. Equine fitness and health management will be discussed as the level of training increases. The rider will practice safe and appropriate schooling exercises for dressage, jumping and/or cross-country riding. The students may participate in clinics, workshops, or competitions that may fall on weekend days.
Sample Four-Year Course Sequence: Equestrian Studies Equine Science Concentration Freshman Year:
A study of the standards for certification of dressage, eventing, hunt seat, and/or stable management. Topics will include dressage and jumping instructional standards, teaching theory and practice, and horse and stable management. Students will attend USEA, USDF, or ARIA instructor workshops during the semester. Students may also prepare for and attempt ARIA instructor’s exam. Prerequisites: EQS 226, EQS 213 or EQS 214, EQS 330 recommended.
EQS Electives ....................................................................................................... 4 Choose one from the following:
Students gain practical knowledge and evaluative skills needed to formulate appropriate feedback for students schooling lower level dressage, hunt seat and combined training. Students learn to give feedback that is organized, creative and flexible using correct terminology, and demonstrating compassion, rapport and encouragement. Students apply skills in private and group lesson formats. Prerequisites: EQS 226.
This course is the fourth and final in a series that focuses on the continued training and advancement of the horse in one of three disciplines: dressage, hunt seat, or eventing. The goal of the riding instruction will be to help the rider produce a horse that is going freely forward in his gaits and accepting the aids in an appropriate frame for the level and discipline. Riders will focus on the refinement of their aids and the importance of rider biomechanics so they may succeed on more sensitive or upper-level mounts. Equine health, fitness, and 130 | A v e r e t t U n i v e r s i t y A c a d e m i c C a t a l o g 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7
Total ES Core Requirement Hours: 30 100-Level Riding Courses* include: EQS 102 / PEA 103, Novice Riding
Source: Averett University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
