The equine industry is a very diverse industry that contributes to a wide variety of activities in every portion of the country. North Central Texas College is located directly in the heart of the horse industry in north Texas. North Central Texas College is located in Gainesville, Texas and is a two year public college. North Central Texas College offers students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree in one of many different and exciting fields of study. The Equine Science program at North Central Texas College offers a great deal of hands-on experience in training, breeding and management, as well as classroom instruction on the science and business aspects of the horse industry. North Central Texas College has three different equine degree options that a student can choose from depending on their specific needs and desires. The degree options for students are as follows:

? Associate in Applied Science Degree in Equine Science

? Equine Breeding Farm Management Certificate

? Equine Management and Training Certificate

The overall goal of the Equine Science program is to produce graduates that have been given a quality education and are well rounded and ready to enter the work force or transfer to a four year institution. These programs are designed for individuals who are interested in becoming an equine professional in one of the many different equine fields that are available in today's society. Graduates of the program will have the skills and knowledge that are necessary to survive in the real world. Graduates of North Central Texas College have what it takes to be successful and to be a true asset to the equine industry.

Students wishing to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Equine Science are required to complete a total of 66 hours of classes. Students are required to take several basic core required classes along with the major program classes. Some of the required major courses are:

? Horsemanship I ? This is an introductory course that goes into the basics of horsemanship and will teach skills like handling, saddling, safety, proper riding techniques, and basic health care. There will be a great amount of emphasis placesd on using aid cues and proper leg, seat, and hand position.

? Equine Science I & II ? These courses are designed to give students an introduction to the equine industry. Some of the topics that will be covered include history, breeds, selection, identification, anatomy, and basic management techniques.

? Horse Evaluation I ? This course in designed to be an introduction into the evaluation and selection of horses based on breed and the different performance criteria that are used today. A great amount of emphasis will be placed on the breed standards and rules used to judge performance horses.

? Enterprise Management ? This is a business survey course that is designed to evaluate the equine industry as a whole.

? Behavior and Training I ? This course will provide students with instruction in basic equine behavior and training methods. Some of the topics that will be covered in this course include safety, behavior, health care, management, and training methods. Students will be required to use a systematic approach to train a young horse while at the same time learning the correct safety and training techniques that are used in the equine industry.

? Introduction to Ag Economics

? Computers in Agriculture

? Equine Business Management

? Animal Health

? Equine Reproduction

? Internship

All students who choose to apply for any of the equine programs should have a basic knowledge and understanding of equine care and management because none of these programs offer any entry level riding classes.

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