For over fifty years, Lamar Community College (LCC) has been a cornerstone in the equine industry, offering specialized associate degrees and certificates in Horse Training and Management, and Equine Business Management. Established in the 1970s in response to a growing need identified by local ranchers, LCC’s equine programs continue to thrive, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the dynamic horse industry.
The horse industry is a significant economic driver in the United States, contributing an estimated $122 billion and supporting 1.7 million jobs. This robust sector offers diverse career opportunities for individuals with specialized training. Graduates from LCC’s programs are well-prepared to enter various roles, from hands-on training and management to business and sales.
Career Opportunities in the Equine Industry
LCC’s equine programs open doors to a wide spectrum of career paths within the horse industry. The Equine Business Management track is designed for those interested in the commercial aspects of the industry, preparing graduates for roles such as:
- Horse vet technician
- Barn manager
- Horse sales coordinator
- Breeding program manager
- Riding instructor
- Horse product sales representative
- Horse journalist
- Horse rehabilitation manager
The Horse Training & Management program, on the other hand, focuses on developing advanced horsemanship and training skills, preparing students for apprenticeships and roles including:
- Cowhorse trainer apprentice
- Cutting trainer apprentice
- Reining trainer apprentice
- Rope horse trainer apprentice
- Barrel trainer apprentice
Associate of Applied Science in Equine Business Management
The Associate of Applied Science in Equine Business Management is meticulously crafted to provide students with essential skills for successful placement in the horse industry. While developing their horsemanship abilities, students receive a strong emphasis on the business management facets of the equine world. This program prepares graduates for careers in horse nutrition, reproduction, rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, and lesson instruction, among others. A crucial component of this degree is an internship with a chosen equine professional, allowing students to apply their learning in a real-world setting.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Describe and apply knowledge of horse anatomy, physiology, vital signs, common illnesses, preventative healthcare, wound care, and nutrition, utilizing this information with rehabilitation equipment and techniques.
- Understand equine business practices, including developing business and marketing plans, crafting effective cover letters and resumes, and communicating proficiently with financial advisors.
- Recognize equine reproductive anatomy, techniques, and technologies, and demonstrate proficiency in foaling skills.
- Demonstrate advanced horsemanship skills, including groundwork and executing various maneuvers and patterns with different types of horses.
- Evaluate sales techniques, understand the impact of personality on sales, and assist in facilitating horse sales.
- Exemplify employable soft skills such as proper communication, timeliness, a positive attitude, initiative, and cooperation.
Equine Business Management Certificate
For those seeking a more focused program, the Equine Business Management Certificate offers specialized skills for entry into the horse industry. This certificate also emphasizes business management aspects while enhancing horsemanship abilities, providing a solid foundation for a career in equine business.
Associate of Applied Science in Horse Training & Management
The Horse Training & Management program is designed for individuals with advanced western riding proficiency. It offers a rigorous blend of theory and practical experience, requiring students to enter in the fall semester and progress through a two-year sequence. A key requirement is the “green breaking” of at least three colts and specialized training for an additional horse. The program culminates in an internship with a chosen professional trainer.
Graduates of this program will demonstrate:
- Proficiency in barn chores and tasks, ensuring safe working practices.
- Application of professional employability skills, emphasizing timeliness and quality animal care.
- Competence in saddling and bridling colts.
- Ability to manage colts through walking, trotting, and loping.
- Skill in executing showmanship patterns with colts, showcasing groundwork progression.
Specialized Certificates in Horse Training
LCC also offers a variety of specialized certificate programs designed to hone specific training skills:
- Rope Horse Training Certificate: More information coming soon.
- Ranch Horse Training Certificate: More information coming soon.
- Barrel Horse Training Certificate: More information coming soon.
- Fundamental Horse Training Certificate: This one-year program provides foundational knowledge and skills for horse training.
- Starting Colts Certificate: This hands-on program equips students with the necessary skills to break colts for riding.
- Advanced Horsemanship Certificate: Building upon the Starting Colts certificate, this program includes a one-semester internship with a professional trainer. Admission requires successful completion of the Starting Colts certificate or instructor permission.
Program Details and Hands-On Experience
The Horse Training and Management and Equine Business Management programs at LCC are intensely hands-on, integrating classroom learning with practical barn and arena experience. Student proficiency in riding courses is evaluated at semester-end horse shows, where they demonstrate their training progress and horsemanship skills.
Students also develop crucial employable skills through LCC’s emphasis on work ethic and communication. Participating in the feed crew, for instance, allows students to gain experience caring for over 50 horses daily. The college’s absence policy reinforces the importance of punctuality and commitment. For associate degree students, a capstone internship provides a final, comprehensive evaluation of their readiness for the professional equine world. Enrollment is limited to ensure individualized instruction.
Lamar Community College’s Horse Training & Management Program annually works with approximately 90 two-year-old colts for green breaking and an additional 30 horses for advanced training, sourced from breeders across several states. Breeders interested in participating in this program can contact the HTM instructor for more information.
