Through this program, you will learn foundational knowledge and skills of equine behaviour and handling, management of horses and horse herds, how to respond when first aid is required and how to communicate effectively within the equine industry.
For those interested in riding, you will have the opportunity to select riding courses for your electives. Should you wish to participate in the riding component, you will be required to bring your own horse(s) and are responsible for their care on-campus. Further, you would be responsible for all applicable horse boarding expenses.
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Equine Care & Management.
You will have the option to participate in a work-integrated learning (WIL) placement to gain practical experience while developing your skills in equine care and management. Students are responsible for finding their own WIL placement.
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from International Applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency.
Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has developed agreements with other educational institutions to allow for transition to Olds College, or to another institution to continue your education. Articulations & Agreements
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Books & Supplies | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $6,400.00 | $1,600.00 | $1,000.00 | $9,000.00 |
Olds College offers two residence options — Centennial Village and College Courts. Students living on campus are required to choose a meal plan. Housing and meal plan costs are based on the full academic year (September to April), but students in single-term programs will only pay for the corresponding term.
For more details, visit Dining at Olds College and Campus Housing.
For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.
Academic Calendar: Equine Care and Management
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology offers over 450 awards, valued at $500,000+ in scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Thanks to our industry partners, alumni, and friends of Olds College we are fortunate to offer a generous student awards program to students.
For additional information on scholarships, bursaries and prizes at Olds College, visit Scholarships & Awards
For information on how to apply for government student loans, financial aid or for help with financial planning, visit our Student Funding page.
Entrance awards range from $250 - $1,500 for students applying for the upcoming academic year and have paid the tuition deposit by the deadline.
Awards are selected randomly from those that have applied and qualify based on the criteria.
Award will be applied as a tuition credit to the student's account after the add/drop course deadline, confirming full-time attendance.
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation for working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
It is necessary that you come to Olds College with the following technology:
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:
All Students: Equine Supplies for Mandatory Courses
Supplies for Horsemanship Under Saddle I & II
*Additional items may be required by the instructor based on individual needs of the horse or rider for safety purposes.
Information on other required textbooks and any further supplies will be provided as you attend each class. All books and supplies will be available during the first few weeks of classes in the College Campus Store.
Time Requirements: Significant time requirements will be needed to fully develop the skills needed to complete the program in a way to ensure that you are best prepared for a career following your studies. Be prepared for long days as some destinations are a significant distance. Students will need to take advantage of unscheduled time and open Lab/Practice times to master their skills. It is recommended that you devote your time here towards your program.
Dress Code: You will be required to be outside during inclement weather and need to be dressed appropriately. We expect all students in the program to dress as equine industry professionals, especially when on field trips.
Fitness: This is a physically demanding program and career choice, you need to come prepared for the physical demands of the program. Prepare by stretching, walking, running, and improving your upper body, lower body and core strength in the months before you come to college. Once here, you will be able to access personal trainers through the CLC Fitness Centre.Also ensure to work on grip strength and labour to develop calluses on your hands.
Horse Handling Skills - This program requires you to have significant horse handling skills. You will need to be able to confidently work around horses.
Connect directly with the recruitment team at Olds College to get personalized support as you explore your pathway to post-secondary study. Whether you have questions about programs, admission requirements, campus life or next steps in your application journey, our recruitment specialists are here to help you make informed decisions and plan with confidence.
Yes. You can complete the theory and non-riding courses without owning a horse. The riding elective and horse‑boarding option are only required if you choose the riding courses.
The field placement is 6–8 weeks (about 200 hours) in an equine facility — such as a stable, breeding operation, or horse care business. Olds College provides guidance and supports students in finding a suitable placement through its industry contacts, but students are ultimately responsible for arranging their placement.
Yes — costs include books and supplies, and if you take riding electives, you must supply and board your own horse. Also, living expenses, horse‑boarding fees, and any additional course‑specific fees should be budgeted.
Graduates can pursue roles such as stable manager, herd assistant, riding facility staff, horse care attendant, equine care support, or work in breeding or training operations.
No — the program is designed to give foundational skills in horse care, handling, behaviour, health, and management. Prior experience is helpful but not required.
Applications for 2027-28 open Oct. 1, 2026, 9 a.m.
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