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Equine Care & Management Certificate

Equine Care

What You'll Learn in the Equine Care & Management Certificate

Turn your passion for horses into an exciting and rewarding career in the equine sector, with the Equine Care & Management certificate program. 

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.

Jump to Program Details

Applications open on the first Wednesday of October

Our easy online application process guides you through each step, making it simple to apply and get started. Start preparing now, and be ready to apply!

Get started — learn how to apply today!

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate in Equine Care & Management.

Work-Integrated Learning

You will have the option to participate in a work-intergrated learning placement to gain practical experience, while developing your skills in equine care and management.

Career Outcomes

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:

  • Riding / stabling businesses
  • Training facilities
  • Breeding operations
  • Large-animal care services
  • Professional services (e.g. insurance, law, etc)
  • Other support services (e.g. feed suppliers, equipment suppliers, etc)

Ready to start your career?

Visit ALIS - Occupational Profiles to discover current wages, industry trends, and more about your future job.

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Program Details

    • 50% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
    • 50% or better in Math 20-1 or 20-2
    • 50% or better in one of Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Science 20
    • Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement 

    Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: 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.

    Transfer Options: 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

    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.

  • Estimated Tuition & Fees for Domestic Applicants

    Year Tuition Fees Books & Supplies Estimated Total
    Year 1 $5,889.30 $1,875.18 $1,000.00 $8,764.48
    • These fees are provided as estimates only based on the current academic year.
    • The estimate only includes tuition, mandatory fees and books & supplies.
    • Refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule for the most up to date information.
    • International students pay a differentiated tuition rate and should refer to the appropriate academic year Fee Schedule.

    Tuition, Fees & Payments


    Housing & Meal Plans

    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.

    Scholarships & Student Awards

    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 

    Student Funding

    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 Available!

    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.

  • Program Dates

    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.

    Class Registration

    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.

    Technology Recommendation

    It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technology with the following technology:

    • A laptop is preferred (Mac or PC)

    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:

    • Go to portal.office.com
    • Enter your Olds College email address and password
    • Once logged in, there is a button on the right that says “Install Office Apps”
    This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.

    Materials & Supplies

    The following items are required to be purchased prior to the start of your program:

    All Students: Equine Supplies for Mandatory Courses

    • Sturdy Leather Footwear

    Supplies for Horsemanship Under Saddle I & II

    • Riding jeans or breeches and fitted shirt
    • Riding boots (smooth sole, no lace ups)
    • Safety approved riding helmet
    • Western or english saddle and girth or cinch
    • Saddle pad
    • Headstall, snaffle and reins
    • Riding gloves
    • Leather bridle, snaffle and reins

    *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.

The Olds College Experience

Centennial Village at Olds College

Live on Campus!

Living on campus at Olds College offers the ultimate convenience, just a five-minute walk from all buildings. Enjoy a vibrant community, academic support, and exciting activities, all within reach. With cost-effective living, including furnished rooms and inclusive utilities, your campus life is hassle-free. 

Learn About Campus Housing

Centennial Village at Olds College

Athletics, Fitness & Recreation Opportunities

Our facilities provide practical options for staying active and healthy, featuring three gymnasiums, a racquetball/squash court, a 200-metre running track, and a range of workout equipment. Engage in intramural leagues or explore outdoor adventures with gear rentals through the Outdoor Centre. Whether you're pursuing athletic training, fitness classes, or competitive play, we have something for everyone. Embrace an active, healthy lifestyle with us at Olds College. 

Broncos Athletics CLC Fitness Centre

Centennial Village at Olds College

Learn from Industry-Leading Instructors

At Olds College, our faculty bring real-world experience and advanced expertise in fields like veterinary sciences, equine reproduction, horticulture, agricultural technology, and more. They’re passionate educators committed to delivering applied, hands-on learning that prepares students for careers in today’s evolving agri-food industry.

From award-winning instructors to recognized leaders in their fields, our faculty are at the heart of what makes an Olds College education exceptional.

Meet Our Faculty

Centennial Village at Olds College

Applications open on the first Wednesday of October!

Don’t miss your opportunity to join one of our high-demand programs. With limited seats and first-come, first-served admissions, applying early gives you the best chance to secure your spot. 

Domestic applicants pay an application fee of $90. International applicants pay an application fee of $160. Apply now using the online application portal. If you are applying online, this fee must be paid with a credit card.

Learn About the Application Process

Take the Next Step

Begin your career in agriculture, brewing, livestock, equestrian, horticulture, and related fields with one simple click.

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Program at a Glance

Length: One Year

Delivery Method: Blended

Program Intake: Fall Intake (Sept. start)

Applications Open: October

Program Status: Open

CIP Code: 01.0507

We're here for you!

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Student Success team is ready to help you navigate your academic journey and provide the support you need.

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Bringing Your Horse to Campus?

Olds College offers on-campus horse boarding exclusively for students, providing access to arenas, paddocks, and top-quality care facilities. Boarding includes hay, shavings, shelter, and bedding—everything your horse needs while you focus on your studies.

Horse Boarding Information