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Equine Care & Management Certificate

Equine Care

Turn your passion for horses into an exciting and rewarding career in the equine sector.

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.

Work-Integrated Learning

You will be required to complete a Directed Field Study industry placement to gain practical experience, while developing your skills in equine care and management.

Credentials

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

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.

  • Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.

    Tuition, Fees & Payments

    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.

    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. Not all that apply will receive an entrance award.

    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.

  • For course descriptions and requisites, view the Academic Calendar.

    Academic Calendar

    Term 1
    • Complete all of the following
      • Completed the following:
        • EQN1005 - Equine Terminology
        • EQN1015 - Equine Behaviour and Handling
        • EQN1025 - Introduction to Careers in the Equine Industry
        • EQN2015 - Equine Husbandry and Facility Design
      • Completed at least 1 of the following:
        • ACT1000 - Recordkeeping
        • AHT1050 - Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
        • EQN2413 - Reproductive Fundamentals
        • EQN2414 - Maximizing Fertility in the Mare and Stallion
        • EQN2401 - Breeding Management
        • EQN2402 - Foaling & Foal Management
        • EQN1016 - Western Riding I
        • EQN1017 - English Riding I
    Term 2
    • Complete all of the following
      • Completed the following:
        • EQN1035 - Fundamentals of Equine Health
        • EQN1105 - Life Stages of the Horse
        • WIL1600 - Industry Field Placement
      • Completed at least 2 of the following:
        • ACT1000 - Recordkeeping
        • AHT1050 - Introduction to the Veterinary Profession
        • EQN2413 - Reproductive Fundamentals
        • EQN2414 - Maximizing Fertility in the Mare and Stallion
        • EQN2401 - Breeding Management
        • EQN2402 - Foaling & Foal Management
        • EQN2016 - Western Riding II
        • EQN2017 - English Riding II
        • EQN1150 - Maximizing Equine Performance
  • 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
    • Production firms
    • Sales firms
    • Veterinary clinics
    • Sport organizations
    • Agriculture event-based organizations 
    • Tourism operations
    • Professional services (e.g. insurance, law, etc)
    • Other support services (e.g. feed suppliers, equipment suppliers, etc)

    Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!

    ALIS Occupational Profiles

  • 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 Western Riding I & II (EQN1016 / EQN2016)

    • Western Riding Boots (smooth sole, no lace ups)
    • Riding Jeans and fitted shirt
    • Safety Approved Riding Helmet
    • Western Saddle and cinch
    • Saddle Pad
    • Headstall, Snaffle, and reins

    Supplies for English Riding I & II (EQN1017 / EQN2017)

    • Tall Leather Riding Boots or Half Chaps with Paddock Boots
    • Riding Breeches and Fitted Shirt
    • Safety Approved Black English Riding Helmet
    • Riding Gloves
    • Leather Saddle for Jumping and Flat Work with Girth
    • Leather Bridle, Snaffle, and Reins
    • Square Saddle Pad
    • Running Martingale and Stoppers
    • Dressage Whip and Jumping Bat
    • Full set Open Front or Brushing Boots

    *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.

Take the Next Step

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Program at a Glance

Length: One Year

Delivery Method: Blended

Program Intake: Fall

Applications Open: October

Program Status: Open

Horse Boarding Information

Olds College's horse boarding services are available to students and include hay, shavings, shelter and bedding.

Learn More