4/7/2010 - Judson only college in state to now offer an Equine Studies major

Judson first college in the state to offer a major in Equine Studies 
By Michael J. Brooks

Judson College's much anticipated equine studies major is on track to begin in the fall semester.

"This major will offer students a package that includes a slice of several departments across campus," said equine director Jennifer Hoggle. "There will be courses in biology, psychology and business so the major will be truly interdisciplinary."

 Hoggle explained that the major will equip students to work in any number of fields, some of which seem not to be that closely related to the equine industry, including accounting, real estate, insurance and journalism.

"That's the beauty of this major," she said. "Our students will get acquainted with a number of disciplines and develop expertise in several areas."

Hoggle, who became Judson's equine director in 1996, said the new major is a long-anticipated program that required at least two years of concerted effort to establish.

"We had an equine advisory committee made up of myself and our adjuncts, professors from each of the three major disciplines and the dean," she said. "The president encouraged us in this. We met a good many times and I'm very pleased with the end result."

Hoggle said that a new course for the fall, "Introduction to Equine Studies," will introduce students to all aspects of the industry, and other courses will be strengthened, such as "Equine Disease Management" and "Equine Nutrition." These latter two courses are taught by Marion veterinarian, Dr. Doug Halbrooks.

Hoggle said adjunct instructor Janice Williams will increase her hours at the college with the new major.

New courses in therapeutic riding will be offered as well in the upcoming academic year. Both Hoggle and Williams earned certification last fall with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

"Our NARHA training will help us to offer courses that will fulfill the commitment of the college to service-learning," Hoggle said.

Hoggle said another service-learning project that has been successful is "Animal Partnership" offered during the college's short term in May and June. Part of this course includes visiting local nursing homes and allowing students, horses and residents to interact. 

 Judson trustees recently approved phase two of the college's new equine facility. A 30-stall barn with classrooms is expected to be ready by late summer and will be located adjacent to the new riding arena that was completed two years ago.

"The new barn will be instrumental in the success of the equine studies major," Hoggle said. "We eagerly await groundbreaking!

These will be first-class facilities, and we'll also have room to board horses again that our students bring with them to campus."

*Article courtesy of the Judson College Public Relations Department.

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