Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management (BBRM), Equine Management

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the admission requirements for the program? Grade 12U English and Biology along with four other U- or M-level courses. 12U Chemistry and 12U or M Math and are strongly recommended. Students deficient in Grade 12 chemistry will be required to complete upgrading prior to the second year of the BBRM program (available through distance education or correspondence). 2. How do I apply to the program? Applications are through the Ontario University Applications Centre (OUAC). You can register on-line at www.OUAC.com The program code for the BBRM Equine Management degree is GHG

An applicant applying as a mature student into BBRM, Equine Management, would be required to have completed 12U English, 12U Biology and one other 12U or M course. As well, all mature students must be 21 years of age, out of full-time high school for a minimum of 2 years and not have previously attended college or university. Mature students will need to meet the same cut off average as high school students for the year they are applying.

Experience with horses is not required, but a genuine interest in horses is advantageous. Students entering with little or no background experience will learn the basics of handling and horse care in the Horse Care Practicum courses in semesters one and two.

Currently no advanced standing will be granted into the BBRM program. Students possessing their Pony Club A rating, Equine Canada Rider Level 8 or equivalent will be waived out of the Horse Care Practicum courses.

25 students are accepted each year.

First round of admission offers go out in February. Offers will continue to be sent to qualified applicants until mid May or until the program is full.

The BBRM equine management degree program is not a riding program. However, a limited number of spots will be reserved for BBRM students wishing to take the Coaching and Horsemanship Certificate program. This program offers students 3 riding lessons and one theory lesson/week in preparation for taking the Equine Canada Instructor or Coaching level exams. For those students who do not have their own horse, they may participate in the Riding Certificate, which offers 2 riding lessons and one coaching lesson/week. These programs require additional time and expense above the degree program.

Once you have accepted an offer to the BBRM Equine Management program, information on these add-on certificates will be mailed directly to you, including an application form. Fill out the application form and return it to Kemptville Campus with your deposit. All applicant names will be placed in a pool, and a lottery will be held in July to award spaces in the certificate programs. You will be notified in late July of your status in the certificate programs.

Students not in the Coaching and Horsemanship or Riding Certificate programs may board their horse at the Kemptville Campus Equine Facility at the discretion of the Equine faculty. There are also a number of local stables nearby for those students who wish to board.

(semesters 1-4 offered at the Kemptville Campus)

Semester 1 – Fall
BIOL*1030     (0.50)   Biology I
SOIL*2010     (0.50)   Soil Science
ENVM*1090   (0.50)   Occupational Health and Safety
EQN*1100      (0.50)   Introduction to Equine Industry Trends and Issues
EQN*1060      (0.50)   Equine Event Management I
EQN*1020      (0.00)   Horse Care Practicum I

Semester 2 – Winter
AGR*1050      (0.50)   Communication Skills
BIOL*1040     (0.50)   Biology II
CIS*1000        (0.50)   Introduction to Computer Applications
EQN*1040      (0.50)   Equine Facility Management and Design
EQN*1070      (0.50)   Equine Event Management II
EQN*1030      (0.00)   Horse Care Practicum II

Semester 3 – Fall
CHEM*1040   (0.50)   General Chemistry I
ECON*1050   (0.50)   Introductory Microeconomics
EQN*2040      (0.50)   Equine Anatomy and Physiology
AGR*2030      (0.50)   Pasture Management
EQN*2020      (0.50)   Equine Management

Semester 4 - Winter
AGEC*1100    (0.50)   Introduction to Business
AGR*2100      (0.50)   Human Resource Management
BUS*2220       (0.50)   Financial Accounting
EQN*2200      (0.50)   Equine Industry Trends and Issues I
EQN*2050      (0.50)   Introduction to Equine Nutrition

(Semesters 5-8 offered at the Guelph Campus)

Semester 5 – Fall
AGR*3500      (0.50)   Experential Education
MCS*1000      (0.50)   Intro Marketing
AGR*2350      (0.50)   Animal Production Systems and Industry
SOIL*4090     (0.50)   Soil Management
or
SOIL*3080     (0.50)   Soil and Water Conservation

0.50 credits in elective courses

Semester 6 - Winter
STAT*2060     (0.50)   Statistics for Business Decisions
SOIL*3000     (0.50)   Environmental Issues in Agriculture and Landscape Management
ANSC*3150   (0.50)   Principles of Farm Animal Care and Welfare
EQN*3050      (0.50)   Equine Exercise Physiology

0.50 credits in elective courses

Semester 7 - Fall
AGEC*3310    (0.50)   Operations Management
EQN*4020      (0.50)   Feeding the Performance Horse

1.50 credits in elective courses

Semester 8 - Winter
AGR*4500      (0.50)   Agri-Food Problem Solving
EQM*4400     (0.50)   Equine Industry Trends and Issues II

1.50 credits in elective courses


Credits in elective courses

Students must take a sufficient number of 3000 or 4000 level courses in their elective credits to meet the requirements for graduation.

During the first 4 semesters at the Kemptville Campus, the equine courses will have opportunity for a hands-on component either through lectures or labs. An internship (experiential education) is required between semesters 4 and 5. The last two years of study at the Guelph campus will have some hands-on opportunities in the equine courses.

Some courses are offered as distance education courses through the Office of Open Learning. These courses include CIS*1000, STAT*2060, CHEM*1060 (prerequisite for CHEM*1040), BUS*2220, SOIL*2010, SOIL*3080, SOIL*3300.

Graduates will possess practical and theoretical knowledge enabling them to understand and analyze numerate scientific data to incorporate appropriate management techniques into an equine operation. Knowledge is coupled with competency in written and oral communication skills for effective leadership and problem-solving. Equal career options for both men and women include the following:

Farm owner – successful farm owners need the technical knowledge coupled with practical competence to make sound business decisions and provide customers with high-quality products in an environmentally-friendly manner

Barn manager – assumes a high level of responsibility to ensure safe, profitable and efficient running of a business with high standards of equine welfare.

Assistant barn manager – responsible for daily decision-making in a safe environment.

Riding instructor, coach – good communication skills impart knowledge from teacher to student not only of riding skills but good management skills in overseeing the well-being of the horses.

Professional rider – knowledge of what the horse as an athlete needs to function at their peak and how successful riders can market themselves.

Judge, steward, course designer – show officials can design optimal testing conditions through the understanding of equine physiological limitations.

Horse racing management – keeping horses in their top physiological form from a sound scientific basis increases opportunity for profit.

Equine-assisted therapy – many opportunities exist in this field from therapeutic riding to corporate team-building retreats.

Veterinary assistant – scientific understanding of biological functions is a great asset to a veterinarian

Breeding farm manager – requires careful management skills including record-keeping

Event manager – a high level of managerial and marketing skills with the ability to delegate and oversee personnel.

Nutrition consultant, sales – helping customers make sound choices about equine diets.

Retail sales in tack and equipment – business and marketing skills to understand customer needs and cultivate customer loyalty.

Equine sales and marketing – from feed companies to tack shops to horse and pharmaceutical sales. Requires a good understanding of customers needs backed with solid business skills.

Agriculture extension services – local, regional or national organizations catering to youth or adult community learning.

Administration – organizational and business skills in equine associations, humane organizations, and representatives of breed associations.

College lecturer – a university degree with the ability to interpret information and impart to others qualifies for teaching at the college/university level. 

Consultant and technical advisor – helping clients deal with technical problems and advise on the development of farm business requires good communication skills and an innovative outlook.

Media relations – combining knowledge of current affairs with editorial production assists in boosting the profile of the equine industry.

Assistant researcher – keeping industry up-to-date on current and evolving technology.

Service industries – equine studies background complements such services as insurance brokers, tourism, illustration, photography, auctioneer, and equine appraisal.

Yes, an internship is required between semesters 4 and 5. This internship gives students the opportunity to work in the industry, to put their skills to use and to network with industry professionals. Assistance is available to direct students in finding a suitable internship placement. Internship experiences are discussed in the follow-up course AGR*3500 in semester 5.

This program is not intended to prepare students for admission into the veterinary program. Please refer to the admission page on the OVC website for information on admission requirements for the veterinary program at Guelph.

Tuition for 2007-08 is $2186/semester plus student fees

At Kemptville Campus:
Katrina Merkies
(613) 258-8336 x61316
kmerkies@kemptvillec.uoguelph.ca

At Guelph Campus:
Melinda Vanryn
(519) 824-4120 x54549
mavanryn@uoguelph.ca