Equine Studies
The Equine Studies Department at UMW offers the only Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Horsemanship in the U.S., with options in equine management, psychology, science, and instruction.
Experience One engages students and faculty in actively exploring the knowledge, purposes, and practices in every field of study.
The Equine Studies Department of the University of Montana Western is the perfect opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive equine education and pursue a career in any facet of the equine industry. The program combines the art of Natural Horsemanship with practical instruction covering equine behavior and equine science. Students can incorporate this knowledge into equine management and care. Students in the Equine Studies Department will graduate with a skillset that will set them up for success in any avenue of the equine industry.
Along with practical equine knowledge, students will develop valuable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility.
We offer four option areas, allowing students to easily tailor their education to their individual interests and career goals:
- Management
- Instruction
- Science
- Psychology
View our course offerings here.
The balance between a Natural Horsemanship and Equine Studies education creates the foundation for an equine professional that can adapt to any opportunity in the equine industry.
Experiential education is practiced daily in the Natural Horsemanship skills classes. Students bring their horse to class, learn in the arena, have one-on-one time with instructors, and receive full access to the state of the art-facility at the Montana Center for Horsemanship.
The skills that are learned in the arena are based on the La Cense Method of Horsemanship developed by William Kriegel. The La Cense Method is a progressive, step-by-step process that blends the best of traditional horsemanship training with the art of training and riding horses—all in a manner that works with a horse’s behavior, instincts, and personality. Taking a positive and respectful approach, the La Cense Method gradually builds trusting and confident horses.
To be successful in this program, students will need to be dedicated to learning and passionate about horses. This program builds equine professionals that want to be lifelong learners and make an impact on the equine industry. Students not only will be encouraged to reach their academic goals, but also their life aspirations.
Students that graduate with a degree in Natural Horsemanship have careers in:
- Horse Training
- Riding Instruction
- Veterinary Medicine (assistant, technician, doctor)
- Equine Reproduction
- Equine Nutrition
- Equine Rehabilitation
- Barn Management
- Marketing and Sales
- Facility Management
- Show and Event Management
- Representatives of equine and breed associations
- Regulatory bodies within equine industry
We’re always happy to visit, answer questions, or help you explore the program opportunities. We offer campus visits and personalized program tours for interested students and their families.
To see students in action, please visit our Colt Challenge and Sale and Montana Center for Horsemanship pages.
Natural Horsemanship majors must be admitted to the university and apply to the program.
To apply to the University of Montana Western and begin your journey with Natural Horsemanship, visit our Admissions webpage today or call (877) 683-7331.
Faculty Feature
PROFESSOR
Iola Else, M.S.
Iola “Olie,” Else has been involved with the Equine and Natural Horsemanship Program since its inception and first classes in 2000. Olie is the campus liaison for the Montana Center for Horsemanship and La Cense Montana. Else meets with new recruits and is the primary advisor for Natural Horsemanship students.
INSTRUCTOR
Robert Chesterfield
Robert Chesterfield has been an instructor at La Cense Montana and taught natural horsemanship classes at Montana Western since 2016. As a graduate of the program, Robert is able to understand the student’s perspective, with the ability to explain concepts in a way students can truly comprehend.
HEAD INSTRUCTOR
Eric Hoffman, M.S.
Eric Hoffmann is the head instructor at La Cense Montana. He has taught the natural horsemanship classes at Montana Western since 2008. As a student of Hoffmann’s you will gain the confidence and knowledge that will give you readiness for a future career in the equine industry.
What Equine Studies Students Have to Say
“The NH program is special because we are learning information that we can take from the classroom and apply it directly to our horses.”
-Taylor Peck, B.S. Natural Horsemanship – Management Option
“No one does it like the NH program. It works really well with the Block schedule and starts from the literal ground up. No matter your background, you WILL learn something.”
-Keelyn Hall, B.S. Natural Horsemanship – Science Option
“The small class sizes and the one-on-one help that you get from the instructors makes this program so unique. You truly have limitless support and guidance throughout the program.”
-Maddalena Hylton, B.S. Natural Horsemanship – Instruction Option
“The Montana Center for Horsemanship is special because you’re able to bring your horse and utilize the facility shared by instructors and students. The facility provides great care and shelter for our horses.”
-Gaby Timmons, B.S. Natural Horsemanship – Instruction Option
Contact Information
Equine Studies
Location
Business & Technology Building 218/Montana Center for Horsemanship