Department of Equine Science
Learn by doing at Otterbein University.
The Department of Equine Science prides itself on experiential learning opportunities and individualized attention. Students are immersed in their own living laboratory and can expand their passion for horses into a competitive career path.
Students interested in riding have the opportunity to take lessons from our accomplished instructors and participate on our highly competitive equestrian teams. Our dressage team is the reigning three-time national champion team, and our hunt seat team consistently places at nationals.
This intensive horse centered curriculum expands your traditional thinking of the equine industry. Explore the multifaceted, 112-billion-dollar industry and take your equine passion beyond the barn. Our graduates are working at major equine organizations and companies, veterinary clinics, universities, and equine facilities across the nation.
Take a virtual tour of our beautiful facility and learn more about our majors and lessons in this video.
Follow our department and equestrian teams on social media!
Programs of Study in Equine Sciences
B.S.
Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies
B.S.
Equine Veterinary Technology
B.A.
Equine Business Management
Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Having the opportunity to conduct an independent project with the choice of an expert mentor was one of the reasons I initially chose Otterbein four years ago, as it is a unique and valuable experience. Instead of just learning the scientific method and processes of research in the classroom, I was able to execute them and investigate my own hypotheses.
Megan Leclerc ’20
Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies Major
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
With the assistance and support of the equine department’s faculty, I conducted a thesis project, completed the honors program, competed on the equestrian team, and held leadership roles in on-campus clubs throughout my college career; experiences that helped me build a strong veterinary school application. The academic knowledge and relationships I gained from this program not only helped me get accepted to my top choice veterinary school, but also helped me become more confident and mature as an individual.
Grace Simpson ’20
Now a graduate student at Colorado State College of Veterinary Medicine
Prior to becoming an Otterbein student, I had only a year of equine experience from volunteering at a horse rescue. Through this program, my confidence with working with horses has increased significantly while continuing my volunteer work.
Lindsey Payton ’23
Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies alum, student at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Is Equine Pre-Veterinary/Pre-Graduate Studies a good fit for you?
- No equine experience? Or, only interested in small animals? No problem! The hands-on experience at Otterbein will take you further then you ever imagined and is applicable across species.
- Don’t want to go to veterinary school? This major provides you with other options! You will have a strong background in the sciences and opportunities for student research, preparing you for graduate school and other careers.
- Experienced with horses? – Great! There’s always more to learn.
Situated on 70 acres in a pristine setting in the heart of Westerville, the Knowlton Center is only two miles from Otterbein’s main campus. Visit our state-of-the-art facilities to see why the Knowlton Center is recognized for “best practices” in equine management techniques.
No matter your experience or your goals — there’s a place for you here. You don’t have to be a major to ride with our nationally recognized team. In fact, about half of our team members are non-majors. You also don’t have to ride to be an equine major at Otterbein.
Mattie Boyd ’16
Biology major, equestrian team member, and now Inside Sales Manager at FarmVet
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Passion is the lifeblood of creativity and drive. Our program fuels students’ equine passion, with equine welfare taking center stage.
Bruce Mandeville, Associate Professor
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
The hands-on experience our students gain in the pre-veterinary courses is second to none.
Sheri Birmingham, Professor
Professor & Department Chair, Equine Science
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
I enjoy how faculty can work closely with students through hands-on courses, research, and travel opportunities.
Steffanie Burk, Associate Professor
Equine Sciences Department News
Horses Enjoy a Quiet Winter Break on Campus for the Holidays
News - December 19, 2025
Every winter, when Otterbein University students leave campus and return home for the holidays, the needs of the residents at the Knowlton Center for Equine Science continue uninterrupted. Horses require daily care regardless of the season, and at Otterbein, a dedicated team of professional barn staff ensures that each animal remains healthy, comfortable, and well-monitored throughout the winter months. The barn is home to a total of 50 horses during the academic year. Of these, 34 are owned by the University, while 16 are owned by students and faculty. Approximately six student-owned horses leave campus for winter break, while…
Otterbein Equestrian Team Competition Schedule 2025 – 26
News - October 6, 2025
IDA (Dressage) Schedule October 25-26, 2025 -Otterbein Home Show Nov 15-16, 2025 -Lake Erie Feb 7-8, 2026 - Otterbein Home Show Feb 22, 2026 - Findlay Feb 28-March 1, 2026, Hosting IEA Dressage at Otterbein March 7, 2026 - Lake Erie April 21-26.2026 NATIONALS for IEA/IDA St. Louis IHSA (Hunt Seat) Schedule November 1-2, 2025, Otterbein Home Show Nov 15-16, 2025, REGIONAL Show hosted at OU Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026, OU Feb 14-15, 2026, OSU March 6, 2026, - REGIONAL qualifying show at…
Otterbein’s Equine Teams Qualify for National Championships
News - April 17, 2025
Otterbein’s stellar equine teams have qualified to compete at both the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) national championship and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA). Students of any major are welcome to compete on the team. Dressage Team: The dressage team qualified to compete at the IDA national championship from April 24-27 in the National Equestrian Center in Lake St. Louis, MO. Dressage Team riders representing Otterbein at the IDA nationals are: Lydia Mckenzie, Sophomore, Nursing. Ella Damrauer, First-year, Equine Veterinary…
Contact Us
Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science
600 N. Spring Rd
Westerville, OH 43082
Administrative Assistant
Jane Kidder
614-823-3020
otterbeinequine@Otterbein.edu
Follow Equine Science
Note: Equine Science has multiple
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