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
Celebrating its Past, Planning its Future: Otterbein’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science Turns 15
News - March 5, 2025
As Otterbein’s Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science celebrates 15 years of excellence, it already is preparing for the future. Funds from a campaign that kicked off with a gala in September 2024 are poised to support the facility and the academic and riding programs that call it home. Otterbein’s equine community came together in September to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science. The 2024 Equine Gala was an inspirational evening that…
Otterbein Equestrian Team Competition Schedule 2024 – 25
News - October 25, 2024
IDA October 5, 2024 @ Miami University IDA October 26, 2024 Otterbein HOME SHOW IDA November 2 & 3, 2024 @ Lake Erie College IHSA November 2 & 3, 2024 Regional Show @ OSU IHSA November 16 & 17, 2024 Otterbein HOME SHOW IHSA February 1 & 2, 2025 @ OU IDA February 8 & 9, 2025 Otterbein HOME SHOW IHSA February 15 & 16, 2025 @ OSU IDA February 23, 2025 @ University of Findlay IHSA February 28, 2025 Regionals @…
Equine Science Professor Reflects on Competing in Two Olympic Games
News - July 26, 2024
Associate Professor Bruce Mandeville competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, two World Championships (1994 and 2002), and two Pan American Games (1999 and 2003) as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team. He is an accomplished coach and dressage horse trainer. He has coached students in the North American Young Riders Championship (NAYRC) to a gold and bronze medal. At Otterbein, he teaches equine business management courses, including sustainable practices, equine center design, and equine law,…
Otterbein Dressage Team is Reserve National Champion; Hunt Seat Finishes Seventh in Nation
News - June 5, 2024
Otterbein University’s equine teams continue to dominate on the national stage, wrapping up their respective seasons with strong finishes. Students of any major are welcome to ride and compete on Otterbein’s equine teams. Otterbein Dressage Team is 2024 Reserve Champion The Otterbein Dressage Team won its region to qualify for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) national championships, where it was the defending three-time champion. Facing fierce competition, Otterbein’s riders gave impressive performances across the board, and the Otterbein University Dressage…
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
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