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</strong
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 & Department Chair
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
New Veterinary Mentoring Program Expands Ties Between Otterbein and Ohio State
News - July 9, 2026
Otterbein University’s Department of Equine Science will be expanding its partnership with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine through the new Large Animal Rural Veterinary Mentoring Program (LARVMP). This program is part of Ohio State’s Protect One Health in Ohio (Protect OHIO) initiative, a statewide effort grounded in a One Health framework that integrates animal, human, and environmental health while strengthening the rural veterinary workforce. Qualified undergraduate students will benefit from mentorship and guidance that will prepare them for large animal…
Healing from Horses: Students Learn Skills in Equine Psychotherapy Course
News - June 15, 2026
By Drakko Harper ’26 Equine students are closing textbooks to head from the classroom to the barn. With alternative mental health approaches on the rise, Equine Science majors are doing hands-on work exploring how horses can help people process emotions, build trust, and gallop towards psychological wellness in EQSC 2400: Psychotherapy Incorporating Equines, taught by Instructor Erica Gaddie. Equine Instructor Erica Gaddie About the Course Offered within the Equine-Assisted Services minor, this three-credit course introduces students to equine-assisted psychotherapy, a…
Otterbein Equestrian Dressage Team and Hunt Seat Team Heading to National Competitions
News - April 8, 2026
Otterbein University congratulates its Equestrian Teams for an outstanding season! Both the Dressage Team and Hunt Seat Team have once again qualified for their respective national finals competition! This is at least the 12th consecutive year both teams have qualified for nationals. Otterbein will be represented in both the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) and the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) national arenas. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the strength, consistency, and excellence of our Equestrian Teams, lesson program, and the Otterbein Department of Equine Science. For those less familiar with collegiate equestrian sport, qualifying for nationals is no small…
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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