B.A. in Equine Business Management
Otterbein’s equine business management major offers a rigorous, horse-centered curriculum paired with strong business preparation. The program goes beyond the barn to teach students how to navigate the financial, organizational, and leadership aspects of the industry. With a balance of hands-on equine training and real-world business skills, you will gain the confidence to manage both horses and people effectively.
At Otterbein, you are encouraged to expand your perspective on the equine industry. More than riding or care, the program helps you discover how your passion for horses can lead to an exciting and competitive career. Through expert faculty guidance and practical experiences, you’ll learn how to connect your love for animals with opportunities in the growing $112 billion equine industry.
Graduates of the equine business management program make their mark across nearly every corner of the equine world. Many manage farms, ranches, or competition facilities, while others run breeding operations, organize large-scale horse shows, or develop impactful therapeutic riding programs. Creative graduates often pursue careers as equine journalists, marketers, clinicians, or even artists and photographers who bring the spirit of the horse to wider audiences.
For those drawn to business and policy, career options include becoming specialized insurance agents, lobbyists advocating for agriculture and equine initiatives, or auctioneers leading high-stakes sales. Others thrive in roles such as advertising sales managers, bloodstock agents, or distributors of equine products. International opportunities also abound, with graduates serving as tour guides, industry instructors, or racetrack professionals. Some continue into academia as professors or youth directors, while others step into leadership roles as competition facility managers, program coordinators, or equine therapy counselors.
No matter where your interests lead you, Otterbein provides the foundation to turn your passion for horses into a rewarding, future-focused career. With comprehensive training, business expertise, and a global perspective, you’ll graduate ready to step confidently into the diverse and competitive equine industry.
Possible careers
- Facility Operator, Farm/Ranch Manager
- Specialized Insurance Agent
- County Agriculture Agent
- Lobbyist
- Equine Journalist, Writer or Publisher
- Administrator of Sport Disciplines and Breed Organizations
- Racetrack Industry Participant
- Bloodstock Agent
- College Instructor
- Auctioneer
- Farrier
- Breeding Manager
- International Horse Tour Guide
- Competition Facility Manager
- Youth Director
- Equine-Assisted Services: Director, Therapist, Adaptive Riding Instructor, Volunteer Coordinator, Grants Officer
- Program Coordinator
- Horse Show Event Manager
- Advertising Sales Manager
- Equestrian Artist, Photographer
- Equine Industry Marketer
- Equestrian Clinician
- Distributor of Horses and Horse-Related Products
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| 1a. Students will construct a concept/knowledge map at the beginning of the semester and again after the experiential event management segment. |
Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Inquisitive |
| 2a. Students will identify, discuss, and form coherent arguments on current ethical issues affecting the horse in society. |
Engaged, Responsible, Inquisitive |
| 2b. Students will develop internships and service learning projects which enhance participation with and appreciation for the many facets of the equine industry. |
Engaged, Inquisitive |
| 3a. Students will construct a business plan and develop a marketing strategy which they will present to business leaders in the equine industry. |
Multi-literate, Engaged, Inquisitive |
| 3b. Students will develop a working knowledge of equine law through debate, case study, and practical application. |
Knowledgeable |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
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