Equine Production and Management

Overview

The Equine Production and Management Certificate exposes the student to multiple facets of the Equine Industry. Our approach enables students to develop skills and knowledge that will allow them access to entry level positions in the diverse horse culture in the North Central Texas region as well as throughout Texas and the United States.

We focus on the scientific, economic and practical education of our students to ensure they are well rounded in their knowledge and skill base and combine that with hands-on experiential learning opportunities that make them valuable to potential employers. These skills are honed through the intensive internships that are completed in the spring semester.

Career Options

Due to the diversity of the Equine Industry in North Central Texas, demand is currently at an all time high for motivated individuals willing to work their way up the career ladder. Depending on the education level and experience of the individual, we are actively placing our certificate holders with the following:

• Farm and Ranch Caretakers
• Retail Industry Sales
• Training Facility Assistants
• Reproduction Technicians
• Facility Managers
• Summer Camp Horse Staff
• Grooms 
• Equine Veterinary Assistants

The current economic situation has us placing all of our certificate holders that wish to secure entry to mid-level positions within the Equine Industry. The Equine Production and Management Certificate has also proven to be a great beginning point for students wishing to transition into Agriculture transfer curriculum and continue their education at a 4 Year Institution once leaving Weatherford College. Approximately 50% of the completers of the Equine Production and Management Certificate enter the workforce immediately and the other 50% choose to continue their higher education.

 

Related Programs

• Associate of Arts & Associate of Science-Agricultural Emphasis
• Veterinary Technician A.A.S.

Transfer Options

The primary goal of this program is entry into the workforce. However, students completing the program gain confidence, study skills and maturity that scaffold well into the transfer programs designed to prepare our students for Agricultural Degrees at 4 year institutions.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available that are designated for Ag and Equine students specifically at Weatherford College. Applications are completed through the WC Foundation Scholarship process.

Fees / Costs

Equine Behavior and Training students will be assessed a $100 lab fee to cover costs associated with boarding and care of the horses.

Faculty

• Vance Christie
   
• Melinda Mayes

Students participating in the Equine Production and Management Certificate are encouraged to participate in the Weatherford College Ag Club/Collegiate FFA which participates in the Texas Junior College Agricultural Association Convention in the Spring and the Texas Collegiate FFA Convention each July.

Students with their own horses are sought after to participate in the Weatherford College Ranch Horse Team which competes in Collegiate Competitions that are held across Texas hosted by the Stock Horse Association of Texas.