Overview
The Diploma in Equine Studies gives horse owners access to the expertise of a world-class veterinary college. Grounded in equine welfare, the program develops your ability to evaluate equine information using evidence-based practices that strengthen care and management decisions.
Core courses explore equine welfare, behaviour, nutrition, and environmental management, while elective options allow you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals in equine science, welfare, or business management. Graduates gain the skills to assess and improve management practices, apply fundamental standards of care, and confidently discuss horse health with veterinarians and other professionals.
With eight online courses to complete, this diploma delivers the comprehensive equine education you’re looking for.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completing of this program, you will be able to:
- Communicate effectively using appropriate business, horse care, and welfare terminology with peers, professionals, community members, and veterinarians
- Identify and apply the care requirements in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Horses to assess management practices
- Conduct research and analyze evidence-based resources and apply knowledge to improve care and management standards
- Interpret a horse's emotional state through physiological, physical, social, and behavioural cues, and identify practices affecting these states
- Evaluate trends and conditions affecting the sustainability of the equine industry from a nutritional standpoint and consider their implications for the future
- Analyze the horse industry's evolution and explore how practices impact the health and welfare of horses
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making to contribute to the sustainability of the equine industry
Careers
- Equine Business Manager
- Equine Journalist
- Riding Instructor
- Equine Management
- Equine Event Manager
- Barn Manager
- Barn Hand
Details
The program requires the completion of four required courses and four electives. Courses may be taken in any order. We recommend that you begin your studies with Management of the Equine Environment.
non-degree
Enrolment is on a course-by-course basis and there is no application required. This program is intended for adult learners who are at least 18 years of age or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. Course availability changes each semester. It is recommended you submit notification requests for each course in the program to be informed when registration opens. Course registration closes five days after the start of the semester. The courses are facilitated by an instructor and all students registered in the course progress through the course content at the same time.
Complete four required courses and four elective courses. Request your parchment through the SCS Student Portal once all requirements are met. If you currently hold the Equine Science Certificate, Equine Welfare Certificate or the Certificate in Equine Business Management offered at the University of Guelph please contact the School of Continuing Studies to clarify your certificate requirements. There are restrictions on counting courses in more than one certificate or diploma program and we want to be sure you plan your course of study to accommodate any restrictions.
You can take up to 5 years from the start of your first course to complete and receive the diploma.
The price per course is currently $625. Course prices are subject to change and are not guaranteed. The total cost of the program may vary depending on available discounts* and the length of time to completion.
*There are early bird and alumni tuition discounts available for this program.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information about this program, please contact our main office.
Sponsoring Partner
Note: Certificate and Diploma requirements have changed. Please refer to program transition page for more details.