Equine Studies

Turning Passion into a Profession

Located on the beautiful 86-acre George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center, just a short drive from LEC’s main campus, the School of Equine Studies has a long history of educating skilled, knowledgeable equine professionals. Our curriculum blends rigorous academics with hands-on learning, and every one of our five Equine Studies majors is intentionally designed to prepare you for success in this unique, multi-billion-dollar industry. You’ll study equine anatomy and physiology, health, and nutrition, supported by coursework in business, management, and marketing. Small class sizes and close relationships with faculty allow students to collaborate and create individualized paths toward their goals.

At EQ, students have extensive riding opportunities through academic classes, private lessons, and intercollegiate riding teams—supported by our diverse herd of school horses. Many of our horses enjoyed successful careers before joining us and now serve as our most valued teachers. Students also have the chance to compete on our horses throughout the year in both rated and schooling shows across multiple disciplines.

Our faculty brings experience from all corners of the equine industry, including veterinary practice, nationally rated judging, large-scale facility management, PATH International certification, and professional training programs. They draw on this deep expertise to teach the skills essential for long-term success in the horse world. Faculty remain closely involved in every stage of a student’s development, offering guidance and support through networking, internships, and work-study opportunities. This diverse foundation helps students develop the adaptability and confidence that employers value.

Join us and learn how to turn your love of horses into a fulfilling and successful career.

Program History

Lake Erie College’s equestrian legacy began in 1928 and became nationally recognized under the leadership of Laddie G. Andahazy, who founded the first four-year equine degree program in the U.S. in 1955. A respected AHSA judge and founder of the Cleveland Grand Prix, Andahazy’s influence shaped collegiate equine education across the nation.

The opening of the Humphrey Center in 1971 marked a new era, and today the School of Equine Studies continues this tradition of excellence through innovative academics, elite competition, and individualized student mentorship.

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Majors & Academic Pathways

Equine Business Administration

A comprehensive blend of business and equine sciences, preparing students for management and leadership roles across the industry. Coursework includes accounting, marketing, personnel management, equine health, nutrition, and lameness evaluation.

Equine Facility Management

Designed for students pursuing careers in facility operations, including boarding barns, training centers, competition stables, and show venues. Emphasis on equine care, client communication, business operations, and staff management.

Equine Pre-Veterinary Science

A rigorous academic track in biology, chemistry, and equine science with extensive hands-on animal experience. This program prepares students to craft competitive veterinary school applications.

Equestrian Teacher/Trainer — English Riding

A riding-intensive major preparing students for careers as instructors, trainers, and facility managers within the hunter, jumper, and dressage disciplines. Students may complete the USHJA Instructor Certification through an annual on-campus clinic.

Equine Therapeutic Horsemanship

A multidisciplinary program with two tracks:

Administrator Track: For careers in equine-assisted service management.
Instructor Track: Prepares students for PATH Intl. Instructor Certification with extensive hands-on practice at LEC’s accredited center.

Minors & Concentrations

Equine Studies Minor

Enhances other majors—such as biology, education, marketing, and communication—with equine science and horsemanship.

Riding Instructor Concentration

Focus on teaching methods, rider assessment, kinesiology, and progressive skill development.

Equine Fitness Management & Rehabilitation Concentration

Students learn modern modalities for maintaining and rehabilitating equine athletes and graduate with professional certification in equine sports massage and myofascial release.

Therapeutic Horsemanship Concentration

Combines coursework and a 50-hour internship, preparing students to teach riders with disabilities.

Internships

Students have completed internships at some of the most respected barns and organizations in the world, including:

Havensafe Farm, Wellington, FL (Betsy Juliano/Adrienne Lyle)
Windurra, USA, PA (Boyd Martin)
Stal Steeghs B, Holland (John Steeghs)
Santa Hill Ranch, Campbell Hall, NY (AQHA/APHA Reining training and breeding)
Calumet Farm, Lexington, KY (World Famous TB Farm)
Mullender & Wylde Horse, Inc., NY & Wellington, FL (Peter Wylde)
Maplewood Stables, Nevada (Julie Winkel)
Johnson Horses, Germany (Desiree Johnson)
Raven Ridge Farm, Wellington, FL (Kim & Andy Barone)
Heritage Farm, NY & Wellington, FL (Andre Dignelli)
French Horse Exports, Normandy, France (Katherine McMahon)
River Mountain Farm, Lexington, KY (Elaine Schott)
KESMARC, Lexington, KY (Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation)
WinStar, Lexington, KY (World Famous TB Farm)
Coolmore Farm, Australia (World Famous TB Farm)
Lane’s End, Lexington KY (World Famous TB Farm)
HITS, Inc, Saugarties, NY (Horse Show Management)

Scholarship links (Talent, STEMM, Merit) and a Talent Scholarship inquiry form can be added to this section.

Employment Outcomes

Our graduates succeed across the equine industry as trainers, assistant managers, riders, program directors, marketing specialists, therapeutic instructors, and more. Employers include:

Freedom Farm, VA - Assistant Trainer/Rider
Tibri Sporthorses, RI - Assistant Trainer/Rider
Equestrian Sport Productions, Wellington, FL & Tryon, NC
Chagrin Saddlery, Chagrin Falls, OH - Manager
DiCorti Bush Equestrian, California - Owner/Head Trainer
Roberts Stables, Wilmington, OH - Assistant Trainer
Maple Crest Stables, Lexington, KY - Assistant Manager
River Mountain Stables, Lexington, KY - Assistant Trainer/Rider
Schneider Saddlery, Chagrin Falls, OH - Marketing
Legacy Equestrian, Denver, CO - Owner/Head Trainer
The United States Pony Club, Lexington, KY - Marketing and Instruction Coordinator
Dream Away Stables, LLC, OH- Owner and Trainer
Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Newbury, OH- Program Director
Gold Horse Media, OH- Owner
Red Oak Camp, Kirtland, OH- Head Riding Instructor, Stable Manager
Cleveland Equine Clinic, LLC, OH- Veterinary Assistant

View Curriculum

Supporting the Next Generation

Lake Erie College relies on the generous donation of exceptional horses to support riding classes, competition teams, and therapeutic programs. We accept horses generally up to 18 years of age, and all potential horses will be assessed based on soundness and program needs.

Donation Process

Part 1: Submission
Send the Donation Prospect Fact Sheet and videos to kminks@lec.edu or mail/fax to the addresses provided. Faculty will review all submissions.

Part 2: Three-Week Trial
Approved horses visit campus for a structured trial with evaluation by veterinarians, farriers, faculty, and teaching staff.

Part 3: Final Donation
Donors submit IRS Form 8283, ownership transfer documents, and (if applicable) appraisals and registration papers. LEC provides all acknowledgment letters and signed IRS documentation.

Questions? Contact Kelsea Minks at kminks@lec.edu or 440-375-8020.

Lake Erie College is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donors are encouraged to consult tax professionals regarding charitable benefits.

Donate a Horse

George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center

One of the most comprehensive collegiate equestrian centers in the country:

86-acre complex
PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center
100' x 200' main indoor arena (500-seat bleachers)
70' x 120' warm-up indoor
238' x 76' indoor arena (new in 2020)
Two outdoor rings
Hunt field & trails
50–60 school horses, including derby mounts, FEI schoolmasters, western specialists, and young horses
Student boarding available
Expanded and updated pastures (2025)

More Information

Ride. Compete. Excel.

At Lake Erie College, riding isn’t just part of the curriculum—it’s part of who we are. More than half of our equine students participate in team riding, alongside majors from across campus. Whether you’re stepping into the ring for the first time or chasing a national title, all LEC students are welcome to ride, compete, and grow with us.

Lake Erie College proudly competes in both the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA). With a strong tradition of excellence, our riders consistently excel at regional, zone, and national levels—including multiple national titles across all disciplines in 2024. Many athletes ride on more than one team, developing into confident, versatile horsemen and horsewomen.

Team tryouts are held during the first 2-3 weeks of the fall semester. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Kelsea Minks at kminks@lec.edu.

IHSA HUNT SEAT TEAM

Zone 6 • Region 1

Our Hunt Seat team is a powerhouse, fielding riders from Walk/Trot through Open and sending athletes to regional, zone, and national championships every year. Training emphasizes strong fundamentals, competitive focus, and the camaraderie that sets LEC apart. Riders grow their skills on a diverse herd of seasoned horses and form lasting friendships rooted in teamwork and excellence.

Head Coach: Allie Pelz
Assistant Coach: Stefanie Veselko, EQ Graduate Assistant

IHSA WESTERN TEAM

Zone 6 • Region 1

Small, determined, and fiercely competitive—the Western team continues to rise in depth and recognition. Open to both experienced riders and those new to the discipline, Western athletes bring grit, determination, and consistency to every practice and show. Riders regularly advance to regional and national competitions, representing LEC with pride.

Head Coach: Chelsea Nau
Assistant Coach: Kelsea Minks

**IHSA Western hosts an annual open fundraiser show for the public.

IDA DRESSAGE TEAM

Region D

Known for excellence both in the ring and in the classroom, our Dressage team trains riders from Walk/Trot through First Level. Athletes regularly earn top placings at recognized competitions and many pursue their USDF Rider Medals using LEC’s exceptional school horses. With disciplined training and individualized coaching, Dressage riders thrive academically and athletically.

Head Coach: Melissa Borror
Assistant Coach: Madelyn Rennecker, EQ Graduate Assistant

**IDA hosts a yearly dressage fundraiser show open to the public.