Equine Management Co-op Student Information
About The Program
Equine Management (EQM) at the University of Guelph is the only degree program of its kind in Canada. It develops leaders with a genuine regard for all horses and their well-being, a conscious concern for the environment, and a passionate interest in all aspects of the horse industry. The EQM program will provide you with a solid background in business, biological sciences and equine management through practical and theoretical experience. As an EQM student, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the economic, environmental and social dimensions of all equine disciplines with a broad and current knowledge of horse industry issues. EQM co-op students will build transferrable skills in work environments that will contribute to their work readiness and career prospects upon graduation.
Why Co-op?
As a co-op student, you will be able to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential transferable skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph’s co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided to students, including a job search preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and targeted work term reports to help you develop relevant skills.
Course Sequencing
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
Acquired Knowledge & Skills
Engagement
A solid foundation in business principles and ethics, with a focus on the environment and sustainability
Application
Understanding of biology, physiology and the behaviours and handling of horses
Sample Jobs
Equestrian Trainer
The successful candidate will assist in the care and maintenance of all farm horses, horse tack and equipment; exercise and train farm horses and perform riding demonstrations (including show jumping, dressage, driving and other equestrian events) for the visiting public; conduct mounted farm patrols; coach less advanced riders to become confident mounted patrol riders and more proficient riders in general; and provide horse grooming and handling for photoshoots. The student will also clear, build and maintain farm fields and trail systems; provide helpful information and product knowledge to visitors; and safely operate and maintain heavy and small farm equipment.
Licensing Agent
Following provincial guidelines, the student will be responsible for reviewing new and renewal Horse Racing licensing applications for accuracy and completeness, then entering the information into applicable databases. Responsibilities will also include collecting fines, if applicable. Using general knowledge of racing rules and regulations, and safety around horses, the student will provide customer service and manage the financial transactions related to the above.
Inventory and Marketing Assistant
The student will perform a variety of administrative tasks for a leading equestrian supply retailer. The successful candidate will coordinate communication, including tracking and imports of all new products, correspond with store owners and managers regarding stocking level changes to meet customer demand, support marketing promotions and special events, assist in sending out additional inventory for event promos, manage and track inventory pullback from stores to the distribution center, and prepare and send monthly reporting documents based on sales data from previous periods.
Employer Sectors
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- Greenhawk Equestrian Sport
- Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
- Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre
- Hillsborough Farm
*This shows a sample of recent co-op employers and will vary depending on employer recruitment needs. During a job search, students are encouraged to be actively engaged and are supported in establishing and maintaining their own personal contacts.
Salary Information
Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student’s program of study, and work term level. For your reference, a Co-operative Education Salary Guide is available on our website, which provides hourly rates (averages and ranges) for each degree program.
