two women stand in a riding arena with a horse

Equine Opportunities for Students

Cornell offers many opportunities for students to engage with horses. From research to riding clubs, there's something for everyone.

three people handle a horse in a field

Equine Coursework in Animal Science

The Animal Science Department offers three classes that include the horse as a major focus.

Equine Biology & Management
Practical Large Animal Handling
Comparative Nutrition of the Horse & Pig

Research

two people watch a horse run on a treadmill

Many scientists across Cornell conduct research involving horses. Students can apply to work in their labs to contribute to pioneering equine research.

riders on horses compete at polo

Equine Sports

Cornell has three varsity equestrian teams and two horse riding club teams.

Varsity Teams

Equestrian Team
Men's Polo Team
Women's Polo Team

Clubs

Dressage Club
Western Equestrian Club
the hands of a farrier hold a horse's hoof and farrier tool

Cornell Farrier Program

Cornell offers a 16-week farrier program taught by Steve Kraus, CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier). The program consists of 40-hours-per-week of course work:

  • 25 hours in anatomy of the horse's foot
  • 30 hours in theory of therapeutic shoeing
  • 385 hours of forge work
  • 200 hours in trimming feet, and fitting and nailing shoes