MSU Equine Science

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United States
Bozeman, MT
MSU Equine Science

The Montana State Equine Science program is an option of the 4-year Animal Science degree program.

The MSU Equine option emphasizes science and technology combined with practical aspects of management, horsemanship and training. The program includes courses in Western and English equitation, colt starting and advanced training techniques, equine exercise physiology and biomechanics, equine lameness, equine form and function, equine reproduction, equine nutrition, veterinary entomology and diseases of domestic livestock. The curriculum also includes forages, grazing ecology and small pasture management courses as well as business marketing and management courses. Students enjoy hands–on learning in almost all the required courses and through internships, undergraduate research, and independent studies that fit their special interests. This program is designed to prepare students for employment in today's dynamic equine industry. Facilities:
-Indoor heated riding facility
-Outdoor arena and round pen
-University owned herd of 35 horses
-400–acre research farm less than one mile from campus
-Equine reproduction laboratory
-Affiliated professional horseshoeing school and classroom

Equine research and graduate student opportunities:

The equine science program has several research opportunities for both undergraduate and master's level graduate students. Major research is focused on equine nutrition, metabolism and metabolic disease. Other research at this time includes epidemiologic surveillance of regional infectious diseases and equine facilitated therapy. Equine Program Clubs and Activities:
-Horsemen’s Club
-Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Team
-Polo Team
-Driving Team
-Stock Hors Team

09/18/2026

If you’re interested in learning more about our Equine Science degree option, login this afternoon and chat with us!

Montana State University’s Equine Science option combines science, horsemanship, training, and management to prepare students for diverse equine careers. Students gain hands-on experience in English and Western disciplines, horse training, nutrition, reproduction, lameness, and business. Internships, research, equine facilities, and student clubs provide valuable opportunities to build practical industry skills.

Register now to participate in the Virtual Equine College Fair, happening today from 2 to 8 pm Eastern Time. You'll meet representatives from MSU and many more colleges or organizations. We hope you'll join us!

09/12/2026

🚨Colt Starting is BACK at MSU Equine Science! Launching our new and improved program with MSU bred and raised AQHA c**ts. Follow along with regular updates from MSU Developing the Young Horse and MSU Equine Science!

**tstarting

08/31/2026

A wonderful reminder from our colleagues at CSU on the use of AI!

How well does AI actually know horses?

A new study from CSU Department of Animal Sciences put three artificial intelligence platforms to the test, asking 40 questions across general horse care, facilities management, nutrition, genetics, and reproduction. Responses were evaluated for accuracy, relevance, thoroughness, and source quality.

The results were a good reminder that AI can be a useful tool—but it isn’t an equine expert.

ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot were more accurate than ExtensionBot, while ChatGPT produced the most thorough answers. However, performance declined as questions became more complex, and reproduction questions received the lowest accuracy scores of any equine topic tested.

The takeaway: AI has tremendous potential for quickly accessing equine information, but it works best as a tool - not a replacement for Equine Extension specialists, veterinarians, scientists, or other trusted experts. Knowing when to question an AI-generated answer may be just as important as knowing how to ask the question.

Congratulations to undergraduate researcher Sonya Aldworth-Yang and mentor Dr. Devan Catalano on this timely work published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science!

08/27/2026

✨Come see us this afternoon✨

08/26/2026

Welcome Back, Students!! It was a fun morning of “First Day” photos (even our faculty participated!). If you look close enough, you’ll find some of our Equine Science Faculty and Graduate Students!

08/13/2026

The famous Miller Pavilion is getting a complete renovation of the footing! Everything from new base and surface layers.

Footing is critical for maintaining not only musculoskeletal integrity but also protecting the horses' respiratory system from excess dust inhalation. We are excited to start Fall semester off with this important facility update.

If you would like to consider donating to facility improvements like these, please reach out to Kenzie Mork (Equine Operations Foreman; [email protected]), Erica Bebout (Equine Instructor; [email protected]), Dr. Amanda Bradbery (Associate Professor; [email protected]), or Dr. Carol Vasco (Assistant Professor; [email protected])

MSU Animal & Range SciencesMSU Developing the Young Horse

08/06/2026

This July 19-23, Dr. Bradbery and Dr. Vasco attended the annual American Society of Animal Science meeting in Madison, WI where they presented research to an international audience. Also at this meeting, the MSU Animal & Range Sciences was awarded full accreditation through ASAS! It is now 1 of only 4 universities with this accreditation! Congratulations to all! See below for details on the research presented (disclaimer: MSU is NOT responsible with the misspelling of Sacramento...):

Effect of dietary aid on stress and markers of intestinal barrier integrity in young horses undergoing prophylactic antibiotic therapy - Alex Trauner (PhD student under Dr. Bradbery)

Comparison of sampling methods for characterization of the equine uterine microbiome during postpartum involution - Matt Conrad (PhD student under Dr. Bradbery)

Hindgut fermentative responses of horses fed increasing levels of dried corn distillers grains plus solubles - Lorena Expedita (Intern under Dr. Vasco)

Effect of different dietary dried corn distillers grains plus solubles inclusion level on postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses in horses - Beatriz Benicio (Intern under Dr. Vasco)

MSU Animal & Range Sciences

07/28/2026

🚨Help support the rapidly growing MSU Equine Science and MSU Animal & Range Sciences program! 🚨

We are seeking horse donations and lease horses to support our riding and AQHA breeding programs! These programs are critical for providing hands-on learning opportunities for our students.

Please reach out to Kenzie Mork ([email protected]) or Erica Bebout ([email protected]) for inquiries!

07/13/2026

It’s safe to say we got a little busy during foaling season and fell behind on our updates! But this was a great way to welcome our final foal of the season 💚 stay tuned for more foal highlights!

MSU Animal & Range Sciences

06/02/2026

✨FOAL ALERT✨

Foal #3 was born bright and early this morning! He’s a tough little guy. We’re on a roll here with foaling and breeding season now in full swing!

MSU Animal & Range Sciences
MSU Developing the Young Horse

Address

Bozeman, MT

Telephone

+14066006968

Website

https://animalrange.montana.edu/equine-sci.htm

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