Otterbein University Department of Equine Science

10/13/2026

Want to get some research experience? Here is a short-term opportunity for students who feel comfortable around dogs and want to help with a canine scent work trial! No prior scent work experience needed. See the dates and contact info on the flier. Trial will be held at Otterbein’s Equine Center.

Otterbein STEM Grooms Conservation Behavior Lab Women in STEM club Animal Health Science Club Otterbein Animal Conservation

10/13/2026

Interested in a travel class with equine content that counts for an INST 3000? Apply at the QR code or email Dr. Burk with questions.

Additional note: We are also investigating departmental elective credit options for students who aren’t eligible for INST 3000 credit.

09/30/2026

Stop by the Study Abroad Fair in the Campus Center on Wednesday 9/30 from 11 am-12:30 pm to learn about the Mitakuye Oyasin travel course! Mitakuye Oyasin is a Lakota term for “all my relations.” This travel course will count for INST 3000 credit and travel will occur in early July, 2027. It will be co-taught by Dr. Burk (Equine Science) and Ashton Jerger (Columbus Zoo Conservation Impact Manager and Otterbein alum)

Travel sites include…
-Sinte Gleska University Ranch
-Sites across Rosebud Lakota reservation in South Dakota
-Henry Doorly Zoo
-Nebraska Wildlife Rehab
-Badlands National Park
-Wind Cave National Park
-A mustang sanctuary
-Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials

We will learn about Lakota perspectives on animals and the environment (fun fact- there is no Lakota word for “animal” because living organisms are not seen hierarchically). We will also complete service learning projects.

Course Description:
Visiting Rosebud Lakota Reservation in South Dakota, the home of the Sicangu Oyate, via a course team-taught by faculty members with two distinct disciplinary perspectives. Mitakuye oyasin means “all my relations” and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people, animals, and the environment. Learning the rich history and culture of Rosebud and other Lakota peoples through readings and cultural experiences led by Lakota residents of the reservation, as well as participation in service learning activities. A partnership with Sinte Gleska, Rosebud’s tribal university, will provide opportunities to get to know Lakota people and learn about contemporary native issues and perspectives. A unique and moving cross-cultural experience.

09/10/2026

Calling all high school students interested in everything equine! You are invited to our annual Otterbein Equine Open House on Friday, October 2nd from 5:30-7:30pm! This is a great opportunity to meet with equine professors to get a better understanding of our majors/minors and to talk with our coaches to learn more about our riding program. You will also meet alumni, current students, and our beloved school horses as you tour the barn, watch a team practice, and participate in a student and athlete Q&A panel! Snacks and light refreshments will be provided. Visit the link below or scan the QR code to register. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there! 🐴

https://otterbein.event451.sites.451.io/event/otterbein.events.1958420

08/15/2026

Our content today pivoted suddenly from Ted in the massage clinic to recommendations on buying cryptocurrency. Please note that Ted (even when in dire need of a bath) will never provide you with crypto recommendations. Luckily, we were able to recover our account!

07/23/2026

Read about our participation in a new veterinary mentoring program. Link to article in bio (Instagram) or in the comments (Facebook)!

07/20/2026

Otterbein’s Equine Science and Zoo and Conservation Science programs were represented at Animal Behavior Society in Cincinnati this year! Student Holly Rice joined up for an educational outreach event to teach children about concepts from our research. Dr. Burk presented a talk that was originally the idea of former student, Maddy Gaber, and had been assisted by Dr. Elizabeth Feltes (a veterinary behaviorist and Otterbein parent), and Dr. Grooms.

07/09/2026

We are hiring! Please help share. We are looking to add to our morning shift. Great facility, great people and great horses.

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06/20/2026

06/15/2026

New article about one of the courses in the Equine-Assisted Services minor:

By Drakko Harper ’26 Equine students are closing textbooks to head from the classroom to the barn. With alternative mental health approaches on the rise, Equine Science majors are doing hands-on work exploring how horses can help people process emotions, build trust, and gallop towards psychologic...