By learning both science and business concepts, our Equine Science and Management graduates are prepared to enter a wide variety of careers across the horse industry.
With 450+ regional horse farms, Keeneland's world-class racecourse and auction house, and dozens of equine tourist attractions, we have no shortage of hands-on learning opportunities.
The horse industry is dynamic, and it involves more than breeding and training horses. With a $122 billion annual economic impact in the U.S., the horse industry also includes career opportunities in business management, communications, tourism and more.
Equine Science and Management graduates earn careers in:
Equine Science and Management courses emphasize basic science and business concepts that apply to equine production and management. In addition to fundamental courses, students can tailor their degree with one of three emphasis areas:
Equine Science
provides scientific study of topics such as physiology, nutrition, reproduction and genetics of horses
Equine Management and Industry
teaches skills related to marketing, operations, and managing equine businesses
Communications and Leadership
prepares students for leadership in equine business through courses in community dynamics, leadership development and agricultural communications
Students interested in veterinary medicine or graduate research may also work with one of our pre-professional advisors to ensure they are academically prepared and competitive for post-graduate work.
During their senior or junior year, all students are required to complete an applied equine project related their interests and career goals. This may include an equine-related internship, service learning project or research project. The Equine Science and Management internship coordinator supports students throughout this process to ensure they develop valuable, transferrable skills.
The University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center is the only scientific institute in the United States conducting full-time research in equine health and diseases. Professors at Gluck conduct equine research in six targeted areas: genetics and genomics, infectious diseases and immunology, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology, toxicology and reproductive health. For students interested in science-based professions, the Gluck Research Center is the ideal place to complete internships and research projects.
To schedule a campus visit, where you can meet with an Equine Science and Management advisor, click here.
Thanks to special agreements through the Academic Common Market, residents from the following states may enroll in the University of Kentucky Equine Science and Management program at in-state tution rates:
*Only applicable to the Equine Management and Industry emphasis area
These agreements are subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information on the Academic Common Market, click here.
source: myUK: GPS
Please login to http://myUK.uky.edu to access your major map and personalized degree audit via the myUK Graduation Planning System (myUK GPS).
Julie was one of only two U.S. students awarded the 2019 Godolphin Flying Start scholarship. Godolphin is a prestigious, worldwide leadership program that takes awardees to Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia and Dubia. To read more about Julie's experience at the University of Kentucky, click here.
Of the many horse breeds you'll find in and around Lexington, the Saddlebred industry is one all its own.
In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of awards from the college. With one of the largest college-based scholarship programs, we awarded nearly $1 million to our students during the 2022-23 academic year. These awards are based on a variety of criteria such as hometown, major, career goals, high school extracurriculars, and more.
For CAFE first-semester freshmen, the scholarship application is now open and will close January 16, 2024.
For CAFE transfer students and current students, the scholarship application opens in January and will close on March 1.
Live where you learn:
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Living Learning Program (CAFE LLP) is open to all first-semester freshmen at the University of Kentucky.
Through field trips, professional development workshops and service programs, students in our LLP apply their knowledge and passion to global issues at the intersection of food, economics and environment. All students in this program will also enroll in connected courses, share study groups and have an assigned peer mentor - all to help with the transition to college life.
Click here for more information on the CAFE LLP.
Equine Science and Management students may gain international experience while earning credit towards their degree. We offer a variety of study, research, intern, and service abroad programs for all budgets and comfort levels. Some students have even earned grants and scholarships to fully fund their international experiences.
These programs are designed to broaden your mind and introduce you to unfamiliar ways of thinking and living. Ultimately, these experiences will make you a more competitive applicant in the global workforce.
Each year, many of our graduates attend professional schools in areas such as veterinary medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry, and more. If you are interested in pursuing a similar path, we offer pre-professional advising services.
Our pre-professional advisors will assist you with:
Students can join organizations and clubs to learn outside the classroom, gain valuable work experience and develop their leadership skills. Many of our students may be interested in:
Dressage Team
students interested in the discipline of riding
Eventing Team
compete at local shows and events
Horse Racing Club
experience the horse racing industry
Polo Team
competitive intercollegiate league
Saddleseat Team
be involved in riding and shows
Equestrian Team
club sport for the hunt seat and western disciplines
Rodeo Team
promote and develop the sport of rodeo
Collegiate Professional Horseman’s Association
leadership, professional development and service
Learn more about Clubs & Organizations in our college.
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$73,080
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
1.65m
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
20,500
new jobs (average)
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$83,770
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
922,900
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
-42,300
new jobs (average)
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food & Environment
N6 Agricultural Science Center
859-257-3469