Beginning this fall, the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture will offer a two-year certificate program in Equine Business Management. The program is designed to train people who wish to own and/or manage horse boarding facilities.

“The equine industry is very important to Maryland, contributing in excess of $1.6 billion annually to the state’s economy,” says Dr. Tom Hartsock, director of the Institute of Applied Agriculture at the University. “We felt there was a need for a comprehensive, yet practical, academic program that addresses the day-to-day operations needs of the horse industry.”

In addition to courses in basic horse management, students will learn the business skills necessary to run a boarding operation, including business law and personnel management. Other courses will focus on hay production, pasture and nutrient management, soils and fertilizers, and the fundamentals of agricultrual mechanics.

First-year enrollment will be limited and preference will be given to applicants with some prior horse experience. Students who are currently enrolled in or have completed a four-year Animal Sciences degree will be able to complete certificate requirements in less than two years