For many students, choosing a career path is uncertain, but this NC teen’s passion is clear: horses! Thanks to dual enrollment and resourceful planning through Homeschooling for College Credit (HS4CC), this student is well on her way to earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Equine Business, all while gaining hands-on experience in the field she loves.
HS4CC parent Karyn, couldn’t be prouder.
“My junior is currently on track to earn an AAS in Equine Business. She currently works at two different barns and is training her own horse. She kept working through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in crazy cold weather (for our area), through the flu, etc…..if those haven’t deterred her, I think she’s sticking with this career! Her classes have been online, though she needed access to horses for some parts of the classes. I feel like she’s lucky to be able to focus on what she really loves…..not many people get to do that. All of the agricultural and equine classes have been very practical and useful.”
What is an Equine Business Degree?
An Equine Business degree is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers in the horse industry. While some people may think of equine careers as limited to riding or training, this field is far broader, offering opportunities in farm management, breeding, nutrition, and equine health. Many students, like Karyn’s daughter, gain real-world experience while they complete their studies, combining classroom learning with hands-on training at barns and equine facilities.
The Equine Business AAS curriculum covers a wide range of practical topics, including:
- Farm management and equine facility operations
- Breeding and foal care
- Equine nutrition and health
- Training, teaching, and riding techniques
- Selection and judging of horses for different disciplines
A key feature of this program is the hands-on component, where students are assigned a horse and take responsibility for its daily management. This direct experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in various equine settings, including private farms, recreational barns, racing facilities, and breed-specific operations.
The Benefits of Starting Early
What makes Karyn’s daughter’s journey even more impressive is her ability to start her college studies while still in high school. Thanks to dual enrollment, she has been able to complete her general education requirements and equine business courses at the same time, giving her a head start on her degree.
This approach is particularly beneficial for students pursuing equine studies, as many equine programs require in-person attendance. For students who don’t have a local program, one option is to begin with general education courses online and later transfer to an equine school when relocation is possible. This flexibility allows homeschoolers to tailor their education to their passion while still taking advantage of college credit opportunities during high school.
PRO TIP: Notice the extra letter in this type of degree? AAS is different from AA or AS. AAS degrees are “2-year degrees” that consist mainly of courses in the field as opposed to lots of general education courses that prepare for a 4-year degree. AAS degrees prepare a student to begin work immediately upon completion instead of pursuing a 4-year degree.
Preparing for a Career in the Equine Industry
The equine industry is one of the few fields where hands-on experience is just as valuable as formal education. Karyn’s daughter has taken full advantage of both, working in two barns and training her own horse while earning her degree. This type of dedication and resilience—working through hurricanes, flu season, and extreme weather—demonstrates the kind of commitment that makes a successful equine professional.
Her journey is a perfect example of what Homeschooling for College Credit is all about—helping students pursue their passions early, save money on college, and gain real-world experience in their chosen careers.
Read more about this occupation’s growth, salary, and requirements on the Department of Labor’s website.
