Good horsemanship never stops evolving. New research on equine nutrition, advances in veterinary diagnostics, and shifting best practices around welfare mean that even experienced horse people benefit from ongoing education. The challenge is not a lack of information—it is knowing where to find credible, actionable guidance amid a sea of social-media opinions and outdated advice.
This guide maps out seven distinct categories of learning resources so you can build a personalised education plan that matches your experience level, time, and budget.
1. University Extension Programs: Science You Can Use at the Barn
Land-grant universities across the United States produce some of the most reliable equine education available—and much of it is free or low-cost.
Penn State Extension – Equine Health and Care
Penn State Extension publishes a rolling calendar of webinars and articles on practical barn-level topics. Recent offerings include sessions on hoof load-sharing strategies and equine herpesvirus biosecurity. Their educators also cover parasite management updates, fly control, and toxic-plant identification in pastures.
University of Minnesota Extension – Horse Online Certificate Courses
UMN Extension offers a suite of self-paced online certificate courses ideal for adult learners. Topics include equine biosecurity, pasture management for the Upper Midwest, and managing overweight horses. Most learners report spending one to three hours per week per course, making these programmes realistic for working horse owners.
Tennessee Master Horse Program
Run through the University of Tennessee, this programme provides research-based training across two tracks. The Personal/Recreational Use Track offers practical education tailored to recreational owners, covering equine health, nutrition, pasture care, and waste management. The Business/Professional Track is geared towards facility managers and equine business operators, with content on facility management, business planning, and industry standards. Sessions are delivered via online webinars plus an in-person Horse Management Field Day.
Texas A&M – Online Equine Short Courses
Texas A&M's Department of Animal Science offers specialised online short courses in equine reproductive management, mare and foal care, stallion collection training, and horse judging. These courses feature expert-led lectures and, in the case of stallion training, even a virtual-reality simulation module—a first of its kind.
2. Online Learning Platforms: Structured Courses on Your Schedule
Coursera
Coursera hosts several equine-focused courses, including the UC Davis course Equine Welfare and Management, developed by veterinarians at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. It addresses horsemanship through the lens of the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. You can preview the first module of many courses for free or start a seven-day free trial for full access.
The Equine Institute
The Equine Institute provides online courses developed by practising equine veterinarians and physiotherapists. Their curriculum is rooted in evidence-based practices and the latest equine research. Courses are approved for continuing education credit by RACE, PATH International, NBCAAM, and ETAA, making them especially valuable for professionals who need CEUs.
My Horse University (Michigan State)
Established in 2005 at Michigan State University, My Horse University delivers science-based online horse management courses and resources. Topics span respiratory health, nutrition, and general management.
3. Professional Organisations and Veterinary Bodies
American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
The AAEP is the gold standard for equine veterinary knowledge. Horse owners can access guidance on many veterinary topics, search scientific papers from AAEP annual conventions dating back to 2013, and stay current on disease outbreaks and news. The organisation also offers continuing education courses and conferences for professionals.
United Horse Coalition (UHC)
The UHC maintains a broad equine resource database with sections for prospective owners, current owners, and responsible rehoming. Resources cover basic horse care and costs, alternatives to buying, guidelines for rescues, and grant information.
US Equestrian Learning Centre
US Equestrian supports education through youth programmes, instructor certification referrals, and grants. They recommend locating trainers certified through bodies such as the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program, USEA ICP, USHJA Trainer Certification, ARIA, or CHA—a helpful filter when you are searching for qualified in-person instruction.
4. Accredited Online Degree and Certificate Programmes
For those seeking formal credentials, several universities now offer fully online equine degrees:
- Midway University (Kentucky) – Offers an online Equine Management MBA that combines business and equine studies. Coursework covers management, marketing, equine entrepreneurship, legal issues, and ethics. The programme requires just 33 credit hours and can be completed in 15 months.
- University of Arkansas – Offers an Equine Management microcertificate online, covering horse care, behaviour, and sales strategies. Credits may apply toward an on-campus degree.
- Post University – Launched one of the first online Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies programmes, with concentrations in Business Management and Interdisciplinary Equine Studies. Students must demonstrate independent access to hands-on horse work.
- Ohio University – Provides an online Associate of Applied Science in Equine Studies for those building foundational credentials.
5. Podcasts: Learn While You Muck Out
Podcasts have become one of the most accessible ways to absorb expert equine knowledge during commutes, barn chores, or trail rides. Here are standout shows across different niches:
| Podcast | Focus | Why Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth | Veterinary health care | Hosted by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher; covers practical care and maintenance topics. |
| Ask The Horse | Live expert Q&A | Connects leading veterinarians with horse owners to answer real health questions. |
| Practical Horseman Podcast | Riding and care | Interviews with respected riders, industry leaders, and horse care experts. |
| Horses in the Morning | Daily equestrian news | The world's leading daily morning podcast for the horse world, with listeners in over 90 countries. |
| Mad About Horses | Equine science | Hosted by equine scientist Dr. Chris Mortensen; covers physiology, behaviour, and the latest research. |
| Best Horse Practices Podcast | Horsemanship across disciplines | An enlightened place for riders and owners to discover ways to connect better with their horses. |
| Equine Connection Podcast | Nutrition | Brought to you by Tribute Equine Nutrition; shares advice on health and feeding. |
6. Mobile Apps and Digital Tools
Technology is making daily horse management more organised and safer:
- SmartPak App – A hub for managing supplement auto-shipments, tracking orders, and exploring SmartPak's blog, forum, and health library—all from your phone.
- Ride With Me (SmartPak) – A safety app that tracks your motion while riding and alerts your emergency contacts if you fall and cannot call for help.
- SmartPak Blanketing App – Answers the perennial question of which blanket weight to use by providing customised recommendations based on each horse's needs and your local weather.
- HorseNotes – A record-keeping app for iOS and Android where you can log vet visits, farrier schedules, and expenses, and attach photos of receipts and invoices.
- FEI and USDF Rule Book Apps – Quick-reference apps that let you check allowable medications, prohibited equipment, and competition rules from your phone.
7. Online Communities and Forums
Peer-to-peer learning remains invaluable. Two long-running forums stand out:
- Chronicle of the Horse Forum (COTH) – One of the most active English-discipline equestrian forums, with threads covering everything from supplement comparisons to barn management dilemmas.
- The Horse Forum (horseforum.com) – A broad community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts with discussions on breeding, grooming, health, behaviour, housing, adopting, and care.
While forums are excellent for crowd-sourced experience, always cross-reference health and nutrition advice with veterinary professionals or evidence-based sources listed earlier in this guide.
Key Takeaways
- Start with free extension resources. Penn State, UMN, and UT's Master Horse Program deliver research-backed education at little or no cost.
- Use structured online courses for depth. Coursera's UC Davis equine welfare course and The Equine Institute's CEU-approved programmes offer rigorous, evidence-based learning.
- Lean on professional organisations for veterinary accuracy. The AAEP and UHC provide peer-reviewed guidance that social media cannot match.
- Listen to expert podcasts during downtime. Shows like Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth and Ask The Horse deliver veterinary insight in a conversational format.
- Use apps to stay organised and safe. Digital tools for record-keeping, blanketing decisions, and rider safety reduce guesswork and risk.
- Pursue formal credentials if career-focused. Fully online degrees from Midway, Post, and Ohio University make professional equine education accessible from anywhere.
- Verify forum advice. Online communities offer invaluable peer experience, but always confirm health recommendations with a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free online courses about horse care?
Yes. Coursera lets you preview the first module of many equine courses at no cost, and platforms like My Horse University at Michigan State offer science-based webinars. University extension programmes from Penn State and the University of Minnesota also publish free articles, webinars, and short courses on topics ranging from biosecurity to pasture management.
Which professional organisations offer trustworthy equine health information?
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is a leading source. It publishes veterinary guidelines, scientific papers from its annual conventions, and horse-owner-facing health advice. The United Horse Coalition maintains an equine resource database covering basic care, costs, and responsible rehoming.
What podcasts should horse owners listen to for care advice?
Top picks include Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth (veterinary Q&A), Ask The Horse (live expert panels), the Practical Horseman Podcast (rider and care interviews), and Horses in the Morning (daily equestrian news). For science-focused content, Mad About Horses with Dr. Chris Mortensen covers equine physiology and research.
Can I earn a degree in equine studies entirely online?
Several accredited institutions now offer fully online equine degrees. Midway University offers an online Equine Management MBA, the University of Arkansas has an Equine Management microcertificate, and Post University launched an online Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with concentrations in business management and interdisciplinary studies.
Are there mobile apps that help with daily horse management?
Yes. The SmartPak app lets you manage supplement orders, access a health library, and browse expert content. Their Ride With Me app tracks your motion and alerts emergency contacts if you fall while riding alone. The SmartPak Blanketing app provides customised blanket recommendations based on your horse and local weather. HorseNotes helps you keep digital records of vet visits, farrier schedules, and expenses.