New major at Asbury University combines equine with psychology

June 24, 2022

WILMORE, Ky. — The Asbury University Equine Program in partnership with the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences is launching a new degree for Fall 2022, Equine Assisted Services (EAS), to research and explore more deeply the ways horses can be used for human therapeutic needs and to create professionals well equipped across the spectrum of horse husbandry and human psychology.

EAS in a rapidly growing field of alternative therapies and includes Equine Assisted Therapeutics and a variety of other fields sitting at the intersection between health and wellness and equine training. Asbury’s new bachelor’s degree can lead to community-level or clinical equine therapy job opportunities. Courses include Intro to Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic Riding Instruction, Equine Facilitated Mental Health. Working as a professional equine therapist opens new avenues to help people dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, occupational issues and much more.

Additionally, the EAS major at Asbury gives students the opportunity to be at the forefront of an exciting new field and provides a space for research and academic growth in this field to address unique needs that humans will face in the future.