Equine Business Management Recommended Curriculum

The following curriculum guide is offered only as a suggestion for incoming full-time equine business management students. Please be aware that if you are not a full-time student, it may take more than the specified two years to complete the program. Courses listed in red donote courses in one of the University of Maryland's four-year programs. Click on the course number for a detailed description of the course.

First Year, Fall Semester

ANSC 101 - Principles of Animal Science (2 credits)
ANSC 103 - Principles of Animal Science Laboratory (1 credit)
INAG 101 - Computer Applications (3 credits)
PLSC 101 - Introductory Crop Science (4 credits)
INAG 203 - Introduction to Finance (3 credits)
ANSC 233 - Equine Behavior (2 credits)

First Year, Spring Semester

INAG 104 - Agricultural Mathematics (3 credits)
INAG 105 - Soils and Fertilizers (3 credits)
INAG 106 - Pesticide Use and Safety (2 credits)
INAG 116 - Pasture Management & Hay Production (2 credits)
ANSC 232 - Horse Management (3 credits)

Summer, Between 1st and 2nd years

INAG 299A - Internship I (1 credit)

Second Year , Fall Semester

INAG 102 - Business Operations (3 credits)
INAG 201 - Personnel Management (3 credits)
INAG 111 - Written Communication (3 credits)
ENBE 200 - Fundamentals of Ag Mechanics (3 credits)
INAG 120 - Equine Health Management (3 credits)
INAG 240 - Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)

Second Year, Winter Term

INAG 299B - Internship II (1 credit)

Second Year, Spring Semester

INAG 206 - Business Law (3 credits)
INAG 204 - Business Management (3 credits) OR
INAG 232 - Equine Business Management (3 credits)
INAG 110 - Oral Communication (3 credits)
INAG 233 - Equine Reproduction Management (2 credits)
INAG 117 - Equine Nutrition (3 credits)

Approved Electives

INAG 236 - Spanish Communication in the Workplace
INAG 103 - Agricultural Marketing
INAG 207 - Power & Machinery
INAG 218 - Landscape Construction
INAG 230 - Employment Communication
INAG 208 - Seminar in Animal Science
INAG 129 - Special Problem in Ag Economics
INAG 159 - Special Problem in Animal Science

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ANSC 101 Principles of Animal Science (2 credits)
A comprehensive course, including the development of animal science, its contributions to the economy, characteristics of animal products, factors of efficient and economical production and distribution.

ANSC 103 Principles of Animal Science Laboratory (1 credits)
Laboratory focusing on the application of biology in the care and use of animals that live in close association with humans including food animals, companion animals, lab animals, zoo animals, etc. Labs will include live animals.

ANSC 232 Horse Management Prerequisite: ANSC 101. (3 credits)
A survey course with a required laboratory. This course is for students who intend to own horses and/or manage a horse facility. Principles of facility planning, business management, horse behavior and training, health, feeding, and reproduction are emphasized.

ANSC 233 Equine Behavior (2 credits)
Understand normal and abnormal horse behaviors, including vices. Upon completion of this course, the student will have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively manage and handle horses based on normal horse behaviors.

ENBE 200 Fundamentals of Agricultural Mechanics (3 credits)
This course is a study of hand tools and power shop equipment as they relate to mechanized agriculture in arc welding, oxyacetylene welding and cutting, hot and cold metal working, plumbing, electricity, tool fitting, wood working, sketching and drawing, and interpretation of plans for the completion of skill development exercises. Emphasis is upon the development of orderly, safe shop procedures and manual skill development.

PLSC 101 Introduction to Crop Science (4 credits)
Major crop plants including: anatomy, physiology, morphology, history, use, adaptation, culture, improvement and economic importance.

INAG 101 Computer Applications (3 credits)
An up-to-date introduction to the use of computers on campus and in the agricultural industry. Exposure will be given to operating systems, storage media, networking, multimedia, and current hardware. Hands-on applications with computers will cover Windows Operating system, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and networking.

INAG 102 Business Operations (3 credits)
Business Operations introduces the student to basic principles and procedures of a profitable small business. This course will emphasize the role of the entrepreneur in a dynamic economy, focusing on management, operations, organization, and financing the small business.

INAG 103 Agricultural Marketing (3 credits)
The course focuses on the development of a marketing strategy using a market oriented approach to agricultural production. This course uses a combination of economic theory and practical applications to the marketing of farm commodities. Market demand, supply, costs, and equilibrium are concepts covered during the semester. These concepts are applied to direct marketing, futures trading, cooperative marketing, market integration, price supports, and supply control of farm commodities.

INAG 104 Agricultural Mathematics (3 credits)
The development of problem-solving skills often used in the everyday world of work. Problems involving soils, fertilizers, seeding rates, feed mixtures and business finance. Development of mathematical skills in solving basic equations, the use of percents and ratios and calculating various linear and cubic measurements. A placement test given during new student orientation may enable a student to test out of this required course.

INAG 105 Soils and Fertilizers (3 credits)
Soils and Fertilizers is an introductory course for students entering careers related to applied agricultural production. The course is divided into the three subject areas of soil properties, soil fertility and environmental concerns of using soils for agricultural production. Emphasis is placed upon the characteristics of Maryland soils which are similar to the soils in the mid Atlantic region. The importance of nutrient management and non point source pollution of the Chesapeake Bay are covered in the course.

INAG 106 Pesticide Use and Safety (2 credits)
An overview of pesticide use and safety is covered. Topics include environmental protection, labeling, personal safety, first aid, formulation and chemistry, equipment, disposal, storage, record-keeping and liability. This course will also prepare a student to take the Maryland test for a private applicator's license.

INAG 110 Oral Communication (3 credits)
The course provides skill training in public speaking, group dynamics, problem solving, leadership, listening and conflict resolution. Perception, persuasion, and interpersonal communication are also discussed.

INAG 111 Written Communication (3 credits)
The fundamentals of written business communication are analyzed and applied. The course reviews basic English mechanics and requires students to write business letters, memos, press releases and reports. Students are expected to know word processing or to learn it outside of class.

INAG 116 Pasture Management/Hay Production (2 credits)
Identification of forage species suitable for grazing and hay production for horses and other livestock. Crop production including: fertilization and nutrient management, irrigation and drought management, grazing management, weed identification and control, facility layout and design.

INAG 117 Equine Nutrition (3 credits)
Fundamentals of equine nutrition, digestive anatomy, feed-related problems, and feed ingredient selection for all classes of horses from the growing horse through the exercising horse. Laboratory sessions will include feed identification, feed quality assessment, ration-balancing and more.

INAG 120 Equine Health Management (3 credits)
Fundamentals of equine health care as practiced by non-veterinarians in routine stable management. Includes lectures and laboratory sessions on disease identification, medications, hoof care, vaccinations, minor injury care, and the veterinarian/client relationship.

INAG 129 Special Problem in Agricultural Economics (1 credit) Prerequisite - approval of instructor.
A detailed study, including a written report, involving an important problem in agricultural economics. A maximum of two credit hours of special problems may be applied toward graduation.

INAG 159 Special Problem in Animal Science (1 credit) Prerequisite - approval of instructor.
A detailed study, including a written report involving a problem in animal science to be agreed upon by student and instructor. A maximum of two credit hours of special problems may be applied toward graduation.

INAG 201 Personnel Management (3 credits)
The course introduces students to the study and application of basic principles of human relations and personnel management. A variety of approaches to recruiting, training, delegating, motivating, and appraising employees are among the topics discussed.

INAG 203 Introduction to Finance (3 credits)
The course is designed to introduce the student to the principles used in the financial management for a business. Topics covered in the course include the costs associated with borrowed funds, sources of obtaining capital, analysis of financial statements, real estate purchase and finance. In addition, the financial markets are studied from the perspective of their impact upon the small business entrepreneur.

INAG 204 Business Management (3 credits)
Business Management is a course that is concerned with the successful management of a small business. The course concentrates on the development of management skills for profitable decision making. The course is divided into subject areas of business management, basic accounting skills, preparing a business plan, and small business taxes.

INAG 206 Business Law (3 credits)
Basic laws of contract, bailment, and laws affecting negotiable instruments. Consideration of uniform commercial code as applied to business relationships. General introduction to the legal process.

INAG 207 Power and Machinery (3 credits)
The basic principles of management, selection, maintenance, operation, adjustment and troubleshooting of agricultural machinery and power units will be studied. How power is developed, transmitted through systems, both mechanical and hydraulic will be studied. A systematic disassembly, analysis, diagnosis and reassembly of a small engine will be completed by each student. Prerequisite--ENBE 200 Fundamentals of Ag Mechanics. Prerequisite or corequisite--INAG 101 Computer Applications

INAG 208 Seminar in Animal Science (1 credit)
The nature and direction of the seminar is varied to fit the interests of those enrolled. May include investigation, papers, reports, guest speakers and other projects. A maximum of two seminar credit hours may be applied toward graduation.

INAG 218 Landscape Construction (3 credits)
The basic principles and practices of landscape construction. A study and analysis of wood, concrete, masonry, stone, electrical fixtures, water garden structures, and other materials and supplies utilized in the landscape industry. Emphasis will be placed on safety, development and interpretation of construction drawings, specifications for common structures, material selection, cost estimation, site preparation and construction techniques.

INAG 230 Employment Communication (1 credit)
The course provides an overview of the employment-seeking process from self-analysis to job acceptance, and it prepares students for the job search process by teaching them to write resumes and cover letters, to interview for a job, and to handle other employment related communication. The course also explores the employment process from the perspective of the employer.

INAG 232 Equine Business Management (3 credits)
The study and practice of applying decision-making skills and tools needed for operating a profitable equine boarding or training stable business.

INAG 233 Equine Reproduction Management (2 credits)
Students learn the fundamental skills necessary to manage equine reproductive services including anatomy and physiology of genital tracts, estrus detection, control of cycle, survey of reproductive techniques, infertility, mare, foal and stallion management, and equine genetics. One or two weekend laboratory sessions will be required.

INAG 236 Spanish Communication in the Workplace (3 credits)
Students will learn conversational and work-related Spanish. The course focuses on giving instructions and using workplace terminology as it relates to materials and equipment. Speaking and listening skills are emphasized.

INAG 299A Internship I (1 credit)
On-site internship training in the student's major area of study. Students must complete a minimum of 320 working hours at an approved work site. Students should complete the on-site portion of their internship during the summer between their first and second years. After completing Internship I, students must take Internship II in which they complete a report. The two courses should be completed in consecutive semesters or simultaneously. Grading: pass/fail. Prerequisite: Advisor's approval.

INAG 299B Internship II (1 credit)
Internship II is a follow up report to Internship I, and the two courses should be completed in consecutive semesters or concurrently. Students must complete and submit a comprehensive report on the activity and management of the work site used in INAG 299A Internship I. Grading: regular. Prerequisite: Advisor's approval. Pre/Corequisite: INAG 299A Internship I.