January 20-21, 2005

ITEM 126-1601-R0105: Approval of Proposal to create a Bachelor of Science in Natural Horsemanship Degree with two options; The University of Montana-Western

THAT The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Western to award the Bachelor of Science in Natural Horsemanship with two options, Natural Horsemanship Science and Natural Horsemanship Management.

 

EXPLANATION The University of Montana-Western (UMW) proposes offering a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Natural Horsemanship, with options in Natural Horsemanship Science and Natural Horsemanship Management that takes advantage of Western's established expertise and associate level degrees in Natural Horsemanship and Equine Studies. Western has received many inquiries as to the availability of a bachelor's program in this area over the past year. Since this program is unique in the nation, it will allow Western to draw students from across the United States and beyond.

As is the case with its A.A.S. degree in Natural Horsemanship, Western has developed a collaborative agreement with La Cense Montana, which provides the horses, equipment, facilities and horse trainers for the field portions of this degree program.

Graduates of the program will not only be actively engaged in the local, statewide, and national equine business community but will also be involved in the internationally-recognized discipline of natural horsemanship. This method of equestrianism incorporates an understanding of Horse Ethology, (i.e. horse behavior) in order to create a more sophisticated working relationship between human and horse. The natural horsemanship method is quickly becoming the international standard by which horsemanship is judged. The creation of a university-accredited program, developed in collaboration with industry, will ensure, for those who wish to pursue a career in natural horsemanship, the existence of an internationally recognizable credential.