In the two- and four-year program, students begin as freshmen learning the basics of horse body position, showmanship and horsemanship.
The University of Findlay offers a western training program that offers students the chance to try all different aspects of the western horse, such as cutting, reining, western riding, western pleasure, showmanship, and trail, riding 5 days a week The University of Findlay offers a western training program that can be completed as a four-year bachelor of science degree, a two-year associate degree
s or a minor. During their time spent at Findlay, students in the program learn all different aspects of the western horse, such as cutting, reining, western riding, western pleasure, showmanship, and trail. Sophomore year is colt breaking, where a student takes an unbroke horse from the beginning of the semester to the end. Junior and Senior year include a variety of disciplines, from lead changing to Hunter Under Saddle to more colt breaking to Cutting… you name it! Students are at the barn five days a week, and ride every day. Each semester culminates in a week-long finals that is run like a horse show: UF brings in outside alumni judges; classes are placed, and students wear proper show attire, all while being graded! During their time at Findlay, students have classroom classes that explore all areas of the equine world. These classes include Judging, Nutrition, Reproduction, Marketing, Software Applications, Preventative Medicine, Equine Law, and many more. They use these classes to supplement their learning at the farm, where outside instructors, demonstrations, and alumni come to present other aspects of the equine industry. The Western Farm holds an annual Spring Horse Sale at the end of April! This year the sale is held Saturday, April 30, 2022. Horses sold include senior class projects: Futurity Colts. These two- year- old prospects have been broken out by the senior class, ending in a Pleasure Futurity class the day before the sale. Other sale horses include trail horses, show horses, cow/ranch horses, and well broke lesson horses. For questions about admissions, contact Bryant Fox or Leah Ely:
Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
Equestrian Studies Programs
The University of Findlay
1000 North Main Street
Findlay OH 45840
419-434-4644 [email protected] [email protected]
08/06/2026
For 50 years, the University of Findlay's Western Program has been more than a place to learn—it has been a place where traditions are built, lifelong friendships begin, and students grow into leaders in the equine industry. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to look back on the people, memories, and moments that have shaped the program's legacy. Read the full story below. 🤠🧡 https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/events/FiftyYears
08/04/2026
Fifty years ago, a small group of horse‑loving pioneers took a chance on an idea that felt bigger than themselves. They built an environment where students could learn, ride, grow, and discover who they were meant to become. That spark became the Western Equestrian Program we know today.
As we enter our official 50th Anniversary this August, we’re spending the entire year revisiting the moments—and the people—who shaped our journey. You’ll meet the coaches who laid the foundation, the riders who carried our colors into the arena, and the community members who believed in the program long before it became what it is today.
All year long, we’ll share stories, photos, anniversary speakers, and memories that remind us how far we’ve come and how many hands helped us get here. And we’ll bring the celebration to a high point April 30–May 2, 2027, when our Western family comes together for a milestone event decades in the making.
To learn more about the celebration and explore our 50‑year journey, check out the link below https://oilers.findlay.edu/pages/other-events/western-equestrian-50-anniversary
05/18/2026
***Update: All lessons are closed for this summer. Make sure you check back next summer if you missed out this year!
05/04/2026
Congratulations UF UF IHSA Western Equestrian Team!!! We are so proud!
04/23/2026
Congratulations!
Your high point Sophomore Horse! GOOD ICECREAM - LOT 23
Owned and Consigned by Bruce Brown- shown by student Addison Schliesser
1st- Trail
1st-Horsemanship
1st- Showmanship
2nd- Ranch Riding
2nd- Western Pleasure
2nd- Snaffle Bit Pleasure
04/23/2026
Be sure to follow the University of Findlay Horse Sale for sale updates and horse highlights!
These two-year olds were crackin' it in the pleasure pen this morning! Take a look at these great young horses in our catalog!
C**t Pleasure Results-
1st- LL Lazy Bay - Lot 25
2nd- Good Icecream- Lot 23
3rd- Lazy Back - Lot 6
4th- Good Dive - Lot 11
5th- Fabyoulous N Good - Lot 7
6th- LL Cruisin Bay -Lot 13
Snaffle Bit Pleasure-
1st- LL Lazy Bay - Lot 25
2nd- Good Icecream- Lot 23
3rd- Lazy Back - Lot 6
4th- Good Dive - Lot 11
5th- Surely Wild - Lot 31
6th- Fabyoulous N Good - Lot 7
In 1976, the University of Findlay launched its Western Equestrian Program—a bold step that helped shape UF into one of the nation’s premier destinations for equestrian and animal science education.
In 2027, we’re celebrating 50 years.
Join us for a landmark anniversary weekend honoring the people, horses, and traditions that built this legacy. Whether you rode, coached, studied, or cheered from the stands—this is your moment to come back.