My friend Kelly went there! Sooo since she is currently right beside me working I am about to turn the comp over to her, she doens't have a YA account!
The school really speaks for itself, so I'll let their website do all the technical speaking (I'm cheating and cutting and pasting from their website, sorry):
Virginia Intermont is one of only a few schools in the nation to offer an academically accredited four-year degree in Equine Studies. Attracting students from all regions of the United States and several foreign countries, Intermont takes a balanced approach to educating professional horsemen and women who are able to contribute to the equine industry on both national and global levels. Beginning with a strong commitment to traditional horsemanship, an emphasis on the mechanism of the horse, and the workings of rider position, students continue to gain expertise in hunters, hunter seat equitation, jumpers, dressage, combined training, barn management, and health-related issues.
While the curriculum allows for a great deal of riding, the major emphasis of Intermont's Equine program is developing the skills that will prepare students for careers in the horse industry. Courses in teaching, schooling, barn/show management, anatomy, first aid, and equine nutrition, when combined with an excellent liberal arts core, are all part of that preparation.
Here's some information on the facilities:
Virginia Intermont's Riding Center is located six miles from the main campus, just off Exit 10 of Interstate 81. A modern-day facility situated on 132 acres of rolling hills and stunning landscapes, the center offers a variety of riding environments, including three arenas and the A.J. Coyle Memorial Cross-Country Course.
While students are welcome to bring their own horses when space is available, Virginia Intermont cares for 60 quality school horses for students use. Many of these horses are on loan from well-known barns and stables around the country.
After 25 years of leasing the riding facility and making more than $350,000 in improvements, Virginia Intermont has just recently been offered the opportunity to purchase the Riding Center. In addition to the facility's purchase, upgrades of the Center are also being considered, which include the construction of a reception/trophy area, a lounge, and an additional classroom, as well as the expansion of the spectator area.
250 x150 and 200 x100 foot indoor arenas
350 x 200 foot outdoor arena
The A.J. Coyle Memorial Cross-Country Course
Several sets of USA Equestrian regulation jumps
65 quality school horses
More than 90 box stalls
28-stall boarder barn for student horses
Classroom/viewing room with access for riders with disabilities
9 large grass paddocks
A 6-horse gooseneck Sundowner van and a 2-horse trailer for transportation to shows
4 tack rooms
Personal lockers
Laundry facilities
Faculty offices
3 wash stalls with hot and cold water
The college has a 95?ob placement of Equine Studies graduates. We also have an awesome Intercollegent show record, which I'm sure you've already heard about. We are the only team to have all 3 varsity teams in the top 5 at 2003, 2004, and 2005 and 2006 and 2007 IHSA, IDA, and ANRC Nationals. They have great riding instructors, professors, and even better horses! It's a great place to increase your knowledge and skills with horses and to eventually find a job in the equine community.
Once again sorry for all the cut and pasting, but this school really does speak for itself; plus I'm really too pregnant to think educated enough for your answer...
Other schools would be University of Findley in Ohio, St. Andrews in North Carolina, MTSU in Tennessee, Clemson University in South Carolina, and that's all I can think off right off the top of my head..
Hope this helps!
Answered By: Biscuit_n_bailey1982 - 2/19/2008 |