The Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science is nationally acclaimed for being home to Otterbein’s equestrian and equine programs. The programs' national appeal derives from the broad range of immersive experiences tailored to equestrian and equine students at Otterbein.
Majors among Otterbein’s equine science program include veterinary technology, pre-veterinary medicine and business management, with minors in business management and equine-assisted activities and services. The equestrian program features three horse riding teams, including hunstseat, dressage and eventing.
The equestrian team offers a variety of lesson types for Otterbein students who are interested in pursuing riding. Administrative assistant Jane Kidder emphasized how, unlike other equestrian teams, Otterbein’s program welcomes riders no matter their level of experience or field of study.
Head recruiter and adjunct riding instructor Lauren Lane offers a fresh perspective given her prior involvement on Otterbein’s equestrian team. Lane emphasized how students utilize the equine facilities for enhancing their learning experiences on and off campus.
She described how students have brought in animals which help assist with learning for equine science majors. Students who require hands-on, visual work for their courses are allowed to examine Otterbein’s wide variety of horses up close.
Otterbein’s quality herd of lesson horses is attributed to the generosity of donors “who want the best for their horses and trust the care that the center offers,” Kidder said.
Kidder pointed out how prospective students often recognize the horses from when they were in the circuit, adding to the wide appeal of Otterbein’s equestrian program.
"The reputation of our horses and our program is massive. It’s huge and it’s growing," Kidder said. "These horses are an essential part of our successful equestrian team.”
Many of Otterbein’s riders qualified at the national level in high school and heard about Otterbein through outreach at national equestrian competitions. The freshman population in the program last year included 18 equine majors and 22 team members. Already, the program has recruited an additional 35 equine majors and 35 team members for 2025 fall semester.
Lane said she has "found a huge increase with reaching out through social media and through email," rather than attracting students through events such as college fairs. Lane also said students are usually sold from the moment she shows riders everything Otterbein’s equestrian program has to offer.
Despite the equine center catering toward the needs of equine students, the facility is a space which welcomes everyone, no matter their field of study.
Many students may not know much about opportunities the equine center offers for students because of the building’s off-campus location.
"Student workers who come with horse handling experience are welcome to apply for open positions,” Kidder said.
Kidder also emphasized that Otterbein's equestrian team is an opportunity for students to discover their passions.
"Riding on our team can help you reach your individual goals as a rider. There is always room for growth as an individual as well as on a collegiate team level,” Kidder said.
