Best Equestrian Colleges for Aspiring Riders?

I'm interested in horseback riding and want to continue it in college. What are some of the top equestrian colleges? Ideally looking for a place with great facilities and a strong team.

There are several excellent colleges for horseback riders in America, each with its respective strengths and specialties. Here are some of the notable schools with solid equestrian programs and facilities:

1. University of Kentucky: This school is located in Lexington, often called "The Horse Capital of The World," and is home to a renowned equine science and management program.

2. Middlebury College: Situated in Vermont, Middlebury's equestrian team has consistently ranked in the top positions at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association's national championship.

3. Auburn University (Alabama): Auburn's equestrian team is highly competitive and has even secured several national champion titles.

4. Berry College (Georgia): Berry College campus features an award-winning equestrian center and offers both Hunt Seat and Western riding options.

5. Savannah College of Art and Design (Georgia): Known primarily for its arts programs, SCAD also has a top-rated equestrian team and standout facilities.

6. Centenary University (New Jersey): This program offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Equine Studies with concentrations in riding instruction and training, equine business management, and more.

7. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (Indiana): It has an exceptional equine studies program and numerous opportunities for involvement in horse-related activities.

Remember, each school's equestrian program can be different. It's essential to evaluate how each program lines up with your specific goals, as some may focus more on competitive team riding, while others may emphasize equine science and horse care. It’s also worthwhile to check if the college has the specific riding discipline you're interested in – Western or English and the subspecialties within those like hunting, dressage, eventing, etc. A visit to the campus and a tour of the equestrian facilities might help you get a feel for what each program has to offer.