Rachel Arnold Receives Equestrian Award at William Woods University

2014 Jul 9

Rachel Arnold of Prairie Village, Kan., is the recipient of the Hunter/Jumper Appreciation Award at William Woods University.

Each year the riding disciplines recognize outstanding graduating seniors in each discipline..

While William Woods University offers many diverse academic programs, its equestrian studies division--with 220 students--is the most popular field of study on the 200-acre scenic campus, located in Fulton, Missouri.

William Woods has a reputation for providing one of the finest equestrian studies programs in the country--filling a national, regional and local demand for graduates who hold a four-year degree in equestrian science.

The university's 157 horses represent saddle seat, hunter/jumper, dressage and western. Breeds include American Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Warmbloods and Friesians. Equestrian facilities include two heated indoor arenas, a lighted outdoor ring, and a 40-acre cross-country field.

The riding program at WWU started in 1924, and in 1972, William Woods was the first school in the country to offer a bachelor's degree in equestrian science. An equine administration degree was instituted in 1992 for those more interested in the business side of an equestrian career.

In 2011, another degree was added--a Bachelor of Science degree in equine general studies, with concentrations in equestrian studies, therapeutic riding, equine art, equine media and equine leadership. An online Master of Education in Equestrian Education, the first of its kind in the country, was added in 2013.