Industry Professionals Teach Young Equine Enthusiasts
Abby Eberhardt and other University of Wyoming students traveled to Las Vegas to join some of the top professionals in the equine world. Each January, the AQHA Boehringer Ingelheim Professional Horsemen Academy at the South Point Hotel & Casino gathers trainers, veterinarians, business owners and industry experts from across the country. For students, it’s more than a conference; it’s a glimpse into the future they hope to build.
“The AQHA Boehringer Ingelheim Professional Horsemen Academy is a large event for professionals in the equine industry to gather and learn how to better their businesses,” Abby Eberhardt said. “There are all sorts of seminars presented by successful businessmen and women, veterinarians, legal specialists, all in the horse industry.”
The Academy helps participants develop business skills in horsemanship, an area many young professionals encounter only after they start working. Over two and a half days, attendees take part in sessions on client communication, financial planning and liability law.
Abby attended the Academy as part of her Animal and Veterinary Science: Equine Science concentration degree, a program that focuses on hands-on horsemanship and the professional skills needed for success in the industry. This was her second year at the event.
“I attended last year as well, for the first part,” she said. “This year I attended the second part and I was able to get a certificate of completion.”
She explained that the certificate means more than just having a document. It gives her an advantage when looking for a job.
“I’ve always been involved in the equine industry, ever since I was a kid, whether that was showing and training horses, or going to school for a job in the equine industry,” she said. “This academy was incredibly relevant to me because I plan to get a job when I graduate this May, and all of the jobs I’m applying for are in the equine industry.”
While the Academy is known for its business-focused sessions, the workshop that surprised her most wasn’t about marketing or management. Instead, it was a detailed session on forage quality, presented by Nutrena.
“Surprisingly, the Forage Quality session presented by Nutrena,” she said when asked which workshop stood out. “I found that a lot of the knowledge I had from previous classes at UW was able to transfer over, and I was one of the only people in the room who knew about the ration balancing they were doing on the screen, which was pretty cool.”
Experiences like this, where classroom learning connects with real-world situations, are what UW faculty hope students gain from the Academy. For Abby, it boosted her confidence and reminded her that her education is preparing her for a future career.
People from across the country attend the Academy, representing areas like reining, ranch riding, showmanship and equine business consulting. For students about to graduate, these networking opportunities are especially valuable.
“It felt incredible to connect with other professionals,” Abby said. “The equine industry is so large, and there are so many different paths one can take. Having these connections will directly help me during my career search by giving me people I can reach out to or work with in the future.”
For UW students considering the equine program, or those already enrolled, Abby has one piece of advice: start early and make sure to attend the event.
“I would HIGHLY recommend that other students take the class that goes to this event,” she said. “It is part of a series of classes that leads up to the Academy experience, so you’ll want to start taking the prerequisite classes early.”
The Academy’s emphasis on business development and professional skills matches the rising expectations in today’s equine industry. Students see for themselves how communication, management and industry knowledge lead to successful careers. The combination of seminars and hands-on learning helps them prepare for life after graduation.
At the University of Wyoming, the Academy helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. Prerequisite courses give students the background they need to get the most out of the sessions in Las Vegas.
As the equine industry changes, programs like the AQHA Professional Horsemen Academy help prepare the next generation of professionals. Students return with new skills, more connections and a better sense of direction. For many, this experience is a turning point in their careers.
