SMWC students networked with equine professionals at the Mane Event in 2013.
The horse industry is very entrepreneurial. Even the multi-million dollar operations are considered small businesses due to their often small number of employees. Jobs in the sector are usually not posted in the classifieds. It’s word of mouth. Networking is essential to succeeding in the equine industry, and networking is exactly what Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) and the Indiana Horse Council will offer students at the Mane Event – Equine Professional Applications on Fri., Feb. 28, 2014.
Workshops, networking, demonstrations, horses and more horses all make up the Mane Event. This unique program will provide equine students the opportunity to meet horse professionals as well as prospective employers and to learn about volunteer positions, internships, part-time and full-time employment opportunities.
“Some of those opportunities will be represented by our own Woods alums who are now in the industry,” states Tara Lane, SMWC employer relations coordinator. “It is a very beneficial relationship. The alums know the quality of our program and dedication of the students. We know the alums, making it very easy for us to recommend placements for these young women away from home.”
The panel discussion, The Business of Breeding, includes Monti Byers of Monti J. Byers Barn (Pony of the Americas), Marianne Eberth of Little King Farm (miniatures) and Jenny Haynes of Haynes Quarter Horses. Panelists will share their involvement in the horse industry, observations of current conditions and future trends. Following the panel discussion, there will be a career fair and breed demonstrations at the stables (weather permitting).
The Mane Event provides connections with equine organizations and professionals to The Woods faculty, staff and students. In addition to experiential learning sites for students, the relationships with faculty and staff cultivate speakers, site visits and class projects. All in all the Mane Event has much to offer.
SMWC is the only equine program in Indiana, and one of only 20 in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in equine studies. The College also offers areas of study in equine business management, equine science and equine training and instruction, as well as a minor in equine assisted therapy.
“Members of the Indiana Horse Council, the recruiters and professionals that attend have been in the horse world for decades. They’ve lived it. They know people,” states Lane. “Sharing their knowledge, experience and contacts with our students is a wonderful gift to The Woods.”