Transition Pathways for Equine Studies Online Programs
Our Equine Studies Online programs are evolving.
Effective January 1, 2026, all four of our Equine Studies Online programs will be offered within a new structure to make your learning experience more flexible, streamlined, and effective. The decision to phase out the current structure of these programs was based on several factors, but primarily to ensure uniqueness in curriculum, a clear pathway for learners, and to ensure that we continue to meet pedagogical and industry standards. These updates improve how the programs are organized and delivered, ensuring they better support your learning journey.
You have five years to complete the requirements for these new credentials. Extensions may be granted due to unforeseen circumstances, but must be approved by the manager, program development of the Equine Studies Online program.
The details of what’s changed for each program are outlined below.
Diploma in Equine Studies
Effective January 1, 2026, the current Diploma in Equine Studies at the University of Guelph will be phased out to make way for the new structure of the Diploma in Equine Studies. The current structure will officially be discontinued April 30, 2027.
The new Diploma will include areas of focus, in which a student may choose two courses within two areas of science, welfare and/or business. The areas of focus are prescribed and curated based on consultation with Equine Guelph and have become imbedded in the learning outcomes of the Diploma. Your areas of focus will appear on your parchment. You may choose not to have an area of focus, one area of focus, or two areas of focus.
| CURRENT Diploma in Equine Studies | NEW Diploma in Equine Studies (effective January 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 10 | 8 |
| Contact Hours/Course | 36 | 36 |
| Contact Hours/Program | 360 | 216 |
| Number of Required Courses Vs. Electives | 6/4 | 4/4 |
| Areas of Focus | N/A | Science/Welfare/Business |
| Courses in Diploma | Required Diploma Courses (6): | Required Diploma Courses (4): |
| Elective Diploma Courses (4): | Elective Diploma Courses (4): | |
|
*Courses no longer offered in the new Diploma in Equine Studies, effective January 1, 2026.
**If you have successfully completed both Equine Functional Anatomy AND Equine Exercise Physiology, you will be granted an exemption from Equine Anatomy and Physiology.
Please consider the following options moving forward:
- Option A - Continue in your studies under the new structure.
- Option B - You may want to consider completing your Diploma under the current structure if you have taken three or more courses that are not part of the new Diploma structure. Your last date to complete courses and apply for the Diploma in Equine Studies under the current structure is April 30, 2027.
- January 1, 2026: Transition period start date
- April 30, 2027: Deadline to complete courses towards the Diploma in Equine Studies under the current structure and apply for your parchment
Please note: Courses are being removed from the Diploma in Equine Studies program. They are not being removed from other credentials offered through the Equine Studies Online program. Please review other equine transition plans for details.
Certificate in Equine Business Management
Effective January 1, 2026, the current Certificate in Equine Business Management at the University of Guelph will be phased out to make way for the new structure of the Certificate in Equine Business Management. The current structure will officially be discontinued December 31, 2026.
| CURRENT Certificate in Equine Business Management | NEW Certificate in Equine Business Management (effective January 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 6 | 4 |
| Contact Hours/Course | 36 | 36 |
| Contact Hours/Program | 216 | 144 |
| Number of Required Courses vs. Electives | 5/1 | 1/3 |
| Courses in Certificate | Required Certificate Courses (5): | Required Certificate Courses (1): |
| Elective Certificate Courses (1): | Elective Certificate Courses (3): | |
*Courses no longer offered in the new Equine Business Management Certificate, effective January 1, 2026.
Please consider the following options moving forward:
- Option A - Continue in your studies under the new structure.
- Option B - You may want to consider completing your Certificate in Equine Business Management under the current structure if you have taken two or more courses that are not part of the new structure. Your last date to complete courses and apply for the Certificate in Equine Business Management under the current structure is December 31, 2026.
- January 1, 2026: Transition period start date
- December 31, 2026: Deadline to complete courses towards the Certificate in Equine Business Management under the current structure and apply for your parchment
Please note: Courses are being removed from the Equine Business Management Certificate. They are not being removed from other credentials offered through the Equine Studies Online program. Please refer to other equine transition plans for details.
Equine Science Certificate
Effective January 1, 2026, the current Equine Science Certificate at the University of Guelph will be phased out to make way for the new structure of the Equine Science Certificate. The current structure will officially be discontinued December 31, 2026.
| CURRENT Equine Science Certificate | NEW Equine Science Certificate (effective January 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 6 | 4 |
| Contact Hours/Course | 36 | 36 |
| Contact Hours/Program | 216 | 144 |
| Number of Required Courses vs. Electives | 4/2 | 1/3 |
| Courses in Certificate | Required Certificate Courses (4): | Required Certificate Courses (1): |
| Elective Certificate Courses (2): | Elective Certificate Courses (3): | |
|
*Courses no longer offered in the new Equine Science Certificate, effective January 1, 2026.
** If you have successfully completed both Equine Functional Anatomy AND Equine Exercise Physiology, you will be granted an exemption from Equine Anatomy and Physiology.
Please consider the following options:
- Option A - Continue in your studies under the new structure.
- Option B - You may want to consider completing your Equine Science Certificate under the current structure if you have taken two or more courses that are not part of the new structure. Your last date to complete courses and apply for the Equine Science Certificate under the current structure is December 31, 2026.
- January 1, 2026: Transition period start date
- December 31, 2026: Deadline to complete courses towards the Equine Science Certificate under the current structure and apply for your parchment
Please note: Courses are being removed from the Equine Science Certificate. They are not being removed from other credentials offered through the Equine Studies Online program. Please refer to other equine transition plans for details.
Equine Welfare Certificate
Effective January 1, 2026, the current Equine Welfare Certificate at the University of Guelph will be phased out to make way for the new structure of the Equine Welfare Certificate. The current structure will officially be discontinued December 31, 2026.
| CURRENT Equine Welfare Certificate | NEW Equine Welfare Certificate (effective January 1, 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Courses | 6 | 4 |
| Contact Hours/Course | 36 | 36 |
| Contact Hours/Program | 216 | 144 |
| Number of Required Courses vs. Electives | 3/3 | 1/3 |
| Courses in Certificate | Required Certificate Courses (4): | Required Certificate Courses (1): |
| Elective Certificate Courses (2): | Elective Certificate Courses (3): | |
*Courses no longer offered in the new Equine Welfare Certificate, effective January 1, 2026.
Please consider the following options moving forward:
- Option A - Continue in your studies under the new structure.
- Option B - You may want to consider completing your Equine Welfare Certificate under the current structure if you have taken two or more courses that are not part of the new structure. Your last date to complete courses and apply for the Equine Welfare Certificate under the current structure is December 31, 2026.
- January 1, 2026: Transition period start date
- December 31, 2026: Deadline to complete courses towards the Equine Welfare Certificate under the current structure and apply for your parchment
Please note: Courses are being removed from the Equine Welfare Certificate. They are not being removed from other credentials offered through the Equine Studies Online program. Please refer to other equine transition plans for details.
NEW Badges Available for Equine Studies!
You’ve asked and we’ve answered. We now offer the opportunity to take a course and earn a digital badge through the Equine Studies Online Program.
Taking equine courses for digital badges is a fantastic way to combine a passion for horses in the pursuit of educational achievements. Earning digital badges not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also enhances your resume or LinkedIn profile by showcasing your specialized skills and knowledge.
Starting in January 2026, digital badges are available for the following courses:
Equine Welfare - The Equine Welfare course explores controversial and sensitive issues surrounding the use of horses. It will enable all those with an interest in horses to gain an awareness of the specific human uses of horses and the welfare problems and abuse that can sometimes occur as a result.
Equine Functional Anatomy - Learn the important anatomical structures and their functions, view anatomy from the form vs. function approach, and understand how feeding, movement and health of the horse is dependent on its anatomy. Pre-requisite applies, please see website.
Advanced Equine Health through Nutrition - This advanced course recognizes that feeding decisions can be complex and the advances in nutritional research and evolving horse management practices provide an opportunity to design nutritional plans based on current research and evidence-based practice optimizing your horse's overall health and performance. Pre-requisite applies, please see website.
Advanced Equine Behaviour - During the course, you'll observe horse behaviour, design training activities, and create evaluation checklists. These tasks will help you develop tools and resources for effective horse management. You'll also learn to understand and assess abnormal horse behaviour and the management decisions that influence it. Pre-requisite applies, please see website.
For more information and to register, please click on the individual links above, or contact our main office.
Pease note: If you have successfully completed the above courses prior to January 1 ,2026, you are not eligible to receive a digital badge.