College is about allowing students to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons. Through study abroad trips, students are able to push those horizons even further. Those who participate in these trips gain knowledge and experience in places of the world where they might not otherwise have the opportunity. Recently, students at Virginia Tech were able to do just that during their trip to study the German sport horse industry in Germany.  

Beth Sheely, a Virginia Tech equine instructor and current head coach of the riding teams at the University, has been the lead faculty member in charge of this trip in recent years and is very enthusiastic about the program.  

“Throughout history, one way that Germany has made the horse relevant is through their riding clubs. This allowed people who had horses for agricultural reasons, an opportunity to teach their kids how to ride and earn their bronze, silver, or gold riding medal (called the Das Reiterabzeichen or The German Riding Badge). Europe also has a unique way of structuring its breeding programs, which we cover on a broad overview. Germany actually has stud stations that allow people in their region to bring their mares to be bred for a very reasonable rate.” 

However, the learning opportunities don’t stop there. 

“We get to do a private tour of the Kasselmann breeding facility, where they have bred some of the top dressage horses in the world. The students also have the opportunity to visit some of the area's major sightseeing locations, such as Prague, Berlin, and Vienna. In Vienna, we actually go to the Spanish Riding School, which is one of the oldest riding schools in the world and is considered the emblem of their national treasure,” Sheely said.   

These educational experiences do not go unnoticed or unappreciated by the students. In fact, Yssabelle Marrero, a senior in the School of Animal Sciences majoring in animal and poultry sciences, shared a similar passion as Sheely.  

“I feel like I gained an appreciation and understanding of how the industry works as a whole; starting from the birth of a horse up through how it’s trained and handled. Another big thing I appreciated was the culture difference in how they handle horses versus how we do in the United States…the workers at the stud farms knew every single fact about the horses. The workers at the facilities here (U.S.) obviously know the horses, but they still have to go look at the registries. The amount of passion they have for their work there is amazing.”

Sheely added that the students who participate in the study abroad program also have the opportunity to test for their German Riding Badge. However, this is not the only benefit of participating in the program. 

“Beyond just the experiential learning aspect of the trip, it really opens doors for networking opportunities, which is what I think is part of what makes this trip so unique. The students meet a lot of international professionals in the industry. It can truly be a life-changing opportunity; we have had students who have participated in this trip who have gone on to work for an organization in Europe,” said Sheely. 

In fact, recent Virginia Tech graduate, Madeline Mcmanus, was offered a job as a professional rider while on the study abroad trip. 

“I was actually on the fence about going on this trip, but I am so glad I did. I was offered a job by the director of riding at the stud facility where we were. I’ve been talking with them and may go back over eventually and ride for them,” said Madeline. 

Natalie Duncan, an AP faculty member and the equine facilities manager at the University, was a supervising faculty member during the trip and also spoke highly of the educational and networking opportunities that come with participating in this study abroad program. 

“It is truly an incredible experience for students to get to see a large overview of the equine industry in Germany. There are some very unique opportunities to get to interact with people and network that would be incredibly hard to accomplish without the opportunities provided through the study abroad program. The students were in a position where they could ask any question they wanted about the management in the facilities and people’s careers and get a unique insight, firsthand.”

This study abroad experience is truly one-of-a-kind and is perfectly suited to any students who have an interest in riding (especially professionally), equine breeding management, or simply learning more about the cultural and managerial differences outside of the country.  

Article by: Noah Willis, Student Communications Assistant, School of Animal Sciences