Student Research

There are several lecture classes in the Equestrian Studies program that give students the opportunity to research topics within the specialty of their choice. See the list of links in the sidebar to the right for a look at some student work.

In addition, the Mentor-Mentee honors program is also available to eligible students within the EQS program. The M&M program was established in 1995 as a platform for faculty and students interested in working together in either research or creative projects.

The student member of an M&M team conducts independent research or engages in a creative project which may either be independent of or related to the faculty member's research or project agenda while the faculty member serves as a mentor-collaborator.

Examples of Mentor-Mentee projects that have been pursued are listed below:

• 2003-2004 - Megan Thompson and Dr. Linda McClaren explored the development of a new web site for the Equestrian Studies Division that would provide information to prospective and current students as well as keeping EQS alumni in touch with EQS happenings and employment opportunities.
• 2004-2005 - Betsy Irvin and Dr. Linda McClaren conducted a comparative study between training techniques used in the development of show jumping horses and riders.
• 2006-2007 - Lauren McMichael and Laura Ward compiled a collection pictures and stories that chronicled the History of the horse program at WWU.
• 2006-2007 - Jojo Levy and Dr. Linda McClaren embarked upon a project entitled Starting the four year old sport horse over fences.
• 2007-2008 - Kate Woodard and Gary Mullen are working on a project that will bring the discipline of Therapeutic Horsemanship to WWU with an inaugural Special Olympics competition.
• 2007-2008 - Patricia Clark and Karen Pautz are working together to produce a database-driven product that will streamline record keeping and web site management for the Missouri Horse Shows Association.
• 2007-2008 - Jessica Billham and Dr. Linda McClaren are working together to reclaim a sour show hunter by incorporating a system of reward reinforcement (clicker training) with traditional methods of horse training.