North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota
North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public university in Fargo, North Dakota. Its Department of Animal Sciences offers a 19-credit minor in equine assisted services alongside an equine science major, with hands-on training at the NDSU Equine Center. NDSU also runs Bison Strides, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited therapeutic riding program open to riders from the community.
- Equine assisted services minor (19 credits)
- Equine science major and minor
- Equine assisted services practicums
- Training toward therapeutic riding instructor or equine specialist certification
- Practicum site for graduate counseling students
- Student research on horse-human interaction
- Community therapeutic riding through Bison Strides
- Undergraduate students with basic horsemanship skills
- Students in any NDSU major (equine science minor)
- Graduate students in NDSU's counseling program
- Community riders through Bison Strides
More about this center
The Undergraduate Minor
NDSU describes the minor as an experiential program for students with basic horsemanship skills who want to learn how horses and people can work together to improve health and well-being. Coursework covers equine management, human psychology and development, and where those fields overlap. Students can work toward certification as a therapeutic riding instructor or equine specialist.
Required courses include Animals and Human Health, Introduction to Equine Studies, Principles of Equine Assisted Services Lab, three horsemanship courses and three practicums, plus 6 elective credits in human development, psychology or human anatomy and physiology. Current First Aid and CPR certification is required. Students in the minor take part in teaching and service through Bison Strides.
Equine Science and the Equine Center
The equine science major combines classroom study of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, health and management with horsemanship and equitation. NDSU says about 70% of its equine courses are hands-on, and majors complete an internship, study abroad or research experience. An equine science minor can be paired with any NDSU major.
The NDSU Equine Center, built in 2003 about four miles west of the main campus, is a 400 by 134 foot facility with indoor stalls, an indoor arena and outdoor turnout.
Bison Strides at NDSU
Bison Strides was founded in 2017 by Dr. Erika Berg, an associate professor of animal sciences and a PATH Intl. Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor who directs it. NDSU says it is the only PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in North Dakota, and it is a PATH Intl. Higher Education Member.
Bison Strides offers adapted therapeutic horsemanship for ages 4 and up, equine assisted learning for youth ages 6 to 17, a mostly ground-based military and veterans program with no fee for service members, and physical and occupational therapy through a partnership with Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services. Families looking for lessons should contact Bison Strides directly at (701) 231-9611 or ndsu.bisonstrides@ndsu.edu.
Location
NDSU's main campus is at 1340 Administration Ave, Fargo, ND 58102. Hands-on equine courses and Bison Strides sessions take place at the NDSU Equine Center, 5140 19th Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102, about four miles west of campus.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Can my child take therapeutic riding lessons at NDSU?
Yes, through Bison Strides, which has its own listing. Mounted riders must be at least 4, able to sit independently on a moving horse for 45 minutes and under 170 pounds.
Who can take the equine assisted services minor?
NDSU says the minor is for students with basic horsemanship skills. It requires 19 credits, current First Aid and CPR certification and a 2.0 GPA in the minor's courses.
Who do I contact about NDSU's equine programs?
The Department of Animal Sciences can be reached at (701) 231-7641 or ndsu.ansc@ndsu.edu. NDSU's main line is (701) 231-8011.
Location
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.