Sterling College

The Sterling College curriculum combines, in a unique fashion, the classic elements of a liberal arts education. Most distinctive is Sterling's integration of the applied sciences. A Self-Designed major in Equine Science parallels the College's mission by combining academic study, experiential challenges, and work. The College Farm consists of certified organic vegetable gardens, a greenhouse and hoophouse, an orchard and forest garden, solar and wind powered barns, and a variety of livestock including sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry, and draft horses. We implement a mixed-power model, using both tractors and draft animals in our gardens, pastures, and forests. Students become involved in the farm through a college-wide Work Program, structured skill-building activities, and careful academic inquiry. Students focusing on Equine Science complete coursework in animal science, horse care, draft horse management, driving principles, and draft horse work applications. Topics covered include history, genetics and reproduction, nutrition, digestion, and breeding. Students explore the anatomy and physiology of the horse, psychology of the horse as a working animal, systems required to successfully manage working horses, common health assessment procedures, emergency first aid, and fundamentals of the Farrier. Acquired skills include harnessing, hitching, and driving horses. Students gain experience working horses in our woodlot, maple sugarbush, and pastures.