I'm looking into going to Meredith Manor when i graduate from High School. To satisfy my parents I'd probably get a Bachelor of Arts with the University of West Virgina/Meredith Manor agreement thing. Has anyone done that program? How was it? Any opinions on the riding master programs?
I've heared lots of crap about how bad the campus is but right now where I ride, we don't have a riding arena, we jump logs and branches and your lucky to find a stall with a functioning door never the less a nice paint job. Living in an old bus sounds awsome. The facilities honestly don't matter half as much as the horses, instructors, and atmosphere of the school.
Thanks for any info you can offer!
Emily2010-05-09T07:15:37Z
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While I did not go to Meredith Manor (I went to Midway College for Equine Management/Equine Science pre-vet)... I'm browsing their website right now...
1. It does look like the facilities are very basic... if not a bit run-down. The photos on their website also look fairly "old"... so theres really no telling just what they look like now. Now, having "basic" or "old" facilities does not necessarily mean that the quality of care/instruction is poor. (Midway had a beautiful main barn, built a gorgeous new barn, and the quality of instruction in my opinion, was severely lacking while I was there).
2. I didn't quite believe you when you said "living in a bus"... lol! But, there they are... converted schoolbuses for a "special housing" option (single room) and converted shipping crates (double). Definitely not awe-inspiring by any means...
3. You can indeed get a full bachelors or associates degree (taking gen ed courses through the nearby college)
I would highly suggest that you schedule a visit. There's no way you could make the decision without visiting first. There's also a few videos that people have posted from their visits on Youtube. Do your research and make a decision after you're thoroughly informed.
Certifications mean very very little in the world of riding instructors. People don't care if you have a piece of paper. They care that you're a good instructor with a wide breadth of horse knowledge and a good reputation. That's all better gained through experience (particularly apprenticing with experienced professional instructors and trainers) than by attending some expensive fancy school. I have encountered a lot of trainers and instructors over the years. I've not been impressed with most of those that touted some sort of "certification". As far as what is included in the tuition at any sort of school, if you request an information packet, those things are generally clearly defined.