By Kaitlyn Parker, Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern
In Rutherford and Polk counties, Isothermal Community College’s new covered riding arena is expanding the hands-on training opportunities that connect students to high-demand careers in agribusiness, equine services, and mental health services.
“Our goal is to prepare students for a wide range of careers – from equine services and horticulture to farm business management, production, or mental health services – so they can move in the direction which fits them best,” said Isothermal Community College Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Greg Thomas. “The covered riding arena doesn’t just support equine-assisted work, but small animal interactions, and specialized tracks in community-based settings where there has long been a shortage of trained professionals.”
In 2020, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded Isothermal Community College $200,000 to support the construction of a covered riding arena accommodating growth in its Agribusiness; Equine Business, and Human Services Technology; and Animal Assisted Interaction programs. The new ring also allows students to be trained on-site instead of traveling up to one hour to other horse facilities or farms that volunteer their covered arenas and horses for training. Isothermal Community College allows the Therapeutic Riding of Tryon and Rutherford and Polk County Schools to use the ring as well.
“Agriculture and the equine industry are a big part of our region, especially with the development of the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Polk County,” said Isothermal Community College Chief Development Officer Dr. Thad Harrill. “We were involved early on in supporting the equestrian center from an economic and workforce development standpoint by providing leadership and customer service training. Being at the table from the beginning helped us see the opportunity to better connect students to industry jobs. From there, we worked with Golden LEAF to construct our riding arena alongside our Agribusiness Center.”
The riding arena is one of two of its kind in North Carolina providing equine-assisted therapy and training. The other one is located in eastern North Carolina. At the facility, students can earn a number of workforce ready certifications and licenses across a variety of industries, including mental health and equine-assisted therapy licenses.
“Our programs can prepare you for nationally known credentials such as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International,” said Isothermal Community College Human Services Technology Instructor Kimberly Snyder. “We also work in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model for students to partner with a mental health professional and a qualified Equine Specialist in order to become licensed therapists.”
Since the completion of the covered riding facility and start of classes in Fall 2023, 54 students have earned a diploma from Isothermal Community College’s Agribusiness, Agriculture, Equine Business, and Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy programs. Of the 54 students, 17 of those students participated in work-based experiences where they could develop industry knowledge and technical skills. Additionally, 25 students completed Career and Technical Education pathways.
Upon graduation, students have been equipped to directly enter the workforce or pursue further education to advance their careers. Isothermal Community College’s partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is designed to complement the community college’s programs.
“We have a 2+2 agreement with NC A&T, which allows students to complete their associate degree with us and then transfer to NC A&T earn their bachelor’s degree,” said Isothermal Community College Lead Instructor Agribusiness Technology Lisa Higgins. “It’s a strong partnership, and close to half of our students take that route.”
Students joining the workforce out of Isothermal Community College’s agribusiness and equine programs have entered a very wide range of roles in mental health recovery centers, equine related non-profits, local government, and even finance and IT.
For the continued development of the region, one of the most impactful roles graduates fulfill is returning to work on family farms and in local agribusiness.
“A lot of our students go to work on family farms and in family businesses locally, so we are really responding to a strong, generational employer need,” said Dr. Thomas. “Between the equine and agriculture industries, we find that we have a lot of people who are already working but need additional certifications and skills. We need to keep these local businesses going and maintain the strong sense of community we have.”