Most people consider the obvious ones first: horse trainer, riding teacher, groom, barn manager, breeding/foaling manager, veterinarian, farrier—careers that require hands-on work directly with horses. Many people do not consider the depth and scope of the U.S. horse industry. According to a 2018 survey by the American Horse Council, there are 7.2 million horses in the United States today. The horse industry contributes $122 billion to the gross domestic product and pays over $2 million in taxes annually. Over 1.3 million people own horses; 38 million people are horse enthusiasts who participate in horse activities but do not own a horse, and tens of millions of spectators enjoy horse events annually. The United States horse industry supports approximately 454,000 full-time-equivalent jobs directly involved with horses, and 988,000 full-time indirect horse industry jobs that do not include hands-on work with horses but instead provide support to the industry.

At Middle Tennessee State University, students study with faculty who have a wide range of expertise as they find their niche and prepare for a future in the multi-billion-dollar horse industry. All levels of students are welcome, from beginner to world champion.