I have heard some not so great things about Meredith Manor, apparently they've really gone downhill. A google search should bring up lots of information though, I know it's been discussed in depth on other equine forums.
If you want to be a trainer, I'd recommend apprenticing under a trainer that is well known and respected in your area or in the discipline you want to pursue. In the horse world, it really is about "who you know." People will see you working with X trainer who is already well known and established, and people who are looking for a trainer are definitely going to choose you, over Joe Horse Trainer who has no credentials posting ads on kijiji. Unfortunately a few year equine science degree does not automatically make one into a "trainer".
I took an equine science degree, and while I learned a ton and do not regret it in the least, anyone interested in it really can go out into the horse world, find themselves an awesome internship or working student position, and learn it all without dropping tens of thousands of dollars and still be farther ahead in the big scheme of things. Having an equine science degree on your resume does not get you far in the real world. Prospective employers in the horse industry want to see names, barns and real life experience on your resume. That is what they'll pick over the degree.
I've actually had my equine science degree come back to bite me in the butt a time or two when looking for horse jobs. There's some students who take equine science, then come out and hang out their shingle and market themselves as a trainer or whatever they like, then get hired on at a barn and it's just a disaster because they think because they took "equine science" that they know everything and end up WAY over their heads. I've had more than a few people tell me that because of their experiences, they would NEVER consider hiring another student who took X at Y college. Of course those students may be few and far between, but it still ruins it for everyone else who is associated with that school. I would really do my homework, get out there and track down people who took the course you are interested in. Don't look at the statistics the schools put out, talk to the actual students. Find out what they liked about the course, and if they are still using what they learned and ask if they are even employed in the horse industry still. What you find might be extremely surprising. I know out of the 40 or so equine students who were in college with me, less than 5 are currently employed in the horse industry. Sure, the better majority still ride and have horses, but most moved on to different jobs so they could actually AFFORD their horses.
If equine science is really what you want to do, then by all means! Just be aware that all that time and money spent is probably not going to put you any more ahead of the game when you come out. You will have a degree but still be starting from square one in the horse industry with little to no experience. As long as you are ok with that and don't have unrealistic expectations of what's going to happen afterwards, then go for it. In the big scheme of things, you might be better off looking for somewhere you can do a business major, and an equine minor, or find a college that offers an Intercollege horse show team so you can still ride. Something like business will carry you over into many many different jobs and industries, where as with an equine degree you are really limiting yourself. Lots to think about, for sure. Good luck with whatever you decide
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