I know about Meredeth Manor and even looked into going to it at one point. I've heard a mixture of both good and bad things about it. I suggest that you locate a few people that went through their program, both people that graduated from it and people who dropped out. Ask them what they thought of their experience.
I ended up going to William Woods University in Fulton, MO for their Equine Science degree (they also have an Equine Business degree). I did not graduate from there though. I dropped out because I was not getting enough hands on experience there as I needed and is was VERY expensive. It is an Ivy League school. In my opinion, William Woods is Best for someone that is already successful in the horse industry with lots of showing experience already and wants a comprehensive education that covers the whole spectrum of the horse industry. That is not me.
I ended up getting a working student position (or and internship as they call it) at a Dressage training place in Indiana. That is really the best way to go, get a job working somewhere with horses, even if you don't get paid you won't have to pay anything yourself (I did not get paid, but I got free room and board). I was there for only 7 months and I learned more in that span of time then I had in the previous three years combined. Right now I am looking for another internship or apprenticeship program. Hopefully a paid one this time since I have more experience now.
Just because you pay for a education program does not mean it will be the best training you get. I HIGHLY suggest you keep looking for a working student position. There are lots of them out there if you look in the right places. If you want to be a horse trainer, a college degree really is not that important. Experience is what matters (and the people you know play a HUGE part in your success).
I'm not trying to turn you off from Meredeth Manor, I did not go there myself. I'm just telling you what I wish someone had told me before I got piled with $10,000 in student load debt (and that was for only one semester). Get out there and ride as much as you can, find a trainer you like and work for them. Most trainers are willing to work something out as far as a working student situation goes. It's not all fun and games. Its a lot of hard work and some days you just won't like it. That's the truth. But most days you will love it. If you just want to have fun with horses then don't make them your career, because everyday is not fun. But in my opinion, it is the most rewarding career in the world.
Check out
YardandGroom.com There are a lot of working student jobs posted there.
Good luck! Keep chasing your dreams, work hard and you'll reach them.
Jubilee
