✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
Western spurs representing Feather River College equine ranch and rodeo skills training
Feather River College
Feather River College offers a “hands on” approach to learning, students can focus on a variety of industry topics including horse training skills, packing skills, ranch skills, rodeo skills and agriculture.
Are You Looking For A Rewarding Career With Horses?
For most people their career lasts a lifetime and requires a huge investment of time, energy, and thought. Why not have a career that can be rewarding? When are doing what you love, work becomes a joy. If you love horses, Feather River Collegecan help you turn your passion for horses— into a rewarding career for many years to come!
Why Should I Choose Feather River College? Feather River College is a small college that offers students a wide variety of educational opportunities and our dedicated instructors are eager to help students achieve their goals. The Agriculture and Equine Studies Departments help student’s to gain knowledge through a comprehensive, hands on learning environment. They know the best way to absorb what is taught in the classroom is to apply it to real situations.
Is It True That Feather River College Can Help Me With A Ranch Management Degree?
Yes! The Equine and Ranch Management Bachelor’s Degree Programenables students to emphasize their degree work in areas that are of most interest to them in the Ag industry. These areas include animal production (equine and/or beef cattle), resource management and business operations. These courses do not limit students in their career opportunities, but are designed to help students prepare for a wide variety of career options such as the management of a horse or beef cattle facility, Ag marketing and sales, apprentice with a horse trainer or starting their own business in the Ag field.How Long Will It Take For Me To Get My Equine Ranch Management Bachelor’s Degree?
The Equine and Ranch Management Program is fully accredited Bachelor’s Degree, which usually will take a minimum of four years to complete if the student begins as a Freshman. If, the student transfers into the program from another institution and they meet the lower division requirements, it can take as little as two years to earn the degree.
What Other Kinds Degrees Are Available Through Feather River College?
In addition to the Equine and Ranch Management Program, Equine Studies and Agriculture degrees, Feather River College has many interesting degrees. Some of these options include, Administration of Justice, Outdoor Recreational Leadership, Environmental Studies, Early Childhood Development and Vocational Nursing. No matter your area of interest, there is a little something for everyone.
What About Housing While I Am There?
Feather River College provides a living environment that enhances the educational and personal growth of students and provides a community atmosphere that complements the educational mission of the College.
FRC offers three Housing options:
* The Apartment-Style Dorm is located on campus and features one and two bedroom (double occupancy) options
* The Meadows Apartments is an apartment complex near downtown Quincy that features one and two bedroom (double occupancy) options. Preference for this complex is given to returning students with no disciplinary records.
* The Pines (opening fall of 2017!) , which is located in the heart of Quincy, will provide a traditional dorm setting with double occupancy rooms located off two corridors; one for men and one for women. Note: Off Campus Housing is available and we are happy to help you with information on those options.
What If I Need Financial Aid?
Our mission is to provide all Feather River College (FRC) student’s educational opportunities through the delivery of student federal and state financial aid and scholarship programs. To insure compliance with federal, state, and institutional statutory and/or regulatory requirements associated with the delivery of student financial assistance and financial resources.
The financial aid staff is dedicated to assisting students and families in obtaining funds to cover college costs in an equitable manner. There are a variety of different types of financial aid funded through federal, state, local organizations, lending institutions, and FRC itself. Although the application process may seem complex, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our goal is to see that financial problems do not prevent you from achieving your educational goals.
What Do Students Say About Their Experience At Feather River College?
FRC and its instructors have completely changed my life and perspective in regard to horses. They haven't taught me what I should know, but rather have helped me to take responsibility for my own education. They have shown me how to let the horse be my teacher.– Maeve Briggs
I give a ton of credit and gratitude to the equine program for teaching me everything I know about starting colts, for always believing in me, and for putting me in contact with Nrcha trainer, Todd Crawford, where I have worked as an intern the past two summers. – Karin Hiltbrand
Experiences here (like new born foals, bumper colts, and tricks with our ponies) not only with the horses but also with all of the amazing equine staff and students have given me a better and drastically different take on life and what I want out of it. – Makaela Cooper
I value any learning experience from this school and will treasure all the memories I make here.– Marissa Anthony
How Do I Get Started?
First, we are happy to talk to you to help you every step of the way! The Bachelor of Science Program requires a separate application and does not have an open enrollment policy. These applications are reviewed by a committee for acceptance into the program. All other degree programs, Feather River College is an open enrollment institute. This means, students who complete the application process and meet eligibility requirements are allowed to sign up for courses, as long as, they meet the prerequisites where applicable. We welcome your calls and are excited to meet you at Feather River College soon! Western spurs representing Feather River College equine ranch and rodeo skills training
What kind of equine education does Feather River College actually offer?
Feather River College in Quincy, California is home to an Equine Studies program that the California Community College Chancellor's Office approved as a two-year associate degree in 1987 — the first program of its kind. Students can earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree or a Certificate of Achievement in Equine Studies, with concentrations in Horse Training, Ranch, Rodeo, and Pack Skills. The college also offers Certificates of Specialization including Fundamentals of Horse Training Skills, Fundamentals of Ranch Skills, and Fundamentals of Rodeo Techniques, so a student can target one craft or stack several.
Feather River College campus in Quincy California summer mountain setting
Who built the program and who teaches it?
The Equine Studies program was conceived in the 1970s and founded by Russell Reid, who established it in 1981 and shaped its hands-on, horse-first teaching philosophy summed up in one word: Think. Reid, who holds a B.S. in Agriculture Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.S. in Recreation Administration from Cal State Sacramento, framed the mission simply — "If I can get them to think, I've done my job." That emphasis on understanding the animal, rather than memorizing drills, still defines how horsemanship is taught at FRC today.
Feather River College Plumas Sierra Production Horse Sale promotional flier
How much real horse time do students get?
This is genuinely a "hands on" program: roughly 60 horses live on the campus grounds, including a string of on-campus trail horses, an American Quarter Horse Association stallion, and several brood mares supporting a breeding and sales program established in 1989. Coursework runs from horseshoeing, draft horse driving, and western riding to horse production, conformation, training, field work, and pack station and stable operations. Students also take annual three-day pack trips into the surrounding Plumas–Sierra backcountry and help run real events like the Plumas Sierra Ranch Horse Sale and a Versatility Ranch Horse Schooling Show.
Can you go beyond an associate degree here?
Yes. FRC offers a Bachelor of Science in Equine and Ranch Management, one of California's community-college baccalaureate programs, combining animal production, business, and resource management. It is built to take a rider who loves horses and turn them into a ranch manager, entrepreneur, or agriculture-industry professional — adding the budgeting, land, and operations knowledge that a working horse career actually requires. That four-year option lets students start with a hands-on equine A.S. and finish with a management-level credential at the same mountain campus.
What careers does an FRC equine degree open up?
Graduates step into work as horse trainers, stable and pack-station managers, and wranglers for guest ranches and resorts. The program also prepares packers, guides, and outfitters for hunting and fishing expeditions, plus crews working with mining and construction companies and public agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. Because the training spans riding, packing, ranch, and rodeo skills under one program, students leave with a versatile résumé rather than a single narrow specialty.
How do you apply or get more information?
Prospective students can apply online and request information directly through the Agriculture & Equine Studies department. The program is reachable by email at or, by phone at ext. 272, and in person at the campus at 570 Golden Eagle Avenue, Quincy, CA 95971. With small community-college class sizes set in a scenic Sierra Nevada mountain town, FRC pairs personal instruction with one of the most immersive equine learning environments in the country.
Per Feather River College: a small college offering students a wide variety of educational opportunities. Per the company: dedicated instructors are eager to help students achieve their goals. The Agriculture and Equine Studies Departments help students gain knowledge through a comprehensive, hands-on learning environment.
What's the focus areas of the program?
Per Feather River College: hands-on approach to learning, with focus on:
Horse training skills
Packing skills
Ranch skills
Rodeo skills
Agriculture
What's the Equine and Ranch Management Bachelor's Degree?
Per Feather River College: fully accredited Bachelor's Degree enabling students to emphasize their degree work in:
Animal production (equine and/or beef cattle)
Resource management
Business operations
Career options: management of horse or beef-cattle facility, Ag marketing and sales, apprentice with a horse trainer, or starting a business in the Ag field.
How long does the Bachelor's Degree take?
Per Feather River College: usually minimum of four years if starting as a Freshman. If transferring from another institution and meeting lower-division requirements, can be as little as two years to earn the degree.
How do I apply?
Per Feather River College: Phone 530-283-0202, email [email protected], website https://www.frc.edu/agriculture-equine-studies. Tuition varies by residency status and financial-aid eligibility; confirm current tuition with the college directly.
Where is Feather River College located?
Feather River College is in Quincy, California, a small mountain town in the Plumas–Sierra region of the northern Sierra Nevada. The campus is located at 570 Golden Eagle Avenue, Quincy, CA 95971. The setting offers small community-college class sizes alongside immediate access to backcountry trails used for the program's pack trips.
What equine degrees and certificates does FRC offer?
Students can earn an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree or a Certificate of Achievement in Equine Studies. Concentrations are available in Horse Training, Ranch, Rodeo, and Pack Skills. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Equine and Ranch Management for students who want a four-year, management-level credential.
What are the Certificates of Specialization at FRC?
In addition to the broader Certificate of Achievement, FRC offers focused Certificates of Specialization including Fundamentals of Horse Training Skills, Fundamentals of Ranch Skills, and Fundamentals of Rodeo Techniques. These let a student build credentials around a single craft rather than the full associate degree. They can be a strong fit for someone already in the industry who wants a targeted skill set.
How many horses are on the FRC campus?
Roughly 60 horses live on the campus grounds, giving students extensive hands-on time. The herd includes a string of on-campus trail horses, an American Quarter Horse Association stallion, and several brood mares. This living herd supports the breeding and sales program and provides the animals students train, ride, and care for throughout the year.
Is the FRC Equine Studies program hands-on?
Yes. The program is built around a 'hands on' approach to learning, with students working directly with the campus herd rather than learning primarily from textbooks. Coursework includes horseshoeing, draft horse driving, western riding, horse production, conformation, training, field work, and pack station and stable operations. Students also take annual three-day pack trips into the surrounding mountains.
Who founded the FRC equine program?
The Equine Studies program was founded by Russell Reid, who conceived it in the 1970s and established it in 1981. His teaching philosophy is summed up in one word — THINK — emphasizing understanding the horse over rote drills. Reid holds a B.S. in Agriculture Business from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an M.S. in Recreation Administration from Cal State Sacramento.
When was the FRC equine degree approved?
The California Community College Chancellor's Office approved Feather River College Equine Studies as a two-year associate degree program in 1987. The college describes it as the first two-year equine degree program of its kind in the country. The breeding and sales program followed, established in 1989.
What careers does an FRC equine degree lead to?
Graduates work as horse trainers, stable managers, pack-station managers, and wranglers for guest ranches and resorts. The program also prepares packers, guides, and outfitters for hunting and fishing expeditions, as well as crews working with mining and construction companies and public agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service. The breadth of training produces versatile candidates rather than single-specialty graduates.
Does FRC offer a bachelor's degree in horses?
Yes. FRC offers a Bachelor of Science in Equine and Ranch Management, one of California's community-college baccalaureate programs. It combines animal production, business, and resource management to prepare students for careers as ranch managers, entrepreneurs, and agriculture-industry professionals. It builds on the hands-on equine A.S. by adding the budgeting, land, and operations knowledge a working horse career requires.
What subjects are covered in the equine coursework?
The curriculum spans western riding techniques; equipment and tack selection and care; horse behavior and psychology; equine anatomy and physiology; equine diseases and nutrition; breed characteristics; breeding and reproduction; training philosophies; and pack-trip and horseback-ride guiding skills. It also covers the history and current status of the equine industry. This gives students both practical skills and the underlying science.
Does FRC have a rodeo team?
Yes. Feather River College has a competitive Rodeo program, and rodeo is one of the four Equine Studies concentrations alongside Horse Training, Ranch, and Pack Skills. The team's stated mission is to help students excel not only in the arena but also in the classroom. Students interested in rodeo can pursue it as part of their degree or as a Fundamentals of Rodeo Techniques specialization.
What is the pack-skills training like at FRC?
Pack Skills is one of the program's core concentrations, taught through pack station and stable operations coursework and annual three-day pack trips into the surrounding Plumas–Sierra backcountry. Students learn to handle stock, manage gear, and guide trips the way working packers and outfitters do. This prepares graduates for jobs as packers, guides, and outfitters for hunting and fishing expeditions and for the U.S. Forest Service.
Does FRC hold a horse sale?
Yes. FRC runs the Plumas Sierra Ranch Horse Sale, an annual production sale tied to the program's breeding and sales operation, which was established in 1989. Students help raise, develop, and present the horses for sale, gaining real experience in horse production from foal development to sale. The college has also hosted a Versatility Ranch Horse Schooling Show.
How do I apply to Feather River College's equine program?
Prospective students can apply online through the college and request information directly from the Agriculture & Equine Studies department. The simplest route is to contact the department by email or phone to discuss which degree, certificate, or concentration fits your goals. From there, the standard FRC admissions and enrollment process applies.
How do I contact the FRC equine department?
You can reach the Agriculture & Equine Studies department by email at [email protected] or [email protected], and by phone at 530-283-0202 ext. 272. The campus address is 570 Golden Eagle Avenue, Quincy, CA 95971. Staff can answer questions about degrees, certificates, housing the herd, and getting started.
What makes FRC's equine program unique?
FRC was the first to offer a two-year equine associate degree of its kind in the country, approved in 1987, and it pairs that history with an unusually immersive setup — about 60 horses living on campus, a breeding and sales program, and backcountry pack trips. The THINK philosophy founded by Russell Reid emphasizes truly understanding horses, and small community-college class sizes mean personal instruction. Few programs combine training, ranch, rodeo, and pack skills under one roof at this scale.
Can I specialize in horse training specifically at FRC?
Yes. Horse Training is one of the four Equine Studies concentrations, and FRC also offers a Fundamentals of Horse Training Skills Certificate of Specialization for a focused credential. Training coursework draws on horse behavior, psychology, and both traditional and progressive methods, with the campus herd providing the horses to work with. This lets aspiring trainers build real, supervised experience before entering the industry.
