Enhance Your Equestrian Education in Europe!

(Photo: Miami University)

Miami University is happy to announce the first study abroad program focused on the theme of equestrian sport in Europe. Framed as a six week summer program at MU’s John E. Dolobois European Center in Differdange, Luxembourg, it is a unique chance for students of all majors to interact in the study of a centuries-old sport and leisure activity in European society while experiencing life in Luxembourg.

Students will examine the very rich history of European equestrian sport with a particular emphasis on selected sociocultural (e.g., gender and social class), psychophysiological (e.g., physical training), and philosophical components. KNH 453 provides an introduction to, and overview of, the major course topics while KNH 402 (capstone course) allows students to work in small groups to prepare a multidisciplinary research-based and applied project related to one of the European Olympic level equestrian sport events.

(Photo: Stephanie Law)

Two study tours are included. The tentative itinerary is for the first tour to include visits to the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule in Munster, the Nordrhein-Westfälisches Landgestüt and German Olympic training center in Warendorf, a small breeding farm in Oldenburg, the open museum village “Museumsdorf Cloppenburg”, Gestüt Vorwerk, the summer sport horse auction in Vechta and the international dressage and jumper show in Wiesbaden.

The second tour will be a visit to Vienna Austria with a main focus on the events and history of the Spanish Riding School. These tours are subject to change based on the logistics planning which will take place once the number of participating students is determined.

This summer program will be an integral part of the Dolibois European Center which is located in a historic chateau of Differdange. Enrolled students will be housed with host families, and on-campus classes will be held at the chateau. Luxembourg is located in central Europe and provides students with easy travel access to many other destinations (e.g., France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy). Most students travel on their own on free weekends.

The main courses will be taught by Dr. Thelma Horn who is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health at Miami University (Oxford, OH). Dr. Horn’s primary research and teaching interests are in the social psychology of sport and physical activity, with particular focus on competitive youth sport and the talent development process. She has taught study abroad courses at the John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg.

(Photo: Stephanie Law)

Stephanie Law will assist Dr. Horn with the study tours. She has been an adjunct professor at the John E. Dolibois European Center for the past two years. Originally from Florida, she lives in Trier, Germany where she has been training and competing in the sport of dressage for 16 years with success up to Prix St. Georges. For five years, she worked as a public relations specialist for the Verband der Züchter des Oldenburger Pferdes (Oldenburg Horse Breeders Society) in Germany attending many mare shows, breeding inspections, young horse championships and sport horse auctions. She speaks German fluently.

To apply, click here

Preference will be given to Miami University students, but students from any US university may attend.

Dr. Thelma Horn (hornts(at)MiamiOH.edu)

Stephanie Law (laws(at)MiamiOH.edu)

College of Education, Health, and Society - Summer Term Miami University Faculty Led Study Abroad

May 14 – June 25, 2017 | KNH 453 and KNH 402 (6 credits total)