College options for owning a horse business

Question
Hi I was wondering if you could help me out with a college/vocational school issue. I plan to one day open my own horse business training horses and am going to a vocational school to learn training. That same school offers a course on equine business management that I could take after my training course. In your opinion would it benefit my future business more to take the course at the vocational school and get a certificate or would it be more beneficial to take the extra time and money and major in equine business management at a 4 yr college(I found a college that offers this major and doesn't charge out of state extra tuition). Any advice you could throw my way would be appreciated. Thank you for your time!

Answer
I would take the equine business management course before anything. Practical track and training experience is way more valuable than a course taught by some trainer who couldn't make a living actually training horses. Many successful trainers are better business people than actual horsemen. Owners will respect your education and business sense more than actual horsemanship. Managing your employees to run an efficient barn is very important. There is nothing a vocational school can offer that is more valuable actual experience. I also recommend working with or taking farrier classes. An equine nutrition class is also highly recommended.

Christopher Crocker

Crocker Racing Stable Inc.

http://CrockerRacingStable.com