Priority to Positive® Goes to College
In 2027, Via Nova’s introductory curriculum in Positive Reinforcement Training for equines will be among the Equestrian Studies courses offered at Stephens College.
–
We’re excited to announce that Via Nova will be teaching our Priority to Positive® curriculum as part of the Equestrian Studies program at Stephens College! Starting in the spring semester of 2027, Foundations of Equine Positive Reinforcement Training will be a new course opportunity for students, presented in Stephens’ intensive 3-week block format which combines classroom learning with hands-on experience.
This is a perfect match. Stephens wants their students to be at the forefront of change in horse industry, and we’re thrilled to have new pathways to introduce Positive Reinforcement training to the industry. Our curriculum will help expand opportunities and options in the academic program led by alum Sara Linde Patel, which currently offers both a major and a minor in Equestrian Studies.
Stephens is the second-oldest women’s college in the United States, with a long-established history of equestrian studies. It’s the home of the oldest continuously active riding club in the country, and has a strong record of connecting and placing Equine Studies graduates in the horse industry.
Our Positive Reinforcement coursework will begin with students on the Stephens home campus in Columbia, Missouri, where they will study learning theory, behavior, and the foundations of how to train horses using positive reinforcement. Then they’ll travel to Via Nova’s dedicated R+ equestrian facility in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they will apply those concepts, practicing the hands-on basics of mechanical skills and groundwork with our experienced Via Nova horses.
We’re looking forward to welcoming Stephens students to Via Nova in Spring 2027.