Sabrina Beaver
Imagine spending a couple of hours a week learning to ride a horse or a mule and getting a unit of college credit at the same time.
At Pierce, it not only makes for a nice daydream but also a possibility.
Among the more unusual classes offered at Pierce is Animal Science 621, a class that enables students to learn to ride horseback.
This California State University-transferable class can be taken at a beginning level for those with no experience, or at an intermediate level for those more advanced in riding.
While some may take this class out of a desire to have a career with animals, others like to take the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
During the class, students trail ride around the campus farm all the way up to the pond.
The class is offered every full-term semester and has been for more than 30 years.
Due to the physical exertion required of students in the class, Paddy Warner, who teaches at the intermediate level, insists, “It should count as P.E.”
Also unbeknownst to many students is the mule riding class, Animal Science 680, which allows students to learn to ride a mule at the intermediate level.
This class can only be taken at the intermediate level, due partially to the different temperament of mules, compared to horses.
“Mules are tougher to train,” said Warner. “They’re less forgiving. Mules have a different temperament than horses.”
According to Warner, mules are more inclined to kick and are altogether more unpredictable.
However, unless you’re working toward being a veterinarian (or any other career with animals) or have the desire to ride up a canyon, Warner suggests you learn to ride on horseback.
“You’re limited with mules,” she said when speaking about the advantages of learning to ride horses when contrasted to mules.
Warner also adds, “There’s less work with horses.”
So for those interested in spicing up their schedule of classes, a look into one of Pierce’s more uncommon courses might do the trick.