Learn the foundations of equine husbandry

This course is intended to establish general, foundational knowledge related to the care and management of horses. Primary topics include the domestication and development of the horse, type and breed classifications, basic anatomy and conformation, colours and markings, gaits and defects in gait, teeth and age determination, and proper hoof care as well as diseases of the hoof. Additional topics discussed include principles of horsemanship, styles of equitation, riding tack and training aids, and basic handling of horses.

This course is for anyone making a start in horses for who wants to just learn more.

This is a stand-alone course or can be taken alongside Horse Care II and Horse Care III.

Course Aims:

• To explain the sequence of events involved in the domestication of the horse
• To discuss how selective breeding helped to develop different horse types
• To define conformation and components contributing to conformation
• To analyse the practical application of the term “form-to-function”
• To correctly identify different parts of the horse
• To explain how gait defects impact the horse’s serviceability
• To analyse how leg set affects the horse’s way of going and soundness
• To explain the importance of proper care of the horse’s teeth
• To correlate eruption of incisors and wear of the cups with age in horses
• To list indicators of pain or problems with the teeth
• To discuss proper care and management of the horse’s teeth
• To define common malocclusions in the horse
• To characterize the physiology of the horse’s foot to absorb concussion
• To analyse the impact of abnormal foot/hoof conditions on the horse’s performance
• To discuss basic hoof trimming recommendations
• To discuss the progression of horsemanship from ancient up through modern times
• To analyse the mechanics of using bits/bridles for controlling horses
• To understand the horse’s basic flight response and behaviour
• To develop a list of basic safety rules for handling horses

Course Structure

There are 7 lessons in this course:

1. Domestication/Development of the Horse

• • Uses of the Horse by Men
  • Early Interaction and Domestication
  • The Development of Different Horse Types
  • Utilization of the Horse by Advancing Societies
  • Types and Classification of Horses
  • Breeds of Horses

2. Form to Function

• • Descriptive Terms
  • Basic Conformation
  • Form to Function
  • Colors and Markings
  • Basic Principles of Coat
  • Color Genetics
  • Markings and Other Identification Markers

3. Definitions of Movement

• • Gaits of the Horse
  • Characterizing Common Gaits
  • Factors Affecting Speed
  • Gait Defects
  • Effect of Leg Set on Action and Unsoundness

4. Teeth and Age Determination

• • Type and Position of Teeth
  • Impact of Wear and Tear on Teeth
  • Age Determination in Horses
  • Technique for Determining Age in Horses
  • Secondary Factors of Age Determination
  • Proper Care of the Teeth

5. Feet & Hoof Care

• • Importance of Foot Care
  • Basic Foot and Hoof Anatomy
  • Physiology of the Horse’s Foot
  • Abnormal Foot Conformation
  • Proper Foot/Hoof Care
  • Hoof Trimming Principles
  • Principles of Shoeing
  • Common Foot/Hoof Diseases

6. Horsemanship and Equitation

• • History of Riding
  • Masters of Horsemanship
  • Principles of Equitation
  • Styles of Riding
  • Proper Riding Position
  • Types of Bridles
  • Types of Bits
  • Riding Aids

7. Basic Handling of Horses

• • Understanding the Horse’s Flight Response
  • Interpreting Body Language
  • Catching and Haltering
  • Leading
  • Basic Grooming
  • Saddling
  • Bridling
  • Safety Rules