As wonderful and rewarding horse ownership can be, it takes immense amounts of time and dedication – owners should prepare to spend more time caring for their horse than actually riding it. Horse care involves a sequence of repetitive tasks including feeding and watering; grooming and the provision of health care; cleaning of their living environment and equipment and of course, exercise.

Not only does this course cover 10 lessons about horse care essentials, you will also have the opportunity to test your learning along the way with our self guided tests. There is also ample opportunity to research many more aspects of the course topics, giving you a thorough learning experience.

How does it work?

At the end of each lesson, you will be given a short interactive test to undertake, which will provide an indication of how your learning is progressing. Upon completing the very last lesson, you will be offered a more thorough automated test or examination. This final assessment can be undertaken at any time of day or night; and any day of the week; and if you achieve an overall pass (60% or more); you will be able to obtain a “certificate of completion” with your name and completion date on it.

Note: these short courses are self-guided online courses and are not to be confused with tutor-supported online courses.

Course Outline

There are 10 Lessons in this course:

1. BREEDS AND IDENTIFICATION

• • Introduction
  • Breeds

2. ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND MOVEMENT

• • External Points of the Horse
  • Skeletal & Muscular Systems
  • Cardiovascular System

3. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND FEEDING

• • Overview of Digestive System
  • Food
  • Feeding Routines and Procedures

4. HORSE HANDLING

• • Basic Horse Psychology, Temperament and Behaviour
  • Safe Handling
  • Vices and Problem Behaviour

5. HEALTH MANAGEMENT

• • Introduction to Horse Health
  • Internal Parasites
  • Skin Conditions
  • Equine Colic
  • Lameness
  • Contagious Respiratory Conditions – Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites
  • Non-Contagious Respiratory Conditions
  • Preventative Health Care Programs

6. SHOEING THE HORSE

• • Why do horses need shoes?
  • Types of shoes
  • Steps in shoeing the horse
  • Accidents associated with shoeing
  • General Foot Care

7. CARE OF THE HORSE AT GRASS

• • Grazing Requirements
  • Grazing Management

8. CARE OF THE STABLED HORSE

• • Stabling Facilities
  • Stable Yard Safety
  • Bedding & Mucking Out
  • Feeding & Watering Overview
  • Grooming

9. SADDLERY & EQUIPMENT

• • Saddles
  • Bridles
  • Bits
  • Ancillary Equipment

10. THE EQUINE INDUSTRY

• • What Do People Do With Horses?
  • Buying & Selling a Horse – Scope of the Industry
  • Common Equine Careers