Equine Studies Course

Lesson 1 • Basic Equine Physiology

Covers cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive system functions at rest and during exercise. Provides the physiological baseline needed to assess horse health and fitness.

Lesson 2 • History and Domestication of Horses

Traces equine evolution from Eohippus to modern breeds and the role of domestication in human civilisation. Establishes historical context for all subsequent equine study.

Lesson 3 • Equine External Anatomy

Identifies and names all major external body regions, landmarks, and surface features of the horse. Provides vocabulary essential for communication in all equine disciplines.

Lesson 4 • Skeletal and Muscular Systems

Examines the equine skeleton, joint types, and major muscle groups that enable movement. Connects structural anatomy to locomotion and performance capacity.

Lesson 1 • Movement and Way of Going

Analyses the four natural gaits and evaluates quality of movement from the ground. Connects gait mechanics to breed suitability and athletic potential.

Lesson 2 • Horse Selection Criteria

Integrates conformation, movement, temperament, and health history into a structured selection process. Prepares students to make evidence-based purchase or lease decisions.

Lesson 3 • Breed Classification Systems

Introduces hot-blood, warm-blood, and cold-blood categories and the criteria used to distinguish them. Provides a framework for organising the diversity of domestic horse breeds.

Lesson 4 • Major Breeds and Their Origins

Surveys influential breeds across sport, work, and pleasure categories with attention to geographic origin and selective breeding goals. Builds breed recognition skills used in evaluation.

Lesson 1 • Ration Balancing and Feeding Programmes

Applies nutrient requirement data to construct balanced daily rations for specific horse classes. Develops practical skills in calculating feed amounts and adjusting programmes over time.

Lesson 2 • Water, Body Condition, and Feeding Risks

Addresses water requirements, body condition scoring, and feeding-related disorders such as colic and laminitis. Integrates risk management into daily feeding decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Forages and Pasture Management

Evaluates hay types, pasture grasses, and legumes as the dietary foundation for horses. Connects forage quality assessment to feeding decisions and pasture management practices.

Lesson 4 • Concentrates and Feed Supplements

Examines grains, commercial feeds, and targeted supplements used to meet needs beyond forage alone. Teaches label reading and ingredient evaluation for informed product selection.

Lesson 1 • Common Diseases and Emergency Response

Identifies signs, causes, and first-response actions for prevalent equine diseases and emergencies. Prepares students to triage situations and communicate effectively with veterinarians.

Lesson 2 • Vaccination Programmes

Reviews core and risk-based vaccines, schedules, and administration techniques for horses of all ages. Connects immunisation strategy to disease prevalence and biosecurity goals.

Lesson 3 • Dental Care and Hoof Health

Explains equine dental anatomy, routine floating, and the link between oral health and nutrition. Covers hoof growth, trimming cycles, and the farrier-veterinarian partnership.

Lesson 4 • Parasite Control Strategies

Covers internal and external parasite life cycles, diagnostic methods, and targeted treatment protocols. Emphasises resistance management through strategic worming programmes.

Lesson 1 • Biosecurity and Quarantine Protocols

Establishes procedures for preventing disease introduction and spread within equine facilities. Prepares students to implement quarantine, traffic control, and sanitation measures.

Lesson 2 • Feed Storage and Equipment Maintenance

Addresses proper storage of hay, grain, and supplements to preserve quality and prevent contamination. Covers routine maintenance of feeding, watering, and handling equipment.

Lesson 3 • Facility Design and Layout Principles

Examines stall dimensions, aisle widths, ventilation, and drainage requirements for equine housing. Connects design choices to horse welfare, labour efficiency, and biosecurity.

Lesson 4 • Pasture and Turnout Management

Covers pasture carrying capacity, fencing options, and safe turnout group management. Integrates pasture use with nutrition and exercise planning.

Lesson 1 • Restraint Techniques

Introduces physical and chemical restraint methods appropriate for routine procedures and emergencies. Emphasises selecting the least restrictive effective method for horse and handler safety.

Lesson 2 • Groundwork and Desensitisation

Applies pressure-and-release principles to teach yielding, backing, and lateral movement from the ground. Builds the horse's responsiveness and confidence as a foundation for ridden work.

Lesson 3 • Leading, Tying, and Trailer Loading

Covers correct leading position, safe tying methods, and systematic trailer loading procedures. Addresses common problems and solutions for each skill.

Lesson 4 • Longeing and In-Hand Work

Teaches correct longeing technique, equipment use, and in-hand exercises for fitness and training. Connects ground-based work to ridden performance development.

Lesson 1 • Aids and Communication

Explains natural and artificial aids, their coordination, and the concept of aid hierarchy. Develops the rider's ability to give clear, consistent signals to the horse.

Lesson 2 • Tack Fitting and Preparation

Covers saddle and bridle fitting principles, grooming for tacking up, and pre-ride safety checks. Ensures equipment correctness before any mounted work begins.

Lesson 3 • Steering, Circles, and School Figures

Applies directional aids to ride accurate school figures, circles, and changes of rein. Develops spatial awareness and precision as a foundation for arena work.

Lesson 4 • Mounting, Dismounting, and Basic Position

Teaches correct mounting and dismounting technique and establishes the foundational balanced seat. Proper position is the prerequisite for effective aid application.

Lesson 1 • Training Scale and Progression

Introduces the hierarchical training scale as a framework for systematic horse development. Connects each element of the scale to observable performance markers.

Lesson 2 • English Discipline Pathways

Covers dressage, show jumping, eventing, and hunter-seat equitation as representative English disciplines. Highlights the progressive training demands and competition structures of each.

Lesson 3 • Western Discipline Pathways

Surveys reining, cutting, barrel racing, and trail as representative western disciplines with distinct training demands. Identifies the specific skills and horse attributes each discipline requires.

Lesson 4 • Equine Learning Theory

Examines classical and operant conditioning, habituation, and the role of timing in equine learning. Provides the scientific basis for all training methodology choices.