What you will learn

• Basic principles of equine husbandry practices.
• A broad knowledge of horse care for both the stabled horse and horse kept on grass.
• Proper management of the health and condition of horses in various situations and conditions.
• A deeper understanding of horse behavior as well as practical skills in properly handling and training horses.
• A practical knowledge of various aspects of horse breeding, as well as the importance of genetics and selective breeding.

How you will benefit

• A comprehensive understanding of horse care, horse management, and husbandry is key to starting a career in the horse industry.
• Cultivating a broad knowledge of horses will increase your level of success as a wrangler or horse caretaker
• Holding a certificate of completion increases your competitiveness in the horse industry job market.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• This course is preferred with the latest versions of Windows and Mac OS. Although the versions listed below are compatible, it's strongly recommended to have the latest operating system for an optimal experience.
  • PC: Windows 10 or later.
  • Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Any Word Processing application (not included in enrollment); Required file format for assignments: .doc/.docx or .pdf
• Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download.
• All applications listed above must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Horse Care Management is a comprehensive study of equine science and the practical application of these scientific concepts. This course consists of three basic horse care modules and an elective module in Equine Behavior or Horse Breeding. With each module, you will gain hands-on experience with the set task activities. Upon completion, you will have learned several facets of horse care and horse management, including daily care, handling techniques, and training principles.

A fundamental key to success in the horse industry is having an extensive knowledge of the horse. Completing this intensive course acknowledges the dedication of those interested in the well-being of horses and affirms that you have met an industry-standard level of proficiency.

1. Horse Care A
   1. Horse Psychology and Handling Horses
   2. Considerations for Buying and Selling Horses
   3. Evaluating Conformation in the Horse
   4. The Digestive System and Basic Principles of Equine Nutrition
   5. Principles of Pasture Management
   6. Principles of Proper Grooming
   7. Industry Applications
2. Horse Care B
   1. Feeds for Horses
   2. Stable Management Practices
   3. Bedding and Mucking Out
   4. Principles of Hoof Care and Shoeing
   5. Exercise and Conditioning
   6. Tack and Tack Fitting
   7. Horse Facility Design
3. Horse Care C
   1. Utilizing Blankets, Bandages and Boots
   2. Principles of Equine Health Management
   3. Clipping and Trimming the Competitive Horse
   4. Transporting and Managing Horses Away from Home
   5. Organizing and Managing a Horse Event
   6. Aspects of Operating a Horse Enterprise
4. Equine Behavior (Option 1)
   1. Introduction to Equine Behavior
   2. How Genetics Influence Behavior
   3. Perception and Response Behavior
   4. Communication and Social Behavior
   5. Sexual and Reproductive Behaviors
   6. Learning Behaviors and Training Methods
   7. Addressing Maladaptive Behavior in Horses
5. Horse Breeding (Option 2)
   1. Fundamental Principles of Horse Breeding
   2. Reproductive Physiology of the Mare
   3. Reproductive Physiology of the Stallion
   4. Breeding Management Practices
   5. Management of the Pregnant Mare
   6. Understanding the Foaling Process
   7. Care of the Newborn Foal
   8. Infertility and Reproductive Disorders

Meg Anema holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science degree in Equine Reproductive Physiology from Colorado State University. Anema, a certified Career and Technical Education instructor, has taught courses in Equine Science, Animal Science, and Veterinary Science for over 10 years. She grew up training horses and has years of experience as a breeding farm manager, equine A.I. technician, and equine events coordinator.