Horse Care

According to Stephen Budiansky, “Horses have been enveloped in human dreams, myths, ambitions, and sentiments for so long that the story we have come to think of as theirs is often but a distorted reflection of our own desires.” Horse Care explores five interrelated modules designed to build a base of knowledge for students interested in horse ownership or entry level jobs in stable management. We begin by exploring horse behavior through a mindful analysis of equine social structure, the complexities of herd dynamics, and the role of the horse in human history. Nutrition requirements and nutrition management including pasture systems and paddock design principles make up the second module. Horse health care is a daily occurrence for any horse owner or stable manager, the third module explores common horse ailments and pathways for prevention. Understanding facilities design and developing practical stable management procedures is the hallmark of successful horse owners or stable managers; delving into infrastructure systems especially horsekeeping on a small acreage comprises the fourth module. Finally, hoof care and management of common hoof ailments completes the course. Following this introductory course, students will have honed a basic skill set to better understand the management practices associated with horse ownership or stable management.