This course covers the factors affecting equine behavior. Emphasis is placed on equine instincts and the influence of genes and nutrition; their perception and response to stimuli, including sexual and reproductive behaviors; and equine communication and the nature of their social organization. Upon completion, students should be able to explain how and why behavioral problems occur and how they can be prevented; and describe different approaches to equine learning in a training environment.
- Teacher: Misty Yelton
This course covers the equine training of the therapeutic horse. Topics include evaluation, preparation and safety of the therapeutic horse; identifying and knowing the proper use of tack, equipment, and adaptive equipment; gaits, seat position, mounting/dismounting, and recognizing signs of health and wellness of the horse. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and train the therapeutic horse.
- Teacher: Kim Wawzysko
This course provides an introduction to the production of horses. Topics include anatomy and physiology, reproduction, genetics, selection, and basic management practices. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the production and management of horses.
- Teacher: Lisa Higgins
This course studies equine nutrition and its application, including concentrates, hays, forages, and supplements. Topics include basic digestive anatomy and physiology, common feeds and supplements, nutritional needs in specific situations, and ration balancing. Upon completion, students should be able to explain feeding practices and critique rations for classifications of horses.
- Teacher: Lisa Higgins
This course provides an introduction to the production of horses. Topics include anatomy and physiology, reproduction, genetics, selection, and basic management practices. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the production and management of horses.
- Teacher: Misty Yelton
This course covers fundamentals of groundwork and basic theories of horsemanship and training, with emphasis on a balanced seat, communication with, feel for and influence over the horse. Topics include horse care, equipment, position development and strengthening, show turn out, groundwork and riding theory, riding maneuvers and patterns. Upon completion, students should be able to competently perform groundwork, demonstrate a balanced position, coordinate aids to perform maneuvers and patterns, and discuss riding theory.
- Teacher: Anna Senter
- Teacher: Kim Wawzysko
The course covers horse industry practices and emphasizes basic horse husbandry and stable management practices, with an emphasis on practical application. Topics include prevention, identification and treatment of diseases, injuries and treatments, lameness, parasites, common medications, and work ethic. Upon completion, students should be able to further perform horse husbandry and stable management practices and explain related theory.
- Teacher: Kim Wawzysko
This course presents the legal options and responsibilities of horse businesses and equine professionals. Topics include liability, lawsuits and relevant precedents, insurance, contracts, taxes, debt collection, purchase of property, estate planning, trailering laws, and abuse and neglect. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss legal options and responsibilities and make choices based on legal options and responsibilities.
- Teacher: Kim Wawzysko
This course introduces teaching in the equine assisted activities program. Emphasis is placed on effective communication in organizing, preparing and teaching lessons to individuals with disabilities; and assigning students, horses and volunteers. Upon completion, students should be able to assign students, horses and volunteers; train volunteers, maintain program notes and interact with parents, teachers and other professionals.
- Teacher: Kim Wawzysko