Equine Studies (EQS)

Introduces principles of care for horses in an equine facility environment with students learning industry accepted standards and techniques while providing care for 1 or 2 horses. Lab: 3.0 credits (135 contact hours).

Introduces the study of equine care by examining the anatomy and physiology of equine body systems and applications of this knowledge to the raising, training and management of horses in general and racehorses in particular. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces basic horse riding skills and their application to racehorse riding. Presents and requires daily practice of proper rider position at walk, trot, canter, on turn and in straights. Includes discussion and round pen applications of center of gravity of horse, center of gravity of rider and center of gravity of the combination of horse and rider. Teaches proper techniques for cooling out after exercise and or racing. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credits (150 contact hours).

Continues development of riding skills learned in EQS 112 by applying principles to riding racehorses in morning exercise sessions. Includes application of balance to evaluate soundness in racehorses; basic starting gate techniques for riders; principles of teaching young horses to enter and leave the starting gate and techniques for handling unruly horses. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credit (150 contact hours).

Presents principles of health management as it relates to the prevention and treatment of common diseases, parasites and wounds. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Emphasizes skills in comprehending a sales page, marketing and preparing horses for sales, breeding and bloodline interpretation, and prospect analysis. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents principles of nutritional management as it relates to the overall health and performance of the horse. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Introduces students to racing industry organizations, personnel, facilities and the rules of racing. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Expands on basic equine anatomy with emphasis on normal function of front and rear legs and methods of evaluating deviations from normal function presented as lameness in racehorses. Also discusses response to injury, forms of therapy and training methods for horses returning from injury. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Covers techniques of how to handle horses safely in a variety of training situations as well as basic management and care for horses in training. Includes identification and application of equine training aids and equipment as well as identification and application of equine support and medicated bandages commonly used for horses in training. Lecture/Lab: 4.0 credit (150 contact hours).

Explores concepts of goal setting, time management, marketing racehorses, marketing racing services, managing personal relationships as an equine professional, communication skills unique to equine professionals plus personal and family health and wellness plans. Prerequisite: EQS 222 and permission of instructor. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Provides legal insights and practical tips for a successful horse business. Lecture: 3.0 credits (45 contact hours).

Provides a planned and evaluated work experience related to the student's educational objective for which the student receives both financial remuneration and academic credit. While the maximum amount of credit granted for Equine cooperative Education experience varies by curriculum, the amount may never exceed nine hours in Associate in Applied Science Degree, diploma, or certificate program. Is available only to students enrolled in Associate of Applied Science in Equine Studies, Equine Studies Diploma and certificate program that list Equine Cooperative Education as an approved course. Co-op: 1.0 - 9.0 credits (60 - 540 contact hours).