Caring for Horses
A 20 hour short course in the essentials of caring for horses. This online course is ideal for people who are new to caring for horses and need to know the basics of horse care.
Whether you are purchasing your own horse or considering a new career working with horses, this course is an ideal place to start. Ensuring that you are taking proper care of your horse is important for optimal health and a content friend. There are so many important factors that you need to consider for taking care of horses and this course will help you on your way to a rewarding and healthy relationship caring for horses.
You can pace yourself with this course. Take your time, or study quickly, it is completely up to you. There are online tests and also further research that you can do along the way. If you need assistance or have questions, you can also contact our tutor email who will guide you in the right direction. You can test how you have progressed with a final online exam.
Course Structure
Lesson 1 BREEDS AND IDENTIFICATION
Introduction
Breeds
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 2 ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND MOVEMENT
External Points of the Horse
Skeletal & Muscular Systems
Cardiovascular System
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 3 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND FEEDING
Overview of Digestive System
Food
Feeding Routines and Procedures
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 4 HORSE HANDLING
Basic Horse Psychology, Temperament and Behaviour
Safe Handling
Vices and Problem Behavior
Lesson 4 additional reading
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 5 HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Introduction to Horse Health
Internal Parasites
Skin Conditions
Equine Colic
Lameness
Contagious Respiratory Conditions – Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites
Non-Contagious Respiratory Conditions
Preventative Health Care Programs
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 6 SHOEING THE HORSE
Why do horses need shoes?
Types of shoes
Steps in shoeing the horse
Accidents associated with shoeing
General Foot Care
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 7 CARE OF THE HORSE AT GRASS
Grazing Requirements
Grazing Management
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 8 CARE OF THE STABLED HORSE
Stabling Facilities
Stable Yard Safety
Bedding & Mucking Out
Feeding & Watering Overview
Grooming
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 9 SADDLERY & EQUIPMENT
Saddles
Bridles
Bits
Ancillary Equipment
Review what you have been learning
Lesson 10 THE EQUINE INDUSTRY
What Do People Do With Horses?
Buying & Selling a Horse – Scope of the Industry
Common Equine Careers
Review what you have been learning
Final Assessment