Equine Welfare and Management

  • 4.9
Approx. 18 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course is designed to teach students all about equine anatomy, physiology, and behavior, as well as how to properly care for horses.

Key Learning Points

  • Learn about the different breeds of horses and their unique characteristics
  • Understand the basics of horse care, including feeding, grooming, and exercise
  • Explore the science of equine behavior and how to train and handle horses safely

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

    • USA: $93,830
    • USA: $93,830

    • USA: $31,000
    • USA: $93,830

    • USA: $31,000

    • USA: $39,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of horses
  • Develop practical skills for horse care and handling
  • Learn how to train and work with horses safely and effectively

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • Interest in horses and equestrianism
  • Basic knowledge of animal care and handling

Course Difficulty Level

Beginner

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-Paced

Similar Courses

  • Advanced Equine Science
  • Horse Psychology and Training

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Horse Trainer and Clinician
  • Animal Behavior Expert

Related Books

Description

This unique course was developed by veterinarians at the world-renowned University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The course will address horsemanship from a welfare perspective, within the context of “The Five Freedoms” of animal welfare. We’ll explore equine physiology, behavior and basic needs including housing, nutrition, hygiene and disease management. You’ll learn how to perform basic tasks to assess the overall condition of the horse and identify problem areas. We’ll also examine the specialized needs of the equine athlete and the major responsibilities we as owners, handlers or competitors must assume in order to ensure the health and welfare of our equine companions. Finally, we’ll look several special topics in equine welfare including disaster planning and the international welfare efforts now in place to protect working horses and other equids in key industries such as racing, international competition, tourism and even mining. By the conclusion of the course, you will be well equipped to develop a comprehensive welfare plan for any horses in your care.

Outline

  • The Normal Horse: Basic Physiology
  • Course Introduction
  • The Five Freedoms
  • Introduction to the Normal Horse
  • Recognizing a Normal, Healthy Horse
  • Assessing Key Vital Signs
  • Evaluating Weight and Body Conditions
  • Recognizing Variations Among Breeds
  • Basic Equine Anatomy and Terminology
  • Natural and Acquired Locomotion and Gaits
  • Hoof Physiology
  • The Musculoskeletal System
  • The Vision and Nervous System
  • A Note From UC Davis
  • Suggested Activity: Documenting a Horse's Vital Signs
  • Module 1 Quiz
  • Maintaining Good Hydration and Nutrition
  • Introduction to Hydration and Nutrition
  • The Importance of Hydration
  • The Digestive System
  • Benefits and Detriments of Various Feed Types
  • Determining Nutritional Requirements
  • Module 2 Quiz
  • Providing Proper Care and a Safe Environment
  • Introduction to Proper Care and Safe Environments
  • Applying Standards of Care
  • Assessing Stall, Pen, and Pasture Quality
  • Applying Standards of Care
  • Ensuring Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness, Evacuation and Rescue
  • Footing Surfaces: Where Horses Work, Train or Perform
  • Exercising Your Horse
  • Module 3 Quiz
  • Assess Fitness, Prevent Common Diseases and Injuries
  • Fitness and Health
  • Assess Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Fitness
  • Maintaining Health and Preventing Common Ailments
  • Deworming: Centerpiece of a Preventative Health Program
  • Preparing a Vaccination Plan for Disease Prevention
  • Hoof and Dental Care
  • Preventing Diseases with Biosecurity
  • Recognizing Signs of Pain and Discomfort
  • Common Ailments and Injuries
  • Module 4 Quiz
  • Normal and Abnormal Equine Behaviors
  • Introduction to Normal and Abnormal Behaviors
  • The Horse as Prey and Herd Animal
  • Normal Equine Behavior
  • Normal Behavior of Stabled Horses
  • Normal Equine Social Behavior
  • Recognize Problem Behaviors
  • Strategies to Address Problem Behaviors
  • Module 5 Quiz
  • Human - Equine Interaction and Equine Welfare
  • The Human - Equine Interaction and Equine Welfare Introduction
  • The Human - Equine Partnership
  • Recognizing Stress and Fear
  • Equine Athletes
  • Preventing Stress and Fear in Equine Athletes
  • Challenges in the Horse Racing Industry
  • Caring For An Older Horse
  • The Unwanted Horse
  • International Welfare Concerns
  • Major Equine Sport and Welfare Organizations
  • Module 6 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Equine course on Coursera has received positive reviews from learners. The course has been highly praised for its engaging content and knowledgeable instructors.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is highly engaging and informative, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in equine studies.

Pros from User Reviews

  • Engaging and informative content
  • Knowledgeable instructors
  • Flexible learning options
  • Excellent course materials
  • Great value for money

Cons from User Reviews

  • Some learners found the course challenging
  • Limited interaction with instructors
  • Course pacing could be improved
  • Not suitable for beginners
  • No hands-on learning opportunities
English
Available now
Approx. 18 hours to complete
Claudia Sonder, DVM
University of California, Davis
Coursera

Instructor

Claudia Sonder, DVM

  • 4.9 Raiting
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