Equine Studies

This course is to introduce the beginner recreational/non- rider to the basics of horsemanship, horse handling, and safety around horses. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform groundwork, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk and jog and maneuver the horse through a variety of patterns. The student will also be instructed on information about horses including basic behavior, parts of the horse, saddle, bridle, and grooming tools. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for further study.

This course introduces students to the basics of practical equine management, behavior, and handling with an emphasis on handler safety. In addition, basic equine anatomy, breeds, selection, health, and identification will be covered. Discussion and application of management techniques will occur in a laboratory setting.

Beginning Equitation/Horsemanship is an introduction to riding, including skills such as handling, bridling, saddling, grooming, mounting, and dismounting. Basic maneuvers such as the walk, trot, and canter will be taught including safe horsemanship skills and general overall knowledge of the horse as it relates to both English and Western seats. Emphasis on barn and stable management are included. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform groundwork, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk, trot, and canter as well as maneuvering the horse through a variety of patterns. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for the Advanced Western Horsemanship course.

Introduces students to all facets of the equine industry. Focus will be placed on the economic impact of the industry on a local, regional, and national scale. Topics included will be discipline diversity, equine welfare, employment opportunities, and current problems facing the industry.

This course will teach basic equine terminology and the fundamentals principles to successfully communicate with the horse through voice, touch, and body language. This course will acquaint the student with basic horse handling. It is designed for the student who wishes to become proficient in the care and handling of the horse. This course would include catching, grooming, leading, saddling, bridling, and basic handling skills.

This course will allow students to become familiar with the basic concepts necessary to select and evaluate performance horses. Evaluation of conformation and performance based on breed standards will be emphasized. Preparation and delivery of oral reasons will be introduced.

Intermediate Equitation/Horsemanship is designed to further develop the rider’s aids, position, and timing. This class will cover transitions between and within gaits, circles, serpentines, and pattern work. Students will be introduced to the different disciplines in both the English and Western seats. This class requires that the rider is able to walk, trot, and canter proficiently and emphasis is placed on individual work and skill achievement of the intermediate rider. Barn and stable management skills are also included in this course.

This course will focus on basic management practices used in the equine industry. Topics to be included are equine diseases and parasites, heard health programs, nutrition and feeding management, and first aid. Students will apply equine herd health management techniques by participating in daily care of animals housed at the Equine Center.

Students will expand upon skills learned in EQ240. Practical experience in barn management involving operating farm machinery, facility upkeep, resource management, supervising workers, and problem solving will be covered. Students will apply facility management techniques learned in daily barn management at the Equine Center.

The course provides students with the opportunity for hands-on experience in developing skills and learning techniques in areas such as equine anatomy and equine conformation. Topics are announced in the semester schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

Advanced Equitation/Horsemanship and Teaching is designed to further develop rider technique and introduce students to teaching other riders. Advanced riding techniques are taught in both Western and English seats and include such things as simple and flying lead changes, advanced balance and position, turn on the forehand and haunches, lateral movements, aids, and in depth work into different riding disciplines. The riderwill also develop teaching skills that will include student instruction throughout the semester and include a teaching portfolio.

This course will introduce students to various maneuvers used in horsemanship patterns. Students will ride with position and balance. Students will focus on showmanship, horsemanship, and basic training skills as it relates to general horse handling.

This course involves using previously developed skills to perfect a basic broke horse. Teaching walk, trot, lope, back up, spins and showmanship to a variety of horses in a short period of time.

Designed for students who wish to compete in the area of Horse Judging. Skills introduced in EQ231 will be developed further for preparation to compete in collegiate events. Lecture and live evaluation of equine conformation and performance will occur. Couse taught Pass/No Pass only. May be repeated four times for credit.

The purpose of this course is to build on the scientific principles and practices and provide an overview of equine reproductive physiology and common reproductive management techniques and proper care as introduced in EQ240. Principles of anatomy, exercise physiology, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, reproductive anatomy of the stallion and mare, heat detection, breeding management of the foal and health management will be emphasized.

Provides opportunity for advanced study in various fields of equine studies. Possible topics include: Farm and Stable Management, Methods of Teaching Equitation Skills, Equine Medical Management, Equine Behavior and Training, Showmanship and Competition. Topics are announced in the class schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

This course introduces students to the basic’s concepts of course design for equine related events. It will also give students information and practice on course requirements, measurements, and designs. The info will give the students needed skills to work at equine related events.

This course will prepare students to run a horse show series at Wilmington College Equine Center. Practical skills to plan, initiate, host, and evaluate an equine event will be presented and practiced. Emphasis will be placed on management skills, teamwork, community outreach, and safety concerns surrounding equine events.

Basic instruction for the advanced rider includes proper steps in the breaking and training of the young horse. At the conclusion of the class, the students will be able to safely perform groundwork up to the beginning stages of riding the unbroken horse or young green broke horse including but not limited to leading, tying, lunging, ground driving, bridling, saddling, and performing the walk, trot, canter and back while mounted under a select training schedule. Barn and stable management skills will be included in this course.

Student participation in a research project which is either part of a faculty member's ongoing research or of the student's own design. May be taken two times for credit.

This course provides students with the opportunity for hands-on experience in advanced equitation or advanced western horsemanship. Topics are announced in the semester schedule. May be repeated when topics vary.

The current and future evolvement of the equine industry are the emphasis for in-depth study and discussion. This is a capstone course, which requires the student to study independently as well as give numerous individual and group projects and presentations.