Learning objectives
The student will:
- Know the physiological and ethological needs of the horses regarding the environmental conditions and dimensions of the facilities for their housing or employment.
- Know the structural characteristics of the stud farms and equestrian facilities.
- Be able to assist designers in the compilation of a project of structures for horse husbandry or employment.
- Know the rules for safety in breeding and equestrian events and on the transport of horses.
- Know how to prepare the Document on Risk Assessment of an equestrian center.
- Know the different types of breeding and facilities in relation to the use of the horse
- Apply scientific knowledge to aid equine performance and welfare
Prerequisites
- - -
Course unit content
Technologies of breeding and barns
Elements of equine ethology in relation to the design of facilities and in relation to the management of horse breeding, training and employment: the perception of the horse; abnormal behaviour: causes, management and prevention. The basics of learning theory and training.
Kinds of breeding and management according to the horse employment.
Main Olympic and non-Olympic equestrian disciplines and racing industry: basic principles and regulations.
Tack and equipment.
Housing environment. Husbandry and housing technologies. Breeding facilities in accordance to production goals. Stables, barns, beddings, paddocks, round pen. Racetracks, training fields, cross country tracks. Safety in animal breeding, housing and transportation
Full programme
- - -
Bibliography
Marlin D., Nankervis K. Equine exercise physiology. Blackwell Publishing
McGreevy P. Equine behavior. A guide for veterinarians and equine scientist. Saunders
Mills D., Nankervis K. Comportamento equino: principi e pratica. Calderini Edagricole
Notes from classroom lectures
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures and visits in stud farms and equestrian facilities
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam with questions to assess the acquired knowledge. Problems that may be found during breeding or in equestrian practice will be presented to the student and the problem solving skill will be evaluated. The ability of expression and the use of an appropriate terminology will be evaluated and considered in the attribution of the mark.
Other information
- - -
