Learning objectives
The student will be able to:
Perform a correct morpho-functional evaluation of a horse, in accordance with the type, breed and employment
Correctly compile a horse passport or identification document
Evaluate a horse's age
Recognize the most important equine breeds and know their main characteristics
Know the differences in perception between the horse and the man
Understand the equine behaviour as shaped by evolution and natural selection
Recognize the main causes of equine abnormal behaviour to prevent or resolve it when present
Know the basic principles of learning theory and training according to the discipline
Know the basic elements of the main equestrian disciplines
Know the different types of breeding and facilities in relation to the use of the horse
Apply scientific knowledge to increase horse welfare and performance
Prerequisites
Suggested: exams of Anatomy, Physiology, General Zootechnics and genetic amelioration passed
Course unit content
Horse morpho-functional evaluation:
Morphofunctional evaluation: criteria and purposes.
Definition of strengths, weaknesses and defects depending on the type, attitude and breed standards.
Body Regions: Criteria for the evaluation of the single regions: anatomical basis, dimensions, mechanical function and physiological strengths, weaknesses and defects, with reference to the sport and breeding activity.
Age determination in the horse. Identification and passport compilation, coat colour and markings.
Equine Ethnology
Concepts of equine breed, population-breed, attitudinal type, colour registry. Horse breeds of Italy. Cosmopolite horse breeds: Thoroughbred and Arab. Main saddle, racing, draft and pony breeds of Europe and of the American continent.
Horse Behaviour
Elements of equine ethology in relation to the design of facilities and in relation to the management of horse breeding, training and employment: horse perception and communication, abnormal behaviour: causes, management and prevention. The basics of learning theory and training.
Exercise physiology basics. Training principles and feeding according to the disciplines.
Equestrian FEI and western disciplines: basic principles, regulations, tack, equipment, tracks, kind of horses
Sport employment of the horse: exercise and disciplines
Exercise physiology basics. Training principles and feeding according to the disciplines.
Equestrian FEI and western disciplines: basic principles, regulations, tack, equipment, tracks, kind of horses.
Full programme
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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
D. P. S. Sponenberg - Equine color genetics - Iowa State Press
A. Soldi – Cavalli - Guide Compact De Agostini.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures with PowerPoint presentation. Compulsory practical activity in equestrian facility.
The PowerPoint presentations, utilized for lectures, are uploaded on Elly portal weekly
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam is a multiple-choice test, only one correct answer, 50 questions. The test is considered sufficient when at least 30 answers are correct. Who passes the written test is admitted to the oral test.
Normally, the oral test follows the correction of the written test immediately.
Other information
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