MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

EQS105  1997 Summer I – 2011 Summer II

Principles of Equine Science

1.

Describe the horse industry of today at the national level and in Arizona. (I)

2.

Identify and describe the major equine breeds by appearance and usage. (II)

3.

Identify and describe desirable conformation traits for horse evaluation, proper selection, and suitability to purpose. (III, IV)

4.

Identify gaits and footfall sequences. (V)

5.

Identify aspects of equine vision and describe how vision is related to performance. (VI)

6.

Identify and describe common equine diseases and indicate appropriate methods of control . (VII)

7.

Identify and describe common internal parasites and indicate appropriate methods of control. (VII)

8.

Describe the inter-relationship among the necessary elements of a managed health program. (VII)

9.

Identify and describe the basic principles of equine nutrition and food management. (VIII)

10.

Identify common stable vices. (IX)

11.

Identify and describe necessary basic equine management practices. (IX)

12.

Identify health problems associated with inadequate management practices. (IX)

13.

Indicate Arizona and inter-state hauling regulations. (IX)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

EQS105  1997 Summer I – 2011 Summer II

Principles of Equine Science

I. The Horse Industry of Today

A. National Data

1. Popular Breeds

2. Areas of Concentration

B. Arizona Data

1. Popular Breeds

2. Areas of Concentration

C. Role of the American Horse Council

II. Breeds, Colors, and Markings

A. Major Equine Breeds

1. American Quarter Horse

2. Thoroughbred

3. Arabian

4. Color Breeds (Pinto, Paint, Appaloosa)

B. Basic Coat Colors

1. Chestnut

2. Black

3. Roan

4. Bay

5. Grey

6. Foal Coat Colors

C. Markings

1. Facial

2. Body

3. Leg

3. Hoof Color

III. Horse Selection

A. Should you Buy a Horse?

B. How to Buy Horse.

C. Where to Buy a Horse

D. Pre-purchase Exams

1. Personal

2. Veterinarian

IV. Horse Evaluation

A. Basic Conformation

1. Points of the Horse

2. Desirable Characteristics

B. Limb Structure

1. Basic Skeletal Structure

2. Major Ligaments and Tendons

3. Common Blemishes and Problems

C. Hoof Structure

1. Desirable Characteristics

2. Major Structures and Functions

D. Hoof Care

1. Trimming

2. Shoeing

3. The Well-shod Hoof

E. Hoof Problems

1. Laminitis

2. Navicular

3. Thrush/Scratches

4. Contracted Heels

V. Gaits and Footfall Sequences

A. Walk

B. Trot

C. Canter

D. Gallop

E. Back

VI. Equine Vision

A. Monocular Vision

B. Binocular Vision

C. Visual Focus

D. Color

E. Night Vision

F. Blind Spots

G. Vision Related to Performance Events

VII. Managed Health Program

A. Normal Vital Signs

1. Establishing a Baseline

2. Temperature/Pulse/Respiration

B. Signs of Illness and Disease

1. Visual Indicators

2. Other Signs

C. Common Equine Diseases and Their Control

1. Influenza

2. Encephalomyelitis

3. Tetanus

4. Rhinopheumonitis

5. Strangles

6. Potomac Horse Fever

7. Equine Infectious Anemia (E.I.A)

D. Internal Parasites and Their Control

1. Ascarids

2. Large and Small Strongyles

3. Bots

4. Pinworms

5. Control Measures

VIII. Equine Feeding and Nutrition

A. Teeth

1. Types

2. Functions

3. Problems

4. Undershot and Overshot Upper Jaw

5. Points

B. Digestive System

1. Components

2. Functions

3. Design and Efficiency

C. Basic Nutritional Requirements

1. Energy/Grains

2. Roughage/Hays

3. Water

4. Salt

5. Vitamins

6. Minerals

D. Feed Management

E. Feeding Problems in Arizona

IX. Basic Equine Management Practices

A. Common Stable Vices

1. Weaving

2. Cribbing

3. Wind Sucking

4. Stall Walking

5. Kicking

6. Pawing

7. Eating Bedding

8. Tail Rubbing

B. Arizona Management Practice/Problems

1. Pulmonary Emphysema

2. Colic

3. Laminitis

4. The Cast Horse

C. Arizona Hauling Regulations