- Description
- Students develop practical skills, based on approved practices, for providing the daily care of a horse, focusing on the origin and history of horses, anatomy and conformation, types and breeds, handling and feeding practices, and basic health care.
- Prerequisite
- AGR3000: Agriculture Safety
- Parameters
- Access to a horse and appropriate equine housing/fencing structures. It is recommended that students have a minimum of 50 hours of previous experience in horse handling and horse care prior to commencing the study of this course. Students must have access to instruction from an individual with specialized training and/or experience related to horsemanship and/or English or Western riding.
- Supporting courses
- AGR1040: Introduction to Animal Basics AGR2020: Animal Husbandry/Welfare
Outcomes The student will:
1 describe the significance, origin and conformational features of horses
1.1 describe the origin and history of horses and factors that led to domestication
1.2 identify different types of benefits associated with horses, including:
1.2.1 pleasure
1.2.2 companionship
1.2.3 performance
1.2.4 breeding
1.3 identify and describe the characteristics and functions of basic external parts of a horse
1.4 analyze and explain conformational features of major body parts, including:
1.4.1 the head and neck
1.4.2 the fore limbs and hind limbs
1.5 identify factors determining a horse’s balance
2 identify the types, breeds and characteristics of horses
2.1 identify and describe the distinguishing characteristics of draft horses and light horses
2.2 identify breeds of draft and light horses that are suited to specific applications
2.3 explain how characteristics of the horse are passed from generation to generation through commonly used breeding systems, including:
2.3.1 inbreeding
2.3.2 line breeding
2.3.3 crossbreeding
2.4 explain principles of heredity relevant to a specific breed of horse, including:
2.4.1 dominant and recessive traits
2.4.2 selection criteria and procedures
3 demonstrate practical skills and approved procedures for horse handling, feeding and health care
3.1 apply ethical behaviour in providing care for a horse
3.2 identify environmental factors that need to be considered in providing care for a horse, including:
3.2.1 weather and climate
3.2.2 land, soil and water characteristics
3.3 demonstrate appropriate techniques for handling a horse and for risk management, including:
3.3.1 approaching a horse
3.3.2 leading a horse
3.3.3 cleaning a horse’s feet
3.3.4 grooming a horse
3.3.5 tying a horse
3.3.6 restraining a horse
3.3.7 transporting a horse
3.3.8 treating horse injuries and allergies
3.4 perform approved horse-feeding practices by providing:
3.4.1 water
3.4.2 roughage
3.4.3 concentrate; e.g., minerals
3.5 describe the importance of a regular feeding schedule
3.6 monitor and assess the vital signs of a horse, recognizing abnormalities
3.7 demonstrate appropriate care for leg wounds on a horse
3.8 describe appropriate care of a horse with:
3.8.1 colic
3.8.2 respiratory disease
3.8.3 founder (laminitis)
3.9 identify health factors that indicate the need for veterinary services
4 describe policy, legislation and safe practices relevant to providing horse care
4.1 identify and describe legislation intended to address animal welfare
4.2 identify and describe organizations in the community that address animal welfare
4.3 compare different perspectives regarding an issue in animal welfare; e.g., social, economic, ethical
4.4 outline a protocol for responding to an animal welfare issue
5 demonstrate basic competencies
5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
5.1.1 communicate
5.1.2 manage information
5.1.3 use numbers
5.1.4 think and solve problems
5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
5.2.2 be responsible
5.2.3 be adaptable
5.2.4 learn continuously
5.2.5 work safely
5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
5.3.1 work with others
5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
6.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
6.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.