2200004 - Equine Health & Disease Prevention

Course Description

Two woman standing on either side of a brown horse, petting its face

Preventing disease and health problems should be the goal of every horse owner. This course will help you do just that. Many important topics and skills are covered to help you maintain optimal health and develop knowledge regarding a year-round health maintenance program.

You will be introduced to many of the common problems faced by horses, many due to management problems, and you will learn the steps to take so that you can reduce the risk for your horses and enhance your positive role in your horse’s health care team. New research will also be presented with practical applications for the horse owner.

The goal is not to be your own vet. The main goal is to help prepare you to be an effective advocate for your horse, with knowledge and skills to help your veterinarian maintain health and prevent disease in your horse.

Designed For

Course designed for those who wish to maintain healthy horses and have knowledge in disease prevention.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:

Identify the value of effective communication as it pertains to your horse’s health;
Identify individual needs of your horse regarding health management and disease prevention;
Identify common health problems and strategies available to prevent and/or manage them;
Perform a daily health check and relay important data to your veterinarian that will aid in the health and welfare of your horse;
Analyze biosecurity risks and determine the factors needed for infectious disease prevention strategies;
Differentiate when immediate medical aid may be required or not, and identify first aid measures in different emergency scenarios;
Ask your veterinarian educated questions, and discuss problems relating to your horse's health in an informed manner so that you may assist in the formulation or revision of your preventative health program; and
Find, interpret and critically appraise new information in order to update your background knowledge on a topic of interest.

Note that this course is not designed to determine diagnosis, treatment or therapy options for any student situations or contexts. To establish these you must work in partnership with a qualified veterinarian. The instructors cannot give advice on specific cases.

Course Topics

Advocate for your horse's health
Monitoring your horse's health
Role of biosecurity in equine wellness
Effective approaches to emergencies
Hoof health and conditions
Lameness - Diagnostic process and understanding conditions
Dental care
Parasite control
Owner impact on colic
Overview of medical conditions
Respiratory and cardiovascular health
The pre-purchase examination

Additional Requirements

This course is intended for adult learners. Students must either be 18 years of age or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent, in order to register.

Assessment

Assessment Item	Weight	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes (5 x 5% + 2 x 7.5%)	40%	1, 3, 4 and 5
Class Learning Questions (CLQ) Discussions	12%	1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
Guest Speakers Discussion	3%	3, 6 and 7
Equine Virtual Farm	10%	1, 2, 7 and 8
First Aid Assignment	20%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8
Lameness Research Assignment	15%	2, 7 and 8
Total	100%	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Note:

You do not need access to a horse, or own your own horse, to participate and be successful in this course.

You can expect to spend 6 - 10 hours per week to complete the course material, discussions and assignments.Plan to be on the course website at least five times per week to keep up-to-date and on schedule with weekly readings, activities and class discussion.

Do you have more questions? Visit our program page Frequently Asked Questions or send us your questions by completing the Request Information contact form.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

Diploma in Equine Studies : Required Courses
Equine Science Certificate : Required Courses
Equine Welfare Certificate : Electives

View the upcoming course schedule at Equine Studies Upcoming Course Schedule