Course Description

Stewardship of the Equine Environment, reducing your environmental hoofprint will provide students with an understanding of the importance of properly managing the natural environment and built facilities to optimize the health of their horses. This course will introduce students to concepts related to the natural ecosystem, ecosystem services and beneficial management practices. The relationshp between the 'health' and 'wellbeing' of the environment and the health and wellbeing of the horse will be explored as well as the role of the equine industry in meeting broader societal goals of environmental citizenship. A wide range of current topics such as wildlife habitat and management, manure management, source water protection policies, and 'green' building concepts will also be examined through an equine industry perspective.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct a basic biophysical inventory of a farm or rural property through the application of nature interpretation skills;

2. Identify the basic components of the natural ecosystem and discuss the concept of ecosystem services;

3. Identify and highlight a farm or rural properties environmental strengths and areas of concern, and set realistic action plans with timetables;

4. Investigate a current issue related to the equine industry and environmental stewardship examining the relationship between environmental stewardship and horse health issues;

5. Discuss the concept of ‘environmental citizenship’ and the role of the equine industry in relation to the protection and stewardship of the natural environment; and

6. Develop research and writing skills through the investigation of a current topic related to stewardship of the equine environment.

Course Topics

This course will explore a wide range of topics including:

• An introduction to the ecosystem
• Your farm's ecosystem
• Benefical management practices
• 'Green' design concepts
• Water resources and manure management
• Role of the industry and broader implications of environmental stewardship
• Poisonous plants and pasture and woodlot management
• Wildlife Habitats
• Reducing your environmental 'hoofprint'

Assessment

Sponsors

Equine Guelph
Open Learning and Educational Support

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.

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

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Diploma in Equine Studies : Required Courses
• Certificate in Equine Business Management : Electives