2200011 - The Equine Industry
Course Description
The Equine Industry course is designed so you learn more about the issues and topics that have had or continue to have a profound impact on the industry today and continue to have an impact tomorrow. With this broader vision of the industry, students will have the opportunity to grow beyond the “silos” of their discipline/industry sector and will begin to consider the industry in its larger context and its role as a whole.
While working in the industry it will always be necessary to focus daily on the specific priorities of your discipline or association but this course will help students develop and maintain the “view from 40,000 feet”.
Learning Outcomes
The goal of this course is to enable you to understand important concepts about the horse industry and how they relate to the welfare of horses and the future of the industry.By the end of the course you should be able to:
- Explain the evolution of the horse and the many branches of the equid species.
- Discuss the evolution of the hoof of the horse and how the domestic housing and sports affects this important structure as part of our management today.
- Describe about the first domestication of the horse, which sets the stage for the further development of the horse in society and its role in work, warfare, sport and companionship.
- Gain experience leading students in online discussions on topics of interest to the industry.
- Discuss and debate from industry leaders about the many challenges facing the equine industry today in both the racing and non-racing industries.
- Reflect and consider how the current challenges of the industry will influence the future of the industry with an eye on a solution-oriented approach.
- Learn new things, with an ‘open mind’, about the equine industry, no matter your years of experience, and to consider and reflect on the many different aspects of the industry and the many different points of view.
Course Topics
- The Equine Industry
- Horse Evolution
- Domestication of the Horse
- Re-introduction of the Horse to North America
- Current and Rare Breeds and Wild Horses
- Today's Industry - Racing
- Today's Industry - Non-racing
- Issues of Welfare
- Special Topics for the Future
Additional Requirements
The course is intended for adult learners, at least 18 years of age.Assessment
| Breeding Assignment | 10% | You will research and create a breed profile. |
| Graded Discussions – The Question | 40% | During the course you will be presented with 5 discussion questions. Your grade is based on your participation in the discussions in response to ‘The Question’ and your reflections on the information provided by other student postings. |
| Letter to the Editor | 20% | You will research and write a position paper in the form of a ‘Letter to the Editor” on an equine industry issue you feel strongly about. |
| Major Assignment | 30% | Major assignment allows you to research and write a 750 – 1000 word essay on a topic of interest to you and related to major course topics. |
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. Plan to be on the course website three to five times per week to keep up-to-date and on schedule with weekly readings, activities, and class discussions.
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 : Electives
- Certificate in Equine Business Management : Required Courses
- Equine Welfare Certificate : Electives
View the upcoming course schedule at our Equine Studies Online program website.