Course Description

Global Perspectives in Equine Welfare takes students through the highly emotional issues of equine welfare exploring different practices across the globe while focusing on the horse’s perspective.

Students will study equine welfare by examining current issues of wild horse management, working horses in developing countries, racing and sport horse practices, slaughter legislation, horses in research, unwanted horses and equine rescue facilities and a comparison of the different equine management practices used around the world. Current advances and key persons in equine research will be discussed, as well as policy development and the legislation covering equines in different countries.

Students will be able to knowledgeably discuss equine welfare in any situation and be part of a world-wide move toward encouraging and supporting positive states of equine welfare.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Examine the issues of welfare for horses from a global perspective with comparisons between countries and the role of horses, including working equids;
2. Summarize the progress being made by researchers globally to support horse welfare;
3. Explain the impact of travelling on horses in racing and non-racing sectors;
4. Describe issues in disease control and welfare during transport discussing the role of FEI and EU passports;
5. Recognize welfare issues in the management of wild horse herds worldwide;
6. Outline the welfare concerns regarding slaughter for horses;
7. Discuss the role of horses as a food source in some countries;
8. Analyze the role of horse rescue facilities and the emerging issues with unwanted horses world-wide;
9. Compare standards of equine management practice in Canada, US and worldwide; and
10. Reflect on the role of ethical treatment of horses in all their various roles and the future of equine welfare globally.

Course Topics

• Global Perspective in Equine Welfare
• Wild Horses
• Working Horses in Developing Countries
• Racing and Sport Horses
• FEI and EU Passports
• Horse Slaughter
• Unwanted Horses and Equine Rescue Facilities
• Equine Management Practices
• Equines in Research
• Developing Policy

Assessment

Sponsors:

Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare
Equine Guelph
Open Learning and Educational Support

Note:

You do not need access to a horse to complete 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 3 - 5 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 content form.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Certificate in Equine Business Management : Electives
• Equine Welfare Certificate : Required Courses