Horse Management
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course in Equine management offers fundamental and comprehensive preparation on horse breeding and management, with a special focus on the prevention and control of the problems that might occur on farm. Elements of equine learning theory will be taught in order to define the most effective handling and training methods. Students will be ultimately able to operate in the equine industry adopting scientifically rigorous, welfare friendly and updated methods.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will have to prove that they have achieved:
1. Knowledge and understanding: the student must know and understand the main methods of breeding, management and training of horses;
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired by critically discussing cases presented during the course and must be able to propose solutions that respect animal welfare and are scientifically rigorous;
3. Making judgements: the student must be able to study in a critical and proactive way, analysing the teaching material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical lessons will specifically help to develop critical and judgemental skills on problems that may be faced on-farm and on the relationships existing between different aspects of equine management;
4. Communication: the student is expected to present the acquired knowledge in a clear and orderly way, using the appropriate specific terminology concerning the management of equine breeding. The group work will contribute to the development of the student's ability to correctly communicate/transmit what has been learned;
5. Life-long learning: at the end of the course, which integrates theoretical and practical training, students will acquire the ability to deal more critically and autonomously with the management of equine breeding, even in rapidly changing contexts other than those presented during the course.
1. Knowledge and understanding: the student must know and understand the main methods of breeding, management and training of horses;
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: the student must be able to apply the knowledge acquired by critically discussing cases presented during the course and must be able to propose solutions that respect animal welfare and are scientifically rigorous;
3. Making judgements: the student must be able to study in a critical and proactive way, analysing the teaching material provided by the teacher and the recommended texts. The practical lessons will specifically help to develop critical and judgemental skills on problems that may be faced on-farm and on the relationships existing between different aspects of equine management;
4. Communication: the student is expected to present the acquired knowledge in a clear and orderly way, using the appropriate specific terminology concerning the management of equine breeding. The group work will contribute to the development of the student's ability to correctly communicate/transmit what has been learned;
5. Life-long learning: at the end of the course, which integrates theoretical and practical training, students will acquire the ability to deal more critically and autonomously with the management of equine breeding, even in rapidly changing contexts other than those presented during the course.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The program is divided into three parts. 1) A general part concerning management techniques for equine facilities. 2) The horse training part, concerning the principles and suitable and unsuitable training techniques in the various sports disciplines. 3. the welfare assessment part.
In particular, the following topics will be dealt with:
Lectures
Evolution and consistency (2 h)
Safely working with horses (4 h)
Horse breeds and equine conformation (4 h)
Equine breeding (4 h)
Identification (2 h)
Non associative learning (2 h)
Associative learning (2 h)
Training (2 h)
Behaviour problem management (2 h)
Equine welfare and pain (3 h)
Hoof management (3 h)
Transport (2 h)
Practice
Practical training activities will deal about safely handling, on-farm visits (n=3), group work about on-farm issues.
In particular, the following topics will be dealt with:
Lectures
Evolution and consistency (2 h)
Safely working with horses (4 h)
Horse breeds and equine conformation (4 h)
Equine breeding (4 h)
Identification (2 h)
Non associative learning (2 h)
Associative learning (2 h)
Training (2 h)
Behaviour problem management (2 h)
Equine welfare and pain (3 h)
Hoof management (3 h)
Transport (2 h)
Practice
Practical training activities will deal about safely handling, on-farm visits (n=3), group work about on-farm issues.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of anatomy (in particular the musculoskeletal system), physiology (especially the sensory system) and ethology is recommended because it facilitates the understanding of the topics of horse breeding management.
Teaching methods
The course proposes both theoretical and practical lessons in the classroom and on-farm.
Theoretical lessons will be held in the classroom. The practicals include direct interaction with horses and group work in the classroom in the presence of farmers on specific breeding issues.
As far as the group work is concerned, some farmers will present specific everyday issues to the students. Each student chooses a topic (or, if necessary, is assigned to a topic). All students will be tutored during their work, starting from the critical review of a couple of scientific papers proposed by the tutor.
- Mid-year meeting: the group, discusses the state of the art with respect to the problem by making a critical review of the assigned articles, and defines some hypotheses for its solution.
- End of year meeting: in the last week of the course, all groups present their solution to the teacher and tutor during a presentation in which they present a possible solution to the problem, a critical assessment of its potential benefits, limitations and economic impact.
If there are exceptional reasons for not participating in the group work, these should be reported to the teacher who will identify personalized solutions to enable the achievement of the training objectives of the course.
The frequency of the course is strongly recommended.
Theoretical lessons will be held in the classroom. The practicals include direct interaction with horses and group work in the classroom in the presence of farmers on specific breeding issues.
As far as the group work is concerned, some farmers will present specific everyday issues to the students. Each student chooses a topic (or, if necessary, is assigned to a topic). All students will be tutored during their work, starting from the critical review of a couple of scientific papers proposed by the tutor.
- Mid-year meeting: the group, discusses the state of the art with respect to the problem by making a critical review of the assigned articles, and defines some hypotheses for its solution.
- End of year meeting: in the last week of the course, all groups present their solution to the teacher and tutor during a presentation in which they present a possible solution to the problem, a critical assessment of its potential benefits, limitations and economic impact.
If there are exceptional reasons for not participating in the group work, these should be reported to the teacher who will identify personalized solutions to enable the achievement of the training objectives of the course.
The frequency of the course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
The teaching material will be available on the ARIEL platform.
Suggested Textbook:
Parker R., 2018. Equine Science (5 Ed.). Cengage Learning
Other relevant books:
Alimentazione e allevamento del cavallo. Lewis L.D., EMSI, Edizioni Mediche Scientifiche Internazionali, Roma, 1998.
Equitation Science. McGreevy P. and McLean A., Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2010
Suggested Textbook:
Parker R., 2018. Equine Science (5 Ed.). Cengage Learning
Other relevant books:
Alimentazione e allevamento del cavallo. Lewis L.D., EMSI, Edizioni Mediche Scientifiche Internazionali, Roma, 1998.
Equitation Science. McGreevy P. and McLean A., Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2010
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral examination is aimed to verify knowledge and understanding the contents of the course. The assessment criteria are: correctness of the answers and ability to adequately motivate the statements, critical reasoning, communication skills, correct use of technical vocabulary.
Students will also participate in a group work with a final presentation lasting about 15 minutes, whose evaluation parameters are the appropriateness of the contents and the solutions proposed, the originality of the idea, the feasibility and the communication skills. The evaluation of the group work contributes 20% to the final examination mark.
The final mark is expressed in thirtieth. There are 7 ordinary exam sessions.
Students will also participate in a group work with a final presentation lasting about 15 minutes, whose evaluation parameters are the appropriateness of the contents and the solutions proposed, the originality of the idea, the feasibility and the communication skills. The evaluation of the group work contributes 20% to the final examination mark.
The final mark is expressed in thirtieth. There are 7 ordinary exam sessions.
AGR/19 - ANIMAL SCIENCE - University credits: 6
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Dalla Costa Emanuela, Minero Michela
Shifts:
Professor:
Minero Michela
1 TURNO PER GRUPPI DI STUDENTI
Professor:
Minero Michela2 TURNO PER GRUPPI DI STUDENTI
Professor:
Dalla Costa EmanuelaEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Friday 9-13
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Reception:
Friday, 9am - 10 am
Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, via dell'Università 6, Lodi