Learn to care for and manage horses
Develop the ability to handle horses and understand their psychology.
- Gain an understanding and acquire the skills to evaluate horses' conformation, their diet and their environment.
- The course also looks at the commercial elements of the industry, such as farm management and breeding, including buying and selling horses and much more.
- Course Duration: 100 hours of self-paced study. Start at any time.
Course Structure and Content
This course has seven lessons:
1. Horse Psychology and Handling
- The horse's memory.
- Using psychology to handle the horse.
- Handling the horse in various situations.
- Catching a horse.
- Putting on a head stall or halter.
- Leading a horse.
- Putting on a bridle.
- Taking off a bridle.
- Saddling and unsaddling.
- Tying up a horse.
- Safety.
2. Buying A Horse
- Temperament.
- Size and weight carrying ability.
- Age and sex.
- Colour and markings.
- Breed.
3. Conformation
- Factors affecting conformation.
- Ideal conformation.
- How to describe conformation.
4. The Digestive System and the Principles of Feeding and Watering
- The alimentary canal.
- Absorption of food.
- Groups of nutrients.
- Composition of some common feeds.
- Principles of watering.
- Principles of feeding.
- Ideal proportions of food types.
- Calculating rations.
5. The Grass Kept Horse & Pasture Management
- Develop appropriate procedures to manage a horse at grass.
- Advantages of working off grass.
- Disadvantages of working off grass.
- Paddock size.
- Types of fencing.
- The supply of water.
- Shelter.
- General management.
- Exercise and grooming.
- Land conservation.
- Other factors.
- Roughing off and turning out.
6. Grooming
- The skin.
- How the skin regulates body temperature.
- Grooming tools and methods.
- Washing the mane and tail.
- Caring for grooming tools.
7. Industry Applications
- Explain commercial opportunities available in the horse industry.
- Resources.
- Writing resumes.
- Competition horses.
- Educating horses.
- Breeding.
- Farm planning.
- Quality management systems.
- Whole farm planning.
- Preparing a farm business plan.
- Managing risk.
- Sensitivity analysis.
- Financial planning.
- Financial records.
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
- Differentiate between the different procedures used for the handling of horses.
- Describe the procedures for the buying and selling of horses.
- Develop a program for the evaluation of the conformation of horses on a property/facility.
- Analyse the digestive system, including structure and function, of horses.
- Develop appropriate procedures to manage a horse at grass.
- Explain the methods used to prepare horses for specific uses, including their grooming for different tasks.
- Explain commercial opportunities available in the horse industry.
Where can I buy a horse?
From friends
Friends can be a great source to start with. Finding out about good horses through word of mouth can be honest way of getting to know what horse is appropriate for your skill level or what horse is capable of achieving the level you want to take the horse to.
Other means of buying and selling horses include classified adverts in newspapers, magazines and websites. Be wary of adverts which list vices or phrases such as “experienced riders only” or “bucks when excited” as often these horses are demanding and may present problem behaviours which are difficult to rectify.
Auction sales
Adverts in magazines or online will also be used to raise awareness or interest in horses which are going to be sold in auction houses. There are different kinds of auction sales such as local weekly, breeder associations or specialty performance for example. You may wish to consider using an auction to find breed specific or performance horses – it can be a great saving financially to buy from an auction, however alternatively it can also bring many headaches if a purchase it not a sound one. When buying at auction, the onus is on the buyer to know what they are looking for in a horse!
Trainers and rehabilitators
This group of people may have a variety of horses to sell and will aim to match the horse’s temperament and the rider’s ability level. Most of the horses sold by this group will have experienced problems in their life and will have through reeducation or training. Overall, trainers and rehabilitators give horses a second chance to be homed in a caring environment.
One potential disadvantage of approaching dealers or rehabilitators is that, in some cases, their honesty may be questionable. Check the credentials and reputation of the seller before even going to see a horse. It is important that you know the type of person you are dealing with before even considering buying from them. It has been known that horse’s problems can be covered up or temporarily hidden, so remain cautious. Encourage the trainer to be honest with you; you already know the horse is with the trainer for a reason. Ask to know of all the problems the horse has experienced and take a vet with you too.
Farms and breeders
Breeding farms are in business to sell quality horses. They know their stock must be quality as their income depends on it. With this in mind, it is very likely you will find the best horses direct from breeders' farms. Generally, breeders specialise in a particular breed, e.g., Clydesdale.
Buying a young horse from a breeder means you will be responsible for breaking the horse yourself. Prices for buying from farms and breeders will vary due to the lineage of the horse and links to show winners or competition winners.
Why Study with ACS?
Design your own learning pathway.
Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.
Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.
Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!
Enrolling is easy - just go to the top of this page and select your study method and payment option.
If you have any questions about studying with ACS, or want to know more about any of our courses, get in touch with our specialist tutors today.
They will be happy to answer your questions and look at different study options to fit in with your goals.