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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Principles of Equine Science
Course: EQS105

First Term: 2019 Fall
 Lecture   3.0 Credit(s)   3.0 Period(s)   3.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load


Description: Breeds, colors and markings; horse selection; basic conformation; form to function; structures of the hoof; footfall sequences; vision, managed health program; nutrition principles and management practices.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the horse industry of today at the national level and in Arizona. (I)
2. Identify and describe the major equine breeds by appearance and usage. (II)
3. Identify and describe desirable conformation traits for horse evaluation, proper selection, and suitability to purpose. (III, IV)
4. Identify gaits and footfall sequences. (V)
5. Identify aspects of equine vision and describe how vision is related to performance. (VI)
6. Identify and describe common equine diseases and indicate appropriate methods of control. (VII)
7. Identify and describe common internal parasites and indicate appropriate methods of control. (VII)
8. Describe the inter-relationship among the necessary elements of a managed health program. (VII)
9. Identify and describe the basic principles of equine nutrition and food management. (VIII)
10. Identify common stable vices. (IX)
11. Identify and describe necessary basic equine management practices. (IX)
12. Identify health problems associated with inadequate management practices. (IX)
13. Indicate Arizona and inter-state hauling regulations. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. The horse industry of today
   A. National data
      1. Popular breeds
      2. Areas of concentration
   B. Arizona data
      1. Popular breeds
      2. Areas of concentration
   C. Role of the american horse council
II. Breeds, colors, and markings
   A. Major equine breeds
      1. American Quarter Horse
      2. Thoroughbred
      3. Arabian
      4. Color breeds (Pinto, Paint, Appaloosa)
   B. Basic coat colors
      1. Chestnut
      2. Black
      3. Roan
      4. Bay
      5. Grey
      6. Foal coat colors
   C. Markings
      1. Facial
      2. Body
      3. Leg
      3. Hoof color
III. Horse selection
   A. Should you buy a horse?
   B. How to buy horse
   C. Where to buy a horse
   D. Pre-purchase exams
      1. Personal
      2. Veterinarian
IV. Horse evaluation
   A. Basic conformation
      1. Points of the horse
      2. Desirable characteristics
   B. Limb Structure
      1. Basic skeletal structure
      2. Major ligaments and tendons
      3. Common blemishes and problems
   C. Hoof Structure
      1. Desirable characteristics
      2. Major structures and functions
   D. Hoof care
      1. Trimming
      2. Shoeing
      3. The well-shod hoof
   E. Hoof problems
      1. Laminitis
      2. Navicular
      3. Thrush/scratches
      4. Contracted heels
V. Gaits and footfall sequences
   A. Walk
   B. Trot
   C. Canter
   D. Gallop
   E. Back
VI. Equine vision
   A. Monocular vision
   B. Binocular vision
   C. Visual focus
   D. Color
   E. Night vision
   F. Blind spots
   G. Vision related to performance events
VII. Managed health program
   A. Normal vital signs
      1. Establishing a baseline
      2. Temperature/pulse/respiration
   B. Signs of illness and disease
      1. Visual indicators
      2. Other signs
   C. Common equine diseases and their control
      1. Influenza
      2. Encephalomyelitis
      3. Tetanus
      4. Rhinopheumonitis
      5. Strangles
      6. Potomac Horse Fever
      7. Equine Infectious Anemia (E.I.A)
   D. Internal parasites and their control
      1. Ascarids
      2. Large and small strongyles
      3. Bots
      4. Pinworms
      5. Control measures
VIII. Equine feeding and nutrition
   A. Teeth
      1. Types
      2. Functions
      3. Problems
      4. Undershot and overshot upper jaw
      5. Points
   B. Digestive system
      1. Components
      2. Functions
      3. Design and efficiency
   C. Basic nutritional requirements
      1. Energy/grains
      2. Roughage/hays
      3. Water
      4. Salt
      5. Vitamins
      6. Minerals
   D. Feed management
   E. Feeding problems in Arizona
IX. Basic equine management practices
   A. Common stable vices
      1. Weaving
      2. Cribbing
      3. Wind sucking
      4. Stall walking
      5. Kicking
      6. Pawing
      7. Eating bedding
      8. Tail rubbing
   B. Arizona management practice/problems
      1. Pulmonary emphysema
      2. Colic
      3. Laminitis
      4. The cast horse
   C. Arizona hauling regulations
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 11, 2018

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.