Equine Science: Horsemanship, Care, and Understanding the Horse Industry

For centuries, horses have been trusted companions, shaping our history and carrying us forward. This class invites learners to step into that rich tradition, offering a deeper understanding of 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲, 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫, and the 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. With every lesson, they’ll build confidence, develop practical skills, and discover what it truly means to connect with and care for these incredible animals. Whether pursuing a passion or preparing for a future in the equine world, this class is a meaningful first step.

Develop the expertise and understanding that open the door to
a deeper connection with horses.


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WEEKLY BREAKDOWN

Week of January 6: The role of horses in society.
Explore how horses have shaped history, their impact on culture, and why they remain valuable today.

Week of January 13: Equine terminology and basics.
Understand key horse-related terms, identify coat colors and markings, and learn about major horse breeds.

Week of January 20: Managing a horse business.
Investigate what it takes to run a successful horse operation and the challenges involved in the industry.

Week of January 27: Financial management in the equine world.
Learn how to track income and expenses, and understand the basics of financial record-keeping for horse businesses.

Week of February 3: Decoding horse behavior.
Analyze how horses think, remember, and communicate, and learn to interpret their actions.

Week of February 10: Safe horsemanship practices.
Discover essential techniques for safely handling and managing horses in different scenarios.

Week of February 17: Anatomy of the horse: external features.
Identify and locate the major external parts of a horse and understand their functions.

Week of February 24: Understanding the skeletal and muscular systems.
Dive into the structure and purpose of the horse’s bones and muscles.

Week of March 3: Internal systems of the horse.
Explore the main organs of a horse and how they work to maintain health and function.

Week of March 10: Equine digestion.
Learn how the horse’s digestive system works and why it’s unique compared to other animals.

Week of March 17: Off

Week of March 24: The value of proper grooming.
Understand the benefits of grooming and the techniques used to maintain a healthy horse.

Week of April 7: Hands-on care for horses.
Practice essential care techniques, including bathing and blanketing.

Week of April 14: Selecting the right horse.
Develop skills to evaluate a horse’s conformation, health, and suitability for specific needs.

Week of April 21: Judging horses.
Learn to assess and rank horses by identifying their strengths and faults.

Week of April 28: Evaluating equine health.
Recognize signs of a healthy horse and learn to assess body condition.

Week of May 5: Exploring bits and their uses.
Study the different types of bits, their purposes, and how to ensure proper fit for a horse.

Week of May 12: Using halters and bridles.
Understand the types of halters and bridles, their uses, and practice putting them on a horse correctly.

Week of May 19: Saddles and their application.
Identify parts of a saddle, explore different types, and learn proper saddling techniques.

Week of May 26: Introduction to English riding.
Learn the basics of English riding styles, equipment, and techniques.

Week of June 2: Introduction to Western riding.
Explore Western riding styles, their unique features, and how they differ from English.

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CLASS ENVIRONMENT

Our classrooms are guided by a Socratic teaching approach, fostering critical thinking and encouraging open dialogue among learners. By facilitating engaging discussions and posing thought-provoking questions, students are able to explore topics more deeply and gain a comprehensive understanding of the material. 

Our class size does not exceed 5 learners. This allows for more personalized attention from the educator, ensuring that each learner's individual needs and learning styles are met. With a smaller group size, there is also more opportunity for discussion and collaboration among classmates, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, students may feel more comfortable and confident participating in discussions and activities in a smaller group setting.

We incorporate a mix of traditional methods such as videos and limited PowerPoint presentations to accommodate various learning styles as well. 

In addition, we gamify our lessons, as much as possible, to make learning fun and interactive for students. By adding elements of games and competition, we are able to keep learners engaged and motivated to participate in their education.

We also incorporate hands-on projects, wherever possible, to provide students with real-world application of their learning. Through these projects, students are able to apply their knowledge in practical ways and further enhance their understanding of the subject matter.

By designing this type of diverse classroom environment, utilizing multiple teaching methods, we effectively address the diverse learning styles of our learners.

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IMPORTANT DATES

Please note we value mental health and want to prevent teacher burnout. With that said, we do take company wide breaks where there will not be any classes taught nor will we be answering emails. 

Please expect a delay in responses the following dates: 

2024:

August 19-August 25 (Summer Break)
November 27-29 (Thanksgiving Break)
December 23 - December 31 (Winter Break)

2025

January 1 - Jan 5 (Winter Break)
March 17 - March 23 (Spring Break)
April 19 - April 20 (Easter Break)
August 25-31st (Summer Break)

If you are enrolled, you will not be charged!

We will be returning all emails the day or two after we return. 

In addition, teachers may need time off outside of these breaks as emergencies do happen. We always try our best to give ample notice when we can. You will never be charged for a day that we cancel classes.

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CLASS POLICIES

Refund Policy:

We strictly adhere to Outschool's refund/reschedule policy for all of our classes. This means that once a class has been paid for, there will be no deviation from Outschool's guidelines. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling outside of what Outschool allows. 

Camera Policy:

All students are required to keep their camera turned on during the entire class. The only exception is those that have been verified by Outschool and have the verification badge.  

Contact info:

In compliance with Outschool's policies, we do not accept friend or contact requests from current or former families on any social networking site (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.). We also do not provide or ask for any personal information such as email address or phone numbers.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these policies.