Horse Care 101: Grooming, Feeding and Conditioning

This class is appropriate for anyone familiar with horses, who can lead, groom, tack and ride. It is meant for equestrians interested in mastering all aspects of basic horsemanship necessary for success in the sport. 

Each week will focus on a specific unit/aspect of horsemanship, from handling to riding. They will be presented in interactive lectures with plenty of time for discussion that encourages learners to master the topic. 

Once the learner completes class and their reading assignments, they will be offered a quiz on Nearpod to test their knowledge. Learners who pass the quiz with at least 80% correct will earn a certificate for that unit, identifying proficiency in that topic. Learners are allowed to retake the quiz as many times as they would like!

Here are the topics, by week, in order:

Unit One - Equipment Check!
Lecture: Taking safety and health into account when outfitting a horse and rider.
Additional reading - bit fitting, saddle fitting, first aid for riders who have fallen

Unit Two - Conditioning of the Horse
Lecture: The how-to of planning a weekly routine, length of ride and sample programs by age and level, cooling down after work.
Additional reading -  rehabbing the horse, starting the young horse, planning a show season for your horse's well-being

Unit Three - You Are What You Eat
Lecture: A horse's hay, water, grain and supplements and how to plan a diet for your horse's success
Additional reading - treating ulcers, troubleshooting feeding issues (importing a horse, aging, etc.)

Unit Four - Groomed to Perfection
Lecture: Proper grooming, tacking and polo wraps/boots (protecting your horses legs during work)
Additional reading - clipping, braiding, parts of the saddle and bridle, parts of the horse and basic anatomy, shipping safety and basics

Unit Five - Walk this Way
Lecture: Basic handling and safety on the ground and the mounting block
Additional reading - carrot stretches, basic trick training, introduction to in-hand training for dressage