This course is an intermediate level, intense equine science course. Students are expected to have prior general knowledge of horses and a basic understanding of how horses move, know and be able to identify body parts and general health. 

This course will be a good option for youth involved in 4H or FFA and participate on horse judging teams, as we will be working on reasons and practicing them in class. There will be many opportunities for youth to judge multiple classes of horses and discussing the importance of working with sound horses and understanding correct dispositions. 

Even if youth are not on horse judging teams but have a sincere interest in advancing their equine knowledge, this course is an excellent option. 

week 1 - 1.1 history, domestication and mankind involvement of the horse,   1.2 Scientific Classification of horses, breeds
week 2 - 2.1 color patterns, science behind the color of horses         2.2 hair lab - understanding why some hair is thicker than others
week 3 - 3.1 biology of the horse - body systems                       3.2 biology of the horse - body systems continued
week 4 - 4.1 - continuation of body systems                             4.2 continuation of body systems
week 5 - 5.1 quiz      5.2 test 
week 6 -  6.1 - selection - breed comparison                             6.2 basic conformation 
week 7-  7.1 blemishes and unsoundness                                7.2 blemishes and unsoundness continued
week 8 - 8.1 Horse in motion - natural gaits                              8.2 - horse in motion - defects and vices
week 9 - 9.1 understanding digestability                                    9.2 - factors that affect digestion
week 10 - 10.1 nutritional requirements                                     10.2 nutritional deficiencies and signs
week 11 - 11.1 quiz          11.2 test
week 12 - 12.1 problems associated with feeding                      12.2 poisonous plant ID and effects on horses                
week 13 - 13.1 horse health records                                           13.2 identification of disease in horses
week 14 - 14.1 parasites in horses                                               14.2 management of parasites and prevention
week 15 - 15.1 behavioral principles part 1                                  15.2 - behavioral principles part 2    
week 16 - 16.1 quiz          16.2 test
week 17 - 17.1 horse judging introduction                                     17.2 horse judging, placing and reasons
week 18 - 18.1 horse judging, placing and reasons                        18.2 horse judging competition - Final - utilizing all knowledge learned this semester - written test included.