Equine Business Management

Course Descriptions

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EQ102 RECREATIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING (1). This course is to introduce the beginner recreational/non- rider to the basics of horsemanship, horse handling, and safety around horses. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform ground work, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk and jog and maneuver the horse through a variety of patterns. The student will also be instructed on information about horses including basic behavior, parts of the horse, saddle, bridle, and grooming tools. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for further study. Fee: $250.00. Taught Pass/No Pass.

EQ130 INTRODUCTION TO EQUINE STUDIES (2). This course introduces students to the basics of practical equine management, behavior, and handling with an emphasis on handler safety. In addition, basic equine anatomy, breeds, selection, health, and identification will be covered. Discussion and application of management techniques will occur in a laboratory setting.

EQ132 BEGINNER WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP (2). Beginner Western horsemanship is designed to introduce the rider to basic horsemanship skills focusing on seat position and use of aids in a western style of riding. The student will work with their horse through various exercises and patterns specific to the western horse. There will also be elements of horse handling, basic safety, and instruction on equipment used for western riding. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform ground work, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk, jog, and beginning lope as well as maneuvering the horse through a variety of patterns. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for the Advanced Western Horsemanship course. Fee: $1500 board of own horse or $750 ½ lease of school horse.

EQ133 BEGINNER ENGLISH EQUITATION (2). Beginner English equitation is designed to introduce the rider to basic equitation skills focusing on seat position and usage of aids in a hunt seat style of riding. The student will work with their horse on both hunt seat and dressage basics in various exercises and patterns. There will also be elements of horse handling, basic safety, and instruction on equipment used for English riding. By the end of the semester, the student should be able to catch, groom, perform ground work, saddle, mount/dismount, maintain proper riding position, ride at the walk, trot, and canter and maneuver the horse through a variety of patterns. These course topics are intended to give the student a basic foundation for the Advanced English Equitation course. Fee: $1500 board of own horse or $750 ½ lease of school horse.

EQ136 INTRODUCTION TO THE HORSE INDUSTRY (2). Introduces students to all facets of the equine industry. Focus will be placed on the economic impact of the industry on a local, regional, and national scale. Topics included will be discipline diversity, equine welfare, employment opportunities, and current problems facing the industry.

EQ 138 BASIC EQUINE HANDLING I. This course will teach basic equine terminology and the fundamentals principles to successfully to communicate with the horse voice, touch, and body language. This course will acquaint the student with basic horse handling. It is designed for the student who wishes to become proficient in the care and handling of the horse. This course would include catching, grooming, leading, saddling, bridling, and basic handling skills.

EQ231 BEGINNING HORSE JUDGING (2). This course will allow students to become familiar with the basic concepts necessary to select and      evaluate performance horses. Evaluation of conformation and performance based on breed standards will be emphasized. Preparation and delivery of oral reasons will be introduced.

EQ240 EQUINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT (4). This course will focus on basic management practices used in the equine industry. Topics to be included are equine diseases and parasites, heard health programs, nutrition and feeding management, and first aid. Students will apply equine herd health management techniques by participating in daily care of animals housed at the Equine Center. Laboratory. Prerequisite: EQ130.

EQ253 STABLE AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (4). Students will expand upon skills learned in EQ240. Practical experience in barn management involving operating farm machinery, facility upkeep, resource management, supervising workers, and problem solving will be covered. Students will apply facility management techniques learned in daily barn management at the Equine Center. Laboratory. Prerequisite: EQ240.

EQ285 EQUINE STUDIES PRACTICUM (1). The course provides students with the opportunity for hands-on experience in developing skills and learning techniques in areas such as equine anatomy and equine conformation. Topics are announced in the semester schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Taught Pass/No Pass. Fee: $250.00.

EQ330 EQUINE SCIENCE (4). The purpose of this course is to give a fundamental overview of the horse industry. This class will prepare the student for further study in equine areas. Students will review the historical basis of the horse, assess the diversified nature of the modern horse industry in terms national and international economic impact. Horse behavior, anatomy and physiology, nutritional needs, and topics on health will also be covered. Students will also be involved in hands on lab projects at the Equine Center. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

EQ332 ADVANCED WESTERN HORSEMANSHIP (2). Advanced Western Horsemanship is designed to continue the study of elements from EQ132 and move on from basic maneuvering to a more challenging set of elements. In this course, students will gain more control and work toward collection in a western frame. Focus will be placed on quality of gaits, movement through and over obstacles, pattern work and consistency. A variety of events will be covered including western pleasure, trail, western/ranch riding, reining, and showmanship. Fee: $1500 board of own horse or $750 ½ lease of school horse. Prerequisite: EQ132.

EQ333 ADVANCED ENGLISH EQUITATION (2). Advanced English Equitation is designed to continue the study of elements from EQ133 and move on from basic maneuvering to a more challenging set of elements. In this course, students will gain more control and work toward collection in an English frame. Focus will be placed on quality of gaits, movement through and over obstacles, pattern work and consistency. A variety of events will be covered including training level dressage, jumping, cross-country and hunter in hand. Fee: $1500 board of own horse or $750 ½ lease of school horse. Prerequisite: EQ133.

EQ340 BREAKING AND TRAINING (4). Basic instruction for the advanced rider includes proper steps in the breaking and training of the young horse. At the conclusion of the class, the student will be able to safely perform groundwork up to the beginning stages of riding the unbroken horse including but not limited to leading, tying, lunging, ground driving, bridling, saddling, and performing the walk, trot, canter, and back while mounted. Fee: $1500 board of own horse or $1500 board of local owned horse for project. Prerequisite: EQ332 or EQ333 and/or permission from instructor.

EQ342 ADVANCED HORSE JUDGING (2). Designed for students who wish to compete in the area of Horse Judging. Skills introduced in EQ231 will be developed further for preparation to compete in collegiate events. Lecture and live evaluation of equine conformation and performance will occur. Prerequisite: EQ231.

EQ344 EQUINE PRODUCTION (4). The purpose of this course is to build on the scientific principles and practices behind proper care introduced in EQ240. Principles of anatomy, exercise physiology, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and health management will be emphasized. Laboratory. Prerequisite: EQ240.

EQ347 EQUINE REPRODUCTION (4). This course will provide an overview of equine reproductive physiology and common reproductive management techniques. Emphasis will be placed on practical management and common problems associated with equine breeding operations. Topics to be covered are reproductive anatomy of the stallion and mare, heat detection, breeding practices, parturition, and management of the foal. Prerequisite: EQ240.

EQ350 TOPICS IN EQUINE STUDIES (2). Provides opportunity for advanced study in various fields of equine studies. Possible topics include: Farm and Stable Management, Methods of Teaching Equitation Skills, Equine Medical Management, Equine Behavior and Training, Showmanship and Competition. Topics are announced in the class schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Prerequisite: EQ330.

EQ435 EQUINE EVENT MANAGEMENT (4). This course will prepare students to run a horse show series at Wilmington College Equine Center. Practical skills to plan, initiate, host, and evaluate an equine event will be presented   and practiced. Emphasis will be placed on management skills, team work, community    outreach, and safety concerns surrounding equine events. Prerequisite: EQ344.

EQ470 EQUINE INTERNSHIP (1-4). A student initiated, designed, and executed occupational learning experience. On-the-job work experiences are integrated with educational objectives to give students an opportunity to broaden their learning experiences. Scope is as broad as student’s imagination. Coop arrangements are eligible for this credit. Course may be repeated. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor.

EQ480 RESEARCH PARTICIPATION (1-2). Student participation in a research project which is either part of a faculty member’s ongoing research or of the student’s own design. May be taken two times for credit. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

EQ485 EQUINE STUDIES PRACTICUM (1). This course provides students with the opportunity for hands-on experience in advanced equitation or advanced western horsemanship. Topics are announced in the semester schedule. May be repeated when topics vary. Taught Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.

EQ495 EQUINE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (4). This course is designed for students who wish to be involved in the equine industry on a professional level. Important considerations of running an equine business will be discussed. Topics to be covered are insurance, liability, resource management, marketing and public relations, budgeting, record keeping, and components of a business plan. Prerequisite: EQ344