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Equine Welfare and Management

Instructor: Claudia Sonder, DVM

27,140 already enrolled

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6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

403 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

6 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

403 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

This unique course was developed by veterinarians at the world-renowned University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The course will address horsemanship from a welfare perspective, within the context of “The Five Freedoms” of animal welfare. We’ll explore equine physiology, behavior and basic needs including housing, nutrition, hygiene and disease management. You’ll learn how to perform basic tasks to assess the overall condition of the horse and identify problem areas. We’ll also examine the specialized needs of the equine athlete and the major responsibilities we as owners, handlers or competitors must assume in order to ensure the health and welfare of our equine companions. Finally, we’ll look several special topics in equine welfare including disaster planning and the international welfare efforts now in place to protect working horses and other equids in key industries such as racing, international competition, tourism and even mining. By the conclusion of the course, you will be well equipped to develop a comprehensive welfare plan for any horses in your care.

Module details

In this module, you will be able to identify the parameters of normal health in a horse. You will be able to measure a horse’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and capillary refill time, or CRT. You will be able recognize ranges of what are considered normal vital signs for the species, breed and individual horse. You will be able to monitor these normals over time to detect changes and alert a veterinarian to a problem.

What's included

12 videos2 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts

12 videosTotal 72 minutes

Course Introduction3 minutes
The Five Freedoms5 minutes
Introduction to the Normal Horse1 minute
Recognizing a Normal, Healthy Horse3 minutes
Assessing Key Vital Signs9 minutes
Evaluating Weight and Body Conditions7 minutes
Recognizing Variations Among Breeds5 minutes
Basic Equine Anatomy and Terminology7 minutes
Natural and Acquired Locomotion and Gaits7 minutes
Hoof Physiology8 minutes
The Musculoskeletal System8 minutes
The Vision and Nervous System11 minutes

2 readingsTotal 40 minutes

A Note From UC Davis10 minutes
Suggested Activity: Documenting a Horse's Vital Signs30 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 60 minutes

Learning Goals10 minutes
Suggested Activity: Estimating a Horse's Weight20 minutes
Underweight or Overweight?30 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss the water needs of a the horse. You will be able to manage and meet those needs in a variety of situations. You will be able to discuss dehydration and be able to test for a horse's level of hydration. You will be able to properly assess hydration status and will have some knowledge of ways to prevent and react to dehydration. You will be able to identify essential parts of a horse's digestive system. You will be able to discuss the characteristics of a horse's digestive system and be able to develop a nutritional plan suitable for your horse. You will be able to successfully communicate with your veterinarian about your horse's water and nutrition needs.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

5 videosTotal 52 minutes

Introduction to Hydration and Nutrition1 minute
The Importance of Hydration14 minutes
The Digestive System11 minutes
Benefits and Detriments of Various Feed Types12 minutes
Determining Nutritional Requirements14 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 50 minutes

Dehydration20 minutes
Suggested Activity: Hydration Test15 minutes
Suggested Activity: Checking Jugular Fill15 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss proper husbandry for your horse. You will be able to identify the second of the five freedoms – freedom from discomfort. You will be able to recognize the importance of creating a proper and safe environment. You will also be able to analyze best practices for proper flooring, bedding, footing, exercise, and safety for both you and your horse. You will be able to review the steps needed for emergency preparedness, evacuation, and rescue situations. You will be able to develop a safety plan utilizing the standards of care for your facility.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment2 discussion prompts

8 videosTotal 62 minutes

Introduction to Proper Care and Safe Environments1 minute
Applying Standards of Care7 minutes
Assessing Stall, Pen, and Pasture Quality6 minutes
Applying Standards of Care11 minutes
Ensuring Safety6 minutes
Emergency Preparedness, Evacuation and Rescue14 minutes
Footing Surfaces: Where Horses Work, Train or Perform12 minutes
Exercising Your Horse6 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 80 minutes

Adequate Shelter20 minutes
Suggested Activity: Emergency Preparation60 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss common injuries and diseases that can afflict horses. You will be able to identify the characteristics of the fit horse and the impact of fitness in injury prevention. You will be able to recognize common symptoms of illness, discomfort, and pain and the importance of hoof and dental care. You will be able to review common fly management and deworming practices. You will be able to prepare a vaccination plan for disease prevention.

What's included

9 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

9 videosTotal 59 minutes

Fitness and Health1 minute
Assess Cardiovascular and Musculoskeletal Fitness6 minutes
Maintaining Health and Preventing Common Ailments5 minutes
Deworming: Centerpiece of a Preventative Health Program6 minutes
Preparing a Vaccination Plan for Disease Prevention5 minutes
Hoof and Dental Care5 minutes
Preventing Diseases with Biosecurity5 minutes
Recognizing Signs of Pain and Discomfort8 minutes
Common Ailments and Injuries18 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 4 Quiz30 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 60 minutes

Minimizing Insect Populations15 minutes
Suggested Activity: Update or Create a Vaccination Plan30 minutes
Preventing the Spread of Disease15 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss normal and abnormal equine behavior. You will be able to identify how equine psychology shapes equine behavior. You will also be able to distinguish the cues horses use to communicate with each other. You will be able to recognize the importance of reading their physical and mental state of mind. You will be able to describe equine social hierarchies. You will be able to identify common abnormal behaviors and corrective strategies.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment3 discussion prompts

7 videosTotal 49 minutes

Introduction to Normal and Abnormal Behaviors1 minute
The Horse as Prey and Herd Animal8 minutes
Normal Equine Behavior9 minutes
Normal Behavior of Stabled Horses5 minutes
Normal Equine Social Behavior6 minutes
Recognize Problem Behaviors12 minutes
Strategies to Address Problem Behaviors7 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 5 Quiz30 minutes

3 discussion promptsTotal 105 minutes

The Stabled Horse15 minutes
Suggested Activity: Observing a Herd60 minutes
Suggested Activity: Addressing a Behavior Problem30 minutes

In this module, you will be able to discuss the human-equine interaction. You will be able to recognize the special responsibilities we have towards equine athletes, working equines, and performance horses. You will also be able to understand how best to care for older horses and describe issues associated with older and unwanted horses. You will discuss the issues of unwanted and rescue horses and international welfare issues. You will analyze factors that can induce fear in horses and explain stressors on competition and working horses.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 assignment2 discussion prompts

9 videosTotal 83 minutes

The Human - Equine Interaction and Equine Welfare Introduction2 minutes
The Human - Equine Partnership10 minutes
Recognizing Stress and Fear8 minutes
Equine Athletes13 minutes
Preventing Stress and Fear in Equine Athletes8 minutes
Challenges in the Horse Racing Industry11 minutes
Caring For An Older Horse10 minutes
The Unwanted Horse12 minutes
International Welfare Concerns11 minutes

1 readingTotal 90 minutes

Major Equine Sport and Welfare Organizations90 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 6 Quiz30 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 40 minutes

Suggested Activity: The Horse's Perspective30 minutes
Self-Reflection10 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(156 ratings)

Claudia Sonder, DVM

University of California, Davis

1 Course27,140 learners

Offered by

University of California, Davis

Learner reviews

5 stars
89.57%
4 stars
8.68%
3 stars
0.74%
2 stars
0.49%
1 star
0.49%

Showing 3 of 403

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

It's good for entry level knowledge that goes a bit more in depth than your average facebook group. It's put together exceptionally well by trustworthy and accredited people.

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2020

everyone who owns a horse should take this course.. it is essential knowledge to advocating for your horses we'llfare and safety and also improves your relationship building with horses.

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2020

LOVED the accessibility and information given in this course. Will definitely be of great help when become a Vet !

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