About this course: There are over 100 million horses, donkeys and mules in the world today and owners of these animals can be found on almost every continent and in almost every society. The Horse Course will cover many unique aspects of equine ownership and touch upon the science behind many of today’s management practices.
Created by: University of Florida
Taught by: Chris J. Mortensen, Ph.D., Professor
Animal Sciences
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction to The Horse Course
Welcome to Week 1 of The Horse Course! To start off the course, we will begin discussing what exactly an “equid” is. We will cover the many equine species inhabiting our globe. Next, we’ll jump into the history of horses and donkeys, touching upon how they have made such an impact on our own societal development. The second half of week 1 will cover the many breeds of horses and donkeys. We will finish up with a lecture on the equine hybrids.
7 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 1
- Video: Welcome to The Horse Course
- Video: Introduction to the World’s Equids
- Video: Evolution of Horses and Donkeys
- Video: Roles of Horses and Donkeys in Human Development
- Video: Breeds of Horses
- Video: Breeds of Donkeys
- Video: The Hybrids
- Discussion Prompt: Horses and Donkeys
- Practice Quiz: Week 1 Quiz
WEEK 2
Basic Equine Physiology
This week will start out with covering some basic physiology. We will then advance into hoof anatomy and care. This will lead to spending a lecture discussing laminitis, a serious hoof condition in horses and other equids. The final two lectures will jump into the various coat colors and markings in horses.
10 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 2
- Video: Week 2 Welcome Video
- Video: Basic Equine Physiology
- Video: Hoof Anatomy
- Video: Hoof Care
- Video: Laminitis
- Video: Coat Colors
- Video: Coat Markings
- Video: Equipment
- Video: Grooming
- Discussion Prompt: Natural Hoof Care
- Practice Quiz: Week 2 Quiz
- Video: Week 2 Assignment Instructions - Aminal Description and Hoof Care Plan
Graded: Animal Description and Hoof Care Plan Assignment
WEEK 3
Equine Behavior and Training
The topics this week will focus on equid behavior and movement. Understanding how equids relate to their environment and communicate is critical to training and management. We will start this week by examining the basic equine senses and communication. Then we will discuss normal and abnormal behaviors and the basic psychology used in training. We will finish the week discussing the basic gaits and how these animals move.
8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 3
- Video: Week 3 Welcome Video
- Video: Equine Senses
- Video: How Horses and Donkeys Communicate
- Video: Typical Equine Behaviors
- Video: Abnormal Equine Behaviors
- Video: Basic Psychology in Training
- Video: Gaits
- Discussion Prompt: Domestic Horse/Donkey Behavior
- Practice Quiz: Week 3 Quiz
- Video: Week 3 Assignment Instructions - Training Plan
Graded: Training Plan Assignment
WEEK 4
Feeding Management
The topics this week will focus on equid nutrition. Understanding how and what to feed these animals is one of the most important aspects of basic care. We will start with digestive anatomy, how to evaluate your animal’s nutrient requirements, and then jump into feeding management. We will round out the week discussing colic and other nutritional disorders.
8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 4
- Video: Week 4 Welcome Video
- Video: Equine Digestive Anatomy
- Video: Evaluating Body Condition
- Video: Nutrient Requirements
- Video: Components of an Equine Diet
- Video: Pasture Management
- Video: Colic
- Discussion Prompt: Feeding Horses/Donkeys
- Video: Week 4 Assignment Instructions - Feeding Plan
- Practice Quiz: Week 4 Quiz
Graded: Feeding Plan Assignment
WEEK 5
Maintaining Equine Health
The topics this week will focus on equine health. Monitoring and taking care of your animal’s health is critical to owning any equid. We will start off with the normal equine vital signs and then we will discuss administering first aid to your animals. We will then cover the different parasites and diseases that can afflict these animals. Finally, we will end the week discussing some common genetic disorders.
8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 5
- Video: Week 5 Welcome Video
- Video: Equine Vital Signs
- Video: First Aid
- Video: Internal Parasites
- Video: External Parasites
- Video: Equine Diseases
- Video: Equine Genetic Disorders
- Discussion Prompt: Emergency Situations
- Practice Quiz: Week 5 Quiz
- Video: Week 5 Assignment Instructions - Health Management Plan
Graded: Health Management Plans Assignment
WEEK 6
Breeding Management
The topics this week will focus on equine reproduction. Breeding is an important component of the equine industry. We will start off this week with some basic anatomy, including what makes the equids unique. Then we will cover the estrous cycles of mares and jennies, followed by common breeding systems used throughout the world. After discussing unique aspects of equine pregnancy and parturition, we will finish out the week covering some management tips for taking care of the newborn foal.
8 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Week 6
- Video: Week 6 Welcome Video
- Video: Equine Reproductive Anatomy - Female
- Video: Equine Reproductive Anatomy - Male
- Video: Estrous Cycle
- Video: Breeding Systems
- Video: Pregnancy
- Video: Parturition
- Video: Post Foaling Care
- Discussion Prompt: Horses and other Mammalian Species
- Practice Quiz: Week 6 Quiz
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Ratings and Reviews
I really liked this class. The way it is set up. The teacher, Dr. Chris Mortensen, was about my favorite teacher. His methods were amazing, so was his approach. I will definitely recommend this class to friends. Thanks.
As a beginner's course, this is a wonderful and informative overall introduction to equines, particularly horses. The structure and content is more than adequate, and the lecturer's style makes it easy to learn and stay focused.
i love this course would recommened to any equine enthusiasts
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LT
Really enjoying this course, I would say it was higher than just a basic course, but very interesting and offering so much information.