This course encompasses the gross anatomy and physiology of the horse. Students will gain an understanding of surface and internal anatomy and equine physiological systems. Live horse demonstrations and practice are used to promote student understanding of anatomical structures.

In this course, students will develop an understanding of equine behaviour and cognition. Students will recognize factors that influence the horse's learning and progress in training and understand how to move the horse. Weekly applied learning opportunities will include equine body language and movement, desensitization, round pen work, ground handling, and lunging. Students will develop skills to effectively demonstrate arena safety and etiquette, identify, and use common training equipment, and utilize methods of control.

This course is an introduction to equine health and disease prevention, as well as convalescent care of horses and related stable management practices. The use of live horses will support practical skill development.

This course introduces basic skills required to care for horses and maintain an equine facility to international standards. The weekly use of live horses allows students to develop safe and professional management practices with a focus on efficiency. Students will become proficient in the application and care for common tack and equipment, professional grooming techniques, and routine bandaging. As part of this course, students will be responsible for barn chores, record-keeping, and daily horse care.

This course familiarizes students with skills and procedures required to maintain an equine facility. Topics include the building and management of horse facilities, as well as site planning and interior design. Special consideration is given to emergency preparedness, waste management and environmental stewardship.

Students will explore desirable/undesirable conformational traits and examine the relationship between biomechanical movement and discipline suitability. Identification of common points of lameness allows students to recognize when unsoundness is present and when to consult with a veterinarian. This course makes use of live horses and demonstrations to evaluate equine conformation and lameness.

This course focuses on the basics of equine nutrition and best feeding practices. Students will identify common feeds, describe nutrients and digestion, and utilize the information to construct an equine feeding plan. In-barn labs allow students to develop practical industry skills.

This course builds on the skills gained in Introduction to Equine Health with a focus on welfare considerations. Students learn to identify common ailments and discuss under which circumstances to call a veterinarian. Live demonstrations and the use of horses in weekly labs allow students to develop proficiency in basic first aid techniques. Examination of current and emerging research provides insight into health-related welfare implications.

Students will learn to define exercise and understand the importance of conditioning a horse both physically and mentally. Students will practice developing and monitoring a fitness program and illustrate methods to monitor fitness levels during training. Students will create and implement a fitness program for a project horse from the Teaching Herd.

Students will become proficient in the skills related to the use of equipment, grooming and handling for specific disciplines. The weekly use of live horses allows students to gain further proficiency in the professional management practices and skills needed to maintain an equine facility to international standards. As part of this course, students will be responsible for barn chores, record-keeping and daily horse care.

Students will discuss common health concerns related to diet and nutrition and evaluate prevention and treatment methods based on current scientific studies. Students will formulate a custom feeding program for an equine with a nutrition-related disorder.

This course examines the principles of forage establishment and management for the purpose of providing good quality, affordable pasture, and hay for horses. Field assessments provide students with the opportunity to evaluate the conditions of local pastures and hay fields and discuss appropriate management practices.

This course examines various sectors and disciplines within the Canadian equine industry. Students will explore regulatory governing bodies and discuss their economic and employment impacts. This course investigates the management of equine staff for economic efficiency. Students are responsible for the daily care of teaching horses.

Students will discuss common complementary therapies used in the maintenance and convalescent care of horses. Analysis of current and emerging research provides students with an understanding of the efficacy, recommended use, and physiological impacts of common therapies. Case studies and live demonstrations by trained practitioners are observed in the lab portion of the course.

This course covers athletic conditioning requirements and guidelines for riders at each stage of athletic development. Students will gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology and how they relate to equestrian sports and injury prevention. Equestrian discipline-specific considerations are also discussed.

This course involves a one-week tour of the south of England, which will introduce students to international equine care and business practices through direct interaction with facilities in various sectors of the equine industry. Students will participate in experiential learning opportunities and speak directly with industry professionals to increase their understanding of international equestrianism. The study tour is a mandatory component of the course for which the student is responsible for the cost of transportation, food and lodging.

In this course, students will discuss selected global and international issues in the horse industry. History of equine use, development of worldwide disciplines and core practices will be examined and the corresponding welfare concerns will be analyzed. International education and care initiatives will be assessed along with international regulations relating to equine industry and welfare.

In this course students will undertake a comprehensive study to develop a business plan for a new venture or develop a long term management plan for an existing equine operation. Drawing upon knowledge and skills gained from previous courses, students will complete and present a formal business report.

This course provides students with an opportunity to develop hands-on work experience and exposure to the equine industry. The focus of this externship is to further develop professional work habits. The four-week externship, with a minimum of 140-hours, begins immediately following semester four. A passing grade is required to complete the diploma.