Equine Science: Health, Management and Rehabilitation

Proper management, care and rehabilitation of horses for students with prior experience of at a minimum of low intermediate level or above. Students should be comfortable handling horses both in the barn and in a group setting in the arena. This is a broad course that covers health, basic anatomy, management practices and how it relates to the rehabilitation and training of horses. Some labs will include ground training skills where students will be working directly with the horses. You will gain insight into the equine industry and the team of professionals it takes to manage and care for horses of all ages and use. Students will have daily classroom material and labs interacting directly with the horses. Topics to be included are anatomy, physiology, behavior, training, sports therapy and equine first aid. In addition to hands-on daily activities students will attend demonstrations and discussions with industry leading guest presenters where they can ask questions in areas of interest. This course will give students experiences that they can use to build a career in the equine industry as a veterinarian, farrier, nutritionist, manager or trainer. Students must come prepared to be in the barn around large animals with proper safety clothing and shoes.

Upon completion of this course students will be able to evaluate a horse based on soundness, athleticism and conformation. Understand the importance of health and rehabilitation practices in the long-term soundness of sport horses. Gain insight into career paths in the equine industry and practical skills in horse care, management and behavior. Understand horse behavior and psychology as it relates to training and management of horses returning to work after injury. Students will learn practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career in an equine industry or ownership.

Students will be engaged in hands-on learning activities like bandaging, lunging, in hand ground work, TPR, and tack fitting.
Industry professionals demonstrating and presenting in class.
We will learn about 6 key points of horse care: turnout management, digestion and feeding, farrier care, vaccination, worming, and dental floating.
Insight into horse training for riding or competition as it relates to rehabilitation of equine injuries or reconditioning. Students will work both on the ground and one undersaddle session.
Evaluation of conformation and gaits of horses as it relates to soundness
Understand the importance of a holistic approach to horse injury rehabilitation

Melissa Tindall

UConn Dressage Team Coach

Melissa began her equestrian journey in hunter-jumpers and eventing, but for the past 25 years, she has dedicated herself to dressage. She currently competes at the FEI Prix St. Georges level, participating in recognized shows, and has earned her USDF Bronze Medal in 2016. She achieved this milestone on a self-trained mare, whom she purchased as a yearling and developed from the ground up to the PSG level.
As a UConn alumna with a BFA in Illustration, Melissa brings a unique blend of creativity and discipline to her work. At UConn she serves as coach of the UConn Dressage Team, and she teaches both dressage and jumping lessons. These lessons, available to students and community members of all levels, emphasize using dressage principles to improve rider balance and enhance communication between horse and rider. Under her guidance, the UConn Dressage Team has consistently competed at the IDA National Championships, with one of her students winning the IDA National Championship in 2024 and others securing top-three finishes in recent years.
Melissa’s extensive teaching experience includes an apprenticeship with FEI rider and USDF Instructor Melanie Tenney at the BHS-approved Woodcock Hill in Connecticut, where she completed the British Horse Society Instructor training program. Her focus there was on eventing, horse management, and training. Over the years, she has managed several young horse training and sales barns, but her true passion lies in teaching.
Her approach to teaching is rooted in positive reinforcement and a deep understanding of biomechanics. She incorporates both in-hand and mounted work to foster connection and mutual understanding between horses and riders. Melissa’s riding and teaching have been shaped by the guidance of several national and international instructors, including Jan Ebeling, Eric Horgan, and David Marcus, among others. These experiences, along with her ongoing interest in biomechanics, continue to influence her approach to training and teaching today.

UConn Pre-College Summer

Equine Science: Health, Management and Rehabilitation

Exploring equine health as it relates to training and rehabilitation of horses for sport; for students with intermediate and above prior experience with horses

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