Introduction to Equine Science and Horsemanship

Introduction to proper management, care and basic handling of horses for students that are interested in the animal sciences but would like a refresher on basic horse handling or have no experience with horses. This is a broad introduction course that covers health, basic anatomy, management practices and the basic handling of horses. Students interested in a prevet track will gain insight into the equine industry and the team of professionals it takes to manage and care for horses of all ages. Students will have daily classroom material and labs interacting directly with the horses. Topics to be included are anatomy, physiology, behavior, sports therapy, management 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 veterinary or equine industries. 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's basic health and condition. Identify basic horse breeds, color and conformation. Evaluate horse gaits for soundness. 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 health and management. Students will learn practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career in the equine or veterinary sciences.

Students will be engaged in hands on learning activities like grooming, bandaging, TPR and first aid; optional activity at the end of the week to ride the UConn horses
Industry professionals demonstrating and presenting in class; researchers, farriers, veterinarians and more.
We will learn about 6 key points of horse care: turnout management, digestion and feeding, farrier care, vaccination, worming, and dental floating.
Evaluation of conformation and gaits of horses as it relates to health
Evaluating soundness and body condition of horses

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

Introduction to Equine Science and Horsemanship

Exploring Equine Management, Health, Care and Training

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