Animal Science Equine Management and Horse Behavior and Training
Introduction to Horsemanship and the use of horses for riding and competition. You will gain insight into the equine industry and the team of professionals it takes to prepare a horse for competition. Areas of focus in this course will help you to select a horse for athleticism and conformation and use as a riding or competition horse. You will be able to identify horses' breed, color, conformation and it's suitability and soundness for riding by evaluation of the gates. Topic to be included are anatomy, physiology, behavior, training, sports therapy and care. Topics will be introduced to students though lecture, hands on activities, and demonstrations. This course will give students hands on experiences that they can use to build a career in the equine industry as a veterinary, farrier, nutritionist, manager or trainer.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to select a horse for athleticism and conformation and use as a riding or competition horse. You will be able to identify horses' breed, color, conformation and it's suitability and soundness for riding by evaluation of the gates. You will gain insight into all of the different facets and career paths in the equine industry. You will gain practical skills in horse management and behavior that will enhance your understanding of the psychology of the horse and how it relates to training. This course will prepare you to take care of a horse and gain practical knowledge on the cost of horse ownership.
Sessions Offered
Session 3: July 9 - July 15
Course Fees
Format
Residential, Non-Credit
Related Courses
This class is meant to be immersive and students will experience:
- Students will be engaged in hands on learning activities like grooming, bandaging, lunging, ground work, TPR, body condition scoring, tack fit, and riding.
- Industry professionals demonstrating and presenting in class.
- We will learn about the 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 with a strong emphasis on the Dressage Training Scale and Natural Horsemanship.
- Evaluation of conformation and gaits of horses in comparison by judging show class.
- Evaluating soundness of the horse by the use of a pre-purchase exam.
Meet the Professor
Alena Meacham, Director of Horse Riding Program, Lecturer
After earning her degree from Johnson and Wales University, Alena was fortunate enough to intern with Olympic Silver Medalist Ann Kursinski and then went on and trained with many Grand Prix Jumper and Dressage trainers from the US and Europe. Alena has a strong foundation in both Balanced Seat riding and Forward Seat riding. She has won numerous championships in both Hunters and Jumpers at USEF A rated shows. Alena managed Grand View Stable for 10 years successfully training and showing horses before joining the university where she has coached the UConn Equestrian Team, the UConn Dressage Team, and the UConn Western Team for over 11 years to numerous Regional Championships and National placings. Alena lectures in the Animal Science Department teaching horse training, management, care, and riding.
