Horse Management

The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge on equine breeding and management, paying particular attention to the problems that may arise and the methods to prevent or minimize them. The course adopts both theoretical and practical approaches, the latter in the form of classroom and on-farm practices, to teach how to manage equines in different breeding contexts. Elements of equine learning theory will be taught in order to define the most effective handling and training methods. Students will acquire theoretical and operational skills to understand, analyse and evaluate the problems of the equine sector and will be able to apply them to operate in the equine industry adopting scientifically rigorous, welfare friendly and updated methods.

At the end of the course the student will have to know the main methods of breeding, managing and training equines and will be able to apply them in practice using methods that respect animal welfare and that are scientifically rigorous.
Classroom and on-farm practices, in the presence of professionals, will specifically contribute to the development of critical skills and judgement. The preparation of reports and group presentations about the pracitices will contribute to the development, in the student, of the ability to communicate/transmit what has been learned. Finally, the guided and collegial discussion of some recent and relevant scientific articles will develop in the student the ability to continue the study independently throughout his or her life.