Program Overview

Introduction to Equitation Science

The subject ASC148 Introduction to Equitation Science is designed to develop and enhance students' understanding of the basic mechanisms by which horses learn and can subsequently be managed, handled, and trained. The multidisciplinary nature of the equitation science discipline will also be examined, and students will have the opportunity to obtain and assess interactions with horses that may impact on both horse welfare and human safety.

Subject Outlines

On successful completion of this subject, students will recognize the need for evidence-based research in order to reach conclusions about existing and future practice within the equine industry. They will be proficient and safe horse handlers.

Availability

• Session 1 (30)
  • On Campus: Wagga Wagga Campus
  • Online: Wagga Wagga Campus
• Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ASC148.

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is primarily for students in the Bachelor of Equine Science and Bachelor of Equine Science (Business Management) courses. Students studying other animal-based courses may be admitted with the permission of the Subject Coordinator and appropriate Course Director. Places are limited due to teaching horse numbers and welfare considerations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to recognize the importance of the principles of science and scientific thinking within the context of equine-based practice and evidence-based research;
• be able to outline the implications of evolution and domestication on horse behaviour;
• be able to handle horses safely in a range of situations using simple, classical, and operant conditioning methods allowing Workplace Health and Safety requirements to be met;
• be able to employ simple assessment and measurement techniques to determine and manage the effects of humans on horses during interactions;
• be able to outline and appreciate the underpinning principles and breadth of the Equitation Science discipline with particular reference to horse and human welfare; and
• be able to distinguish factors essential for a comprehensive and meaningful assessment of the overall welfare and quality of life of any equid.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Equitation Science
• Equid evolution and domestication
• Horse behaviour and ethograms, Tinbergen's Four Questions and assessing behaviour
• Recording physiological indicators
• Fundamentals of horse training: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, equipment, and rider impacts
• Equine welfare and quality of life

Residential School

This subject contains a 3-day Compulsory Residential School. Online students must attend a residential school which will allow them to appropriately cover practical aspects undertaken by their internal counterparts. Specifically, this includes safe handling and management of horses (including assessment - as this subject is a pre-requisite for all subjects where handling horses is involved) and monitoring horse health.

Special Resources

Travel to and accommodation is required for distance education students attending the compulsory residential school at a CSU campus. Closed-in stout leather shoes or boots must be worn when working with horses. Clean overalls with long sleeves are compulsory for this subject. When working with horses, it is a requirement that all students wear an Australian Standards approved hard hat AS 3838.