Program Overview

Introduction to Equine Science and Horsemanship

Exploring Equine Management, Health, Care, and Training

Introduction to proper management, care, and basic training of horses. This is a broad introduction course that covers health, basic anatomy, management practices, and the basic training of horses. Students will gain insight into the equine industry and the team of professionals it takes to manage and care for horses of all ages and uses. The course includes 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.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Evaluate a riding horse based on athleticism and conformation
• Identify basic horse breeds, color, conformation, and suitability for disciplines
• Evaluate horse gaits for soundness and athleticism
• 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
• Learn practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for a career in the equine industry or ownership

Sessions Offered

• Session 1: June 22 - June 28

Course Fees

• Cost, Fees, & Discounts

Format

• Residential, Non-Credit

Related Courses

• Pre-Vet: Marine Animal Health & Vet Science

This class is meant to be immersive, and students will experience:

• Hands-on learning activities like grooming, bandaging, lunging, ground work, TPR, tack fit, and riding
• Industry professionals demonstrating and presenting in class
• Learning 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 with a strong emphasis on the Dressage Training Scale and Natural Horsemanship
• Evaluation of conformation and gaits of horses in comparison by judging an in-hand show class
• Evaluating soundness and body condition of horses

Meet the Professor

Melissa Tindall, UConn Dressage Team Coach, has been riding horses for 40 years and earned her USDF Bronze medal on her self-trained mare. She is the coach of the UConn Dressage team and has managed and been head trainer for several young horse training and sales barns in the past. Her true passion is teaching, and she focuses on positive teaching and training methods utilizing in-hand work, in addition to mounted work, to encourage connection and understanding of both students and horses. She is currently competing at 4th level in dressage and schooling Prix St. George with the goal of earning her USDF Silver medal. She has ridden in clinics, lessons, and demonstrations with many national and international instructors, which have helped shape how she teaches and trains today.

Schedule at a Glance

• 7am – 9am: Breakfast
• 9am – 12pm: Class
• 12pm – 1:30: Lunch
• 1:30pm – 4pm: Class or Workshop
• 2:40pm – 4:45pm: Closing Ceremony on Friday
• 5pm – 7pm: Dinner
• 7pm – 9pm: Social Programming
• 10:30pm: Room Checks

Program Information

About Us

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Course Offerings

• Introduction to Equine Science and Horsemanship
• Pre-Vet: Marine Animal Health & Vet Science

Program Fees

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• Scholarships & External Funding

Information For

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  • Overview
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• UConn Pre-College Summer
• 368 Fairfield Way, Unit 4171
• Storrs, CT

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