Module Code - Title:
EQ4025
-
THE YOUNG HORSE
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module provides the students with the skill to examine the physical and mental pre-requisites for training the young horse, which includes the evaluation of young horse conformation, maturity and developmental stage of the horse ready to begin training. Additionally, it aims to develop the students ability to critically evaluate different training approaches and techniques commonly used in industry in the context of horse behaviour, welfare and learning ability, which are critical skills necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and ethics of standard industry practices currently in use.
Syllabus:
Conformation and suitability; indicators of maturity, estimation of maturity, suitability for purpose, muscular development. Training the young horse; behavioural bases, alternative approaches, developing understanding of and obedience to simple cues, timing of initial training by discipline and maturity, commonly used approaches for sport horses and racehorses, establishing trust and confidence, improving balance and strength, developing athletic technique on the flat and jumping both loose and on the lunge, accustoming the horse to the rider early riding of the young horse. Equipment; lungeing and longreining equipment, side reins, De Gouge, Chambon, training aid systems, mouth examination and bitting for the young horse, use of a mounted dummy for rider introduction.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module student should be able to;
Research and evaluate established and novel approaches to training young horses.
Assess conformation and maturity and relate them to function and movement.
Understand and apply the behavioural bases of training the young horse.
Transfer learning to diverse areas of horse training.
Build safe and suitable working environments for the young horse and handler/rider.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module student should be able to;
Demonstrate a systematic, empathetic approach to training young horses.
Express their considered views concerning the ethics of training horses.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module student should be able to;
Demonstrate the ability to lunge and longrein a young horses in preparation for ridden work.
Demonstrate ability to ride young horses with considerable guidance.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is delivered through lectures and laboratory sessions. Recent research findings from Equitation Science, Learning Behaviour and Animal Behaviour are incorporated in both lecture and laboratory sessions. Students collaborate in group laboratory assignments and presentations directed towards improving their knowledge, team-building and presentation skills. Students are also required to do a significant amount of library research to improve their subject knowledge and journal reports, which improve communication skills, form an important part of the overall module assessment.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
McGreevy, P.
McLean, A. (2010)
Equitation Science
, Oxford: Wiley - Blackwell
Rachen-Schoeneich, G.
Schoeneich, K. (2007)
Correct Movement in Horses - Improving Straightness & Balance
, Addington: Kenilworth Press
Other Relevant Texts:
German National Equestrian Federation (2003)
Lungeing
, Addington: Kenilworth Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
Soraya.Morscher@ul.ie