204-152 Horse Form and Function

Availability

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

202-154 Biology

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Topics include:

• musculo-skeletal system: osteology, myology, arthrology, desmology;

• respiratory, circulatory, nervous, urinary, digestive system;

• anatomy and physiology (cellular, tissue, organ) system failure, management issues; functional analysis of the horse;

• functional units: limb and foot action, back, heart and lung capacity;

• physical characteristics of the horse;

• terminology associated with physical characteristics of horses;

• conformation for a particular purpose;

• identify correct and incorrect conformation of a horse selected for a particular purpose and its effect on performance;

• gaits and gait interferences;

• various gaits of a horse and gait interferences arising from conformation;

• locomotion patterns of the horse in motion with respect to the biomechanics of movement;

• and understanding behaviour, behavioural theories and the evolution of equine behaviour, mechanisms of behaviour, physiological aspects of behaviour, communication and social organisation, management of behaviour, welfare, learning and training.

Assessment

One 3-hour written examination worth 40% of final marks, three assignments equivalent to 1500 words and worth 20% of final marks each.