208-323 Equine Management Systems

This subject involves the use of animals. Students should be aware that this is an essential part of the subject and exemption from this component is not possible.

The objective of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of the systems in which horses are produced, raised and trained and provide a prerequisite for the application of scientific and technical knowledge to management.

Content includes the horse industry, its structures and activities; management procedures, training routines for thoroughbred racing, harness racing, equestrian sports; horse industry specific equipment, facilities and enterprises; critical factors influencing production and performance in studs and stables including selection strategies, nutritional and pasture-based management issues, and preventative health strategies, therapies and biosecurity at national, regional and enterprise levels.

On completion of this subject students should:

• be familiar with common horse-management procedures on studs, training stables and equestrian centres;

• be familiar with the structure and control within the horse industry;

• be able to recognise the factors affecting efficiency in studs and stables;

• understand the application of selection procedures for breeding and performance horses;

• understand the genetic selection strategies used by breeding enterprises and breed organisations; and

• understand the application of health procedures for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy.

One 3-hour written essay or short-answer style examination (40% of final marks) and three practical assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each worth 20% of final marks).

• J Gordon, The Economic Contribution to the Horse Industry. RIRDC.