Performance horses are athletes of the equine world, and their care needs are considerably higher than their grass-kept counterparts. This course is ideal for performance riders, stud owners and anyone working with horses. It’s also valuable for people aspiring to start an equestrian business.
The Certificate of Horse Care (Intermediate Program) follows on from the Certificate of Horse Care (Introductory Program). It will provide you with an understanding of equine husbandry and practical knowledge in the care of stabled and performance horses.
In this professional development course, you will explore feeding, stabling, bedding and mucking out, as well as foot care and shoeing. You will also learn how to exercise and condition a horse, about tack and fitting, and what’s involved in the design of a professional equine facility.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to care for stabled and performance horses and discover opportunities for working with horses.
Course Structure
Horse Care II
Unit 1 – Feeds
- Roughage
- Concentrates
- Roots
- Green feeds and succulents
- Tempters and tonics
- Salts
- Feeding for special purposes
Unit 2 – Stabling
- Three ways to keep horses
- Combined systems
- Stalls
- Stables/looseboxes
- Barns
- Stable layout
- Feed rooms
- Tack rooms
- The medicine chest
- Stable routine
- Stable tricks and vices
Unit 3 – Bedding and mucking out
- Reasons for bedding
- Bedding qualities
- Bedding types
- Choosing a system
- Tools needed for mucking out
- Mucking out
- Bedding down
- Managing the bed
- Conserving bedding
- Comparing bedding
- The muckheap
Unit 4 – The foot and shoeing
- Foot structure
- Trimming
- Advantages and disadvantages of shoeing
- Signs that shoeing is required
- The farrier’s tools
- How the horse is shod
- What to look for in a newly shod hoof
- Basic shoes
- Surgical shoeing
Unit 5 – Exercise and conditioning
- The difference between exercise and conditioning
- Soft and hard condition
- Exercising a horse
- The fittening schedule
- Principles of fittening
- Maintaining fitness
Unit 6 – Tack and tack fitting
- Principles of bitting
- The mouth
- Types of bits
- Where the bit acts
- Fitting the saddle
- Causes of sore backs
- Care of the back when unsaddling
- Saddle types
- Linings
- Girths
- Saddle cloths and numnahs,
- Tack cleaning
Unit 7 – Horse facility design
- Farm layout
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Horse Owners
- Horse Carers
- Horse Enthusiasts