Equine Health and Sports Therapy

Catalog description

This course introduces the principles of equine health and sport therapy with a focus on nutrition, disease prevention and injury management. Students study the physiology of the digestive tract, nutrient requirements and feeding strategies that influence horse health and behavior. Common digestive disturbances, including choke, ulcers and colic, are discussed alongside major infectious and systemic diseases affecting horses. Emphasis is placed on designing preventative health programs, including vaccination schedules and herd management strategies. The course also explores conditioning methods for sport horses and therapies used in preventing and treating athletic injuries. Students connect equine physiology, nutrition and healthcare practices to optimize performance and welfare in the horses.