Equine Studies (EQS)
EQS-1010 Introduction to Equine Studies (2) fall
This course introduces students to Vermont Technical College and provides an overview of the Equine Studies major. Topics to be covered include: academic success strategies; professional development; student rights and responsibilities; student information technology and database orientation; equine safety; fundamentals of equine behavior; choosing and fitting tack; course sequencing, program goals, and curriculum topics; and career options. 2 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None. [Course fee: $150.00]
EQS-1021 Equitation I (2) fall
Students will be introduced to Stable Management Principles and will be responsible for daily horse care, under the supervision of the Equine Center Supervisor. Additionally, students will receive instruction in fundamentals of equitation, including assessing and selecting tack; tacking and untacking the horse; proper grooming; being balanced with the horse; performing transitions and turns correctly; and understanding how the rider's body cues the horse. 2 hours of animal care and 2 hours of riding lessons per week. Graded Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: None. [Course fee: $600.00]
EQS-1022 Equitation II (2) spring
This course is a continuation of Equitation I. 2 hours of animal care and 2 hours of riding lessons per week. Graded Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: EQS-1021. [Course fee: $600.00]
EQS-2011 Equine Training I (3) fall
In this course students learn safe and effective techniques for training the green horse. The course includes groundwork, including round-penning and long-lining and starting the green horse under saddle. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None. [Course fee: $600.00]
EQS-2020 Farrier Care & Lameness (2) spring
This course is designed to teach students to recognize anatomical issues with a horse's hoof and leg structure and to evaluate the care provided by a farrier. They will learn how to do a basic hoof trim and to remove shoes in emergencies. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None.
EQS-2023, 3024, 4025, 4026 Equitation III-IV (1 ea.) as required
Emphasis in each course is placed on assisting each student's development at his/her pace and introducing all students to a variety of riding and driving methods. Students will continue to learn about correct grooming and use of tack, as well as correct technique for dressage, jumping, hunt seat equitation, stock seat, and driving. Not all topics will be covered in each course, but all topics will be addressed within the sequence, which every student must complete in the correct order. 2 hours of riding lessons per week. Graded Pass/No Pass. Prerequisites for EQS-2023, EQS-1022 and the subsequent Equitation courses must be taken in sequence. [Course fee: $150.00 each]
EQS-3010 Law for the Equine Professional (3) fall
Students in this course will review equine-specific cases and learn about structure, risk, liabilities, and other pertinent topics necessary to running a successful equine-related business. The course will include in-depth examination of differences, advantages, and disadvantages of different structures for equine businesses; equine liability laws; insurance issues; and equine contracts. 3 hours of lecture per week.
EQS-3012 Equine Training II (3) spring
This course focuses on refining the green-broke horse and the trained horse. Attention will be given to long lining, lunging, producing lightness, correcting head and body position, correct use of the horse's body, balanced and correct gaits, and smooth transitions. 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS-2011 with "C" or better. [Course fee: $150.00]
EQS-3031 Riding Instruction I (3) fall
This course provides analysis of effective teaching techniques for riding and/or driving instruction for beginner/intermediate riders, including the psychological factors that influence rider/horse interaction. There are opportunities for observing, assisting with, and providing instruction. Students will begin to accumulate hours toward the required total necessary for ARIA certification testing. 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS-2023. [Course fee: $150.00]
EQS-4010 Equine Health and Diseases (3) fall
This course provides an in-depth exploration of issues relating to equine health management, including signs of health and illness; diseases and their causes; preventative and maintenance care measures; and first aid for horses. 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AGR-2030, and VET-1020.
EQS-4020 Therapeutic Riding and Driving (2) fall
This course provides the historical and social context of the ever-increasing popularity of therapeutic riding and driving programs. Students will learn about how such program are operated, the clientele they serve, and the crucial role that therapy horses play in people’s lives. There will be opportunities to meet individuals involved with such programs and to visit an operational equine therapy program. 2 hours of lecture per week.
EQS-4032 Riding Instruction II (3) fall
Students will continue to develop their skills as riding and/or driving instructors, including class preparation, assessment of student progress, and variety of teaching methods used. After completion of Riding Instruction I and II, students should have a strong foundation of riding instruction experience. They will be able to apply for Level I Certification with the American Riding Instructors Association. If a sufficient number of students are interested, ARIA testing can be conducted at Vermont Technical College. 2 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS-3031 with a "C" or better. [Course fee: $150.00]
EQS-4610 Senior Project (3) spring
Under the joint supervision of the Program Director and a mentor, when necessary, students will propose, gain approval for, and complete a research project in a specific area of the equine industry. The project will include a hands-on component (unless an exception is granted by the Program Director) and will conclude with a substantive written report and an oral presentation. 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS-4025 and EQS-2032.