Equine Studies (EQS)

EQS 1011/1012 Introduction to Equine Studies (2/2) - fall/spring
This course introduces students to Vermont Tech and provides an overview of the Equine Studies major. Topics to be covered include an examination of the equine industry in the US; equine safety and ethics; the equine in human history; equine psychology; fundamentals of equine behavior and training; breeds and conformation; disciplines; equine management; and career options in the equine industry; 2 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: EQS 1012 requires 1011

EQS 1031 Stable Management I (2) - fall
Students will be introduced to stable management principles and will combine theory and practice by providing daily horse care and stable maintenance as needed under the supervision of the Equine Center Supervisor; 1 hour discussion, 2 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None

EQS 1032 Stable Management II (2) - spring
Students will build upon their study of stable management principles from EQS 1031 and will continue to be responsible for daily horse care under the supervision of the Equine Center Supervisor. Emphasis in this course will be on successful winter care of equines and the facility. Topics include regular health assessment; first aid; bandaging; use of restraints; safe handling practices; deworming schedules; clipping; and basic feeding principles; 1 hour discussion, 2 hours laboratory per week. Prerequisite: None

EQS 1220 Horse Judging (1) - fall
This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of horse and horse show judging, with the goal that students will participate on the Vermont Tech horse judging team and/or pursue certifications in judging; 3.5 hours once per month during the term. Prerequisite: None

EQS 2011 Equine Training I (3) - fall
Students learn safe and effective techniques for training the green or unbroken horse for various disciplines, as well as develop skills to critically analyze various trainers and strategies. The course includes discussion sessions during which students view and evaluate professional trainers. The labs include hands-on practice of groundwork, including round-penning, classical lunging, and long lining with a strong emphasis on safety and developing a positive attitude in the horse. The training horses will be introduced to harness and/or saddle as well as desensitization training. Introduction to actual riding or driving will depend on each training horse’s rate of progress; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Two semesters of EQS 2025 [Course fee: $150]

EQS 2020 Farrier Care & Lameness (2) - fall
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 provide emergency care until the farrier can arrive; 1 hour of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS 1021 and 1032 or instructor permission [Course fee: $150]

EQS 2025 Equitation (1) - fall/spring
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 use of tack for various disciplines or purposes, as well as correct technique in their choice of dressage, jumping, hunt seat equitation, stock seat/Western, or 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. Note: all students are encouraged to take at least one semester of dressage, driving, and western horsemanship; 2 hours of riding lessons per week; graded Pass/No Pass. This course is repeatable for credit. [Course fee: $500]

EQS 2041 Equine Massage I (3) - fall
This course provides an introduction to the theory of equine massage. It includes intensive study of equine anatomy, including muscular and skeletal structures. Focus is on identifying soreness and other problems affecting the equine athlete, developing strategies for addressing the problems, and applying therapeutic massage to improve the horse’s mobility, range of motion, and general well-being; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: VET 1020

EQS 2801/2802 Summer Internship/Internship Review (0/1) - summer/fall
Students may participate in summer equine internship of their choosing and will coordinate with the program director about the terms of the internship, including number of hours and responsibilities included. Students will keep a daily record of hours and activities. In addition to completing the required documents, there is a 45 hour minimum requirement. The student will take part in an internship review the subsequent fall term, at which point credit will be awarded and a fee will be assessed; graded Pass/ No Pass. Prerequisite: Permission [Course fee: $250]

EQS 3012 Equine Training II (3) - spring
This course focuses on refining the green-broke and the trained horse. Attention will be given to producing lightness; correcting head and body position; using the horse’s body correctly; achieving balanced and correct gaits; and developing smooth transitions; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS 2011 with a C or better [Course fee: $150.00]

EQS 3031 Riding Instruction I (3) - fall
Riding Instruction I will expose students to the standards of three equitation seats: Dressage, Western, and Hunt Seat. Students will participate in detailed analysis of human and equine biomechanics; organization and planning of lessons; and implementation of skills and techniques common to all disciplines, as well as hands-on problem solving of biomechanical problems; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: Three semesters of EQS 2025 or permission of the instructor

EQS 3032 Riding Instruction II (3) - spring
Students will focus on the processes of learning and teaching, the way in which people process information, and the elements necessary for excellent instruction. The course incorporates knowledge of human and equine biomechanics from EQS 3031 with understanding and using communication skills; evaluating and working with different learning modalities; and analysis, organization, and planning of lessons; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS 3031 or permission of instructor

EQS 3042 Equine Massage II (3) - fall
This course continues to build upon the foundations established in Equine Massage I, with increased attention to muscle and other tissue loosening and alignment to improve equine movement, performance, and comfort. Topics include massage practices, stretching, saddle fit (English and Western), and conformation evaluation. Laboratory sessions will provide students with the increasing responsibility for determining areas of concern, developing plans for improvement, and implementing and assessing such measures; 2 hours of lecture, 2 hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: EQS 2041

EQS 4010 Law and the Equine Professional (3) - fall
Students in this course will review equine-specific legal 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. Prerequisite: None

EQS 4110 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 emergency care for horses; 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AGR 2030 and VET 1020

EQS 4120 Therapeutic Programs (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 peoples’ 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. Prerequisite: None

EQS 4610 Equine Studies Senior Seminar (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 on 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. Classes will include employment search strategies, guest speakers from various areas of the equine industry, and as discussions of current events within the industry; 3 hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: None