Taking a horse care course before you get your horse or pony is a great way of making sure that you have the necessary knowledge to look after your equine. There are courses being run up and down the country, some over a few weeks, others a day course such as the one shown in this post at Hesbert Hall, even if you can't actually manage to attend a course you can still take on online. Anyway for today we'll take a look and see what the Hesbert Hall Equine Course offers:
HORSE CARE AND MANAGEMENT THE BASICS - SUNDAY 2nd October 2011 9am - 4pm
WHAT ARE WE DEALING WITH?
How evolution has made horses the kind of animal they are - social, grazing, running, prey animals and how this affects our care and management practices.
The need for company: discussing conventional versus group housing and turnout.
Nutrition and feeding: the best types of feed and how to provide necessary nutrients for different equine types and lifestyles.
Movement, exercise and work: natural patterns versus domestic routines.
Equine psychology and behaviour: why horses behave as they do, why they can appear to us to 'misbehave' which is really survival tactics, and what to do about it.
FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Stables and shelters: equines are active, strong animals. They need strong, safe fences or hedges and strongly-constructed stables and shelters. Sizes, materials, fittings and equipment, bedding materials and mucking out.
Land requirements: grazing, freedom and exercise. Grassland types and management.
Feed and water containers: buckets, tubs, mangers, haynets and 'haybars', automatic drinkers, troughs. Feed storage.
Grooming: brushes and other kit.
Yard equipment: brushes, shovels, wheelbarrows, bedding forks.
Tack: saddles, bridles, harness and training equipment. Clothing.
First aid kits: a basic kit of essentials.
Exercise areas: indoor, covered and outdoor arenas, off-road riding, hacking. How much exercise and what type?
SKILLS AND TIME REQUIREMENTS
Your attitude: calm, firm and positive.
Handling: leading a horse in hand, moving him around, picking up feet, putting on and taking off headcollars, rugs, saddles and bridles. Boots and bandages.
Grooming: a basic grooming routine.
Health checks: what to look for, vital signs and when to call the vet. Insurance.
Mixing feeds: giving your horse his feed. Feeding in stable and field. Giving hay and haylage.
Mucking out: how to manage different bedding systems and materials.
Cleaning tack: make sure you can put it all back together before you take it apart! Products and methods.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Maximum Number: 15
Price: £65 including lunch
1 comment:
The content of this horse care course looks very good and the price is so reasonable, I hope lots of people booked.
Post a Comment