Horse Riding and Equine Management – Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra

Base Knowledge

Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, behaviour and animal welfare. Basic knowledge about the Organic Production Mode.

Teaching Methodologies

Classes are theoretical and practical. An expositive methodology is used for the presentation of theoretical subjects, exemplifying immediately with concrete situations of the equine unit at ESAC, or others farms outside using videos, photographs or “power point” presentations. A computer program will be used for diet formulation. Laboratories of animal nutrition and reproduction will be available, as well as other facilities like grazing pastures, riding arenas, the equipment and the equine herd of the ESAC for riding and handling classes.

Learning Results

1- To recognize the main potentialities of the use of the horse and its integration in systems under organic production mode (OPM).

2 – To know the housing and feeding requirements of horses in OPM

3- To evaluate the horse in its main behavioural, physical and functional characteristics.

4- Understand the main aspects related to equine reproduction, hygiene and health in OPM.

5- Understand the main concepts and practices of horseback riding.

Program

1- Main regulations of the Equine Organic Production in Europe.

2- Equine buildings and nutrition in OMP.

2.1- Characteristics of housing and equipments.

2.2- Nutrition and feeding management.

3- Equine exognosis and behaviour.

3.1-External anatomy of the equine and dental evolution.

3.2- Physical and functional characteristics of the most important horse breeds in Portugal.

3.3- Equine behaviour pattern.

3.4- General management of horses.

4- Reproduction and Health

4.1 – Equine reproductive anatomy and physiology.

4.2- Equine reproductive management.

4.3- Physiological constants and evaluation of its alteration.

4..4- Prophylactic measures in OPM

5- Riding

5.1- Guide the horse by hand, application of harness and protective equipment.

5.2-Harness the horse safely

5.3- Correct posture of the immobilized rider and in saddle exercises at pace, trot and gallop throughout the arena.

Curricular Unit Teachers

Luísa Maria Chambel Filipe Lopes Leitão Martin

Grading Methods

Contínua

- Prova de equitação - 5.0%
- 2 Testes escritos de resposta curta e/ou escolha múltipla - 70.0%
- Trabalho sobre maneio de equinos, individual ou em grupo - 25.0%

Internship(s)

NAO

Bibliography

Brinsko S.P., Blanchard T.L., Varner D.D., Schumacher J., Love C.C., Hinrichs K. e D.L. Hartman (2011). Manual of Equine Reproduction. 3rd ed, Mosby Elsevier, Missouri.

Gray P. (2001). “The Organic Horse. The Natural Management of Horses Explained”. Published David & Charles. 2001.

MacLeod C. (2007). “The Truth About Feeding your Horse”. Published J.A. Allen & Coltd 2007.

National Research Council (2007). “Nutrient requirements of horses”. 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.

Rezende, R. e A. Frazão (2012). “Equitação – Conceção das instalações”. Cadernos Temáticos. Divisão de Infraestruturas Desportivas Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude, I. P.

Silva A. T. (2009). “Hipologia, Guia para o estudo do cavalo”. Ed. Lidel.

Vogel C. (2011). Complete Horse Care Manual. Publisher Dorling Kindersley. UK.

Wheeler, E. F. (2006). “Horse stable and riding arena design” Pub. Blackvwell, Iowa, USA.