Master Equine Manager I

Purpose:        

• To provide in-depth training to selected horse enthusiast in order to increase the knowledge and skill in equine science, care and training. 
• To develop a cadre of knowledgeable equine managers to assist ISUE in conducting educational programs and activities.
• To increase the quality, competitiveness and economic potential of the Iowa horse industry.
• To develop a volunteer network for Youth and 4-H/FFA horse programs.

Participant Requirements:  

• Desire to expand your knowledge in equine care and management. 
• Interest in developing skills in equine care and management.
• Willing to share and demonstrate horse skills and knowledge with others. 
• Commitment to participate in all classes including a 2-day “hand-on” interactive program.
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent, or at least 18 years of age

Delivery Modes:   

• The six 2-hour sessions will be presented using Adobe Connect, a real-time virtual classroom.  Client machines must run a browser which supports Flash 6.0.79 or greater (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari).  Client machines must be either a Windows or Macintosh platform to support file and application sharing capabilities.  An active internet connection.  High speed (at least 512 kbps download speed) is recommended for optimal experience.  It is recommended that the client machines have at least a Pentium 4 running at 2.0 GHz and 1 GB RAM for optimal experience.  Although slower machines can be used, it is recommended that they are tested within the meeting environment prior to use.
•  Attend a 2-day “hands-on” interactive program at Iowa State University

Enrollment/Fees:  

• Half of the program fee is due 30 days prior to the first class with the remainder due at the first class. (If program fee is not received, enrollment will be denied).
• A program fee of $325 will be assessed for the complete Master Equine Manager program to include presenters, hand-outs, facilities, refreshments, and access to the material on the web.
• Any fees for service will be used to off-set direct expenses and to support the Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension program.

 Certification Requirements: 

• Must attend the six on-line and the 2-day in-person sessions to become a certified Master Equine Manager. 
• Complete the Equine Quality-Care Assurance (EQA) test
• Maintaining certification:
  • Three hours of continuing education training each year. Continuing education hours may be from ISU workshops/conferences or from other approved equine programs.
  • Six hours of volunteer work at an equine related activity. Examples include horse shows, 4-H activities, breed activities etc.

Benefits and Opportunities:

• Promote quality horse care and responsible horse ownership.
• Conduct training clinics and workshops for youth and adults.
•  Manage or assist with horse events, shows, trail rides or judging activities.
•  Participate in horse organizations with public education programs.
•  Develop new skills to enhance employment opportunities within the industry.
•  Web access to numerous equine references pertaining to each subject matter. 
•  Receive instruction and certification from Iowa State University.   
• Permanent Master Equine Manager name badge

Curriculum

Behavior - The feral horse, senses -vision, hearlng, smell, touch; horse behavior, behavior and training; vices
Learner Outcomes

• Impart an understanding of how the horse perceives its environment and the limitations this presents.
•  Understand the natural behavior of equines. 
•  Know and be able to describe horses' perceptions and instincts in light of their evolutionary history. 
•  Relate how to safely work around a horse by understanding the body language of the horse and horse behavior.
•  Understand how a horse perceives and interacts with its environment, and use this understanding for training and management.

Nutrition and Feeding - Physiology; NRC requirements;  Digestive concerns; Feed selection; Forage identification; Forage testing, evaluation; Pasture management
Learner Outcomes

• Understand the digestive physiology, nutrient requirements & feedstuffs commonly fed to horses.
•  Know  forage types and how they relate to pastures for horses.
•  Relate how grazing affects pastures.

Facilities and Equipment -  Planning and placement, zoning; Manure management; Buildings and utilities; Fencing; Storage; Exercise pens, arena; Barn and stable tour; Layout and safety features
Learner Outcomes

•  Evaluate livestock buildings considering animal welfare and working environment. 
•  Have knowledge on laws and regulations that apply to animal husbandry. 
•  Evaluate the design of livestock buildings with respect to proper environment for housed horses and animal welfare.
•  Describe the facility and waste management concerns of horses.

Health Care - Diseases and vaccinations; Parasite control; Injuries; Selecting professional services; Equine Quality/Care Assurance(EQA) test; Vaccination/Examination demonstration
Learner Outcomes

• Recognize & know vaccination & deworming programs for horses.
• Develop management strategies and/or treatment options for horse parasites that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
•  Wet lab checklist – Note attitude of the horse, estimate horse’s body condition, listen to heart and record heart rate, measure respiratory rate, take an rectal temperature and note findings, find digital pulse, look at horse’s gums and note the moistness & capillary refill time, palpate submandibular lymph nodes, listen to gut sounds, identify injection sites, identify different teeth types on a skull specimen, bandage a leg.

Selection and Evaluation - Structure and balance; Soundness examination; Selection for use/purpose; Examination demonstration; Visual and physical evaluation; Special handling procedures
Learner Outcomes

•  Recognize and evaluate balance, quality, structural correctness and muscling in the horse.
•  Be able to assess a horse’s conformation and gait and relate it to that horse’s suitability, function, and health.
• Understand the purpose of a prepurchase examination and how one is conducted.

Hoof Care - Hoof anatomy; Hoof evaluation; Care techniques; Farrier and veterinarian roles; Hoof maintenance & farrier; demonstration; Handling and cleaning; Trimming ; Shoeing 
Learner Outcomes

• Understand and be able to discern the nature and function of the hoof and why general hoof care is important. 
• Understand the importance of correct leg position and be able to explain hoof care in that respect. 
• Know the primary shoeing tools and understand how to use them in shoeing. 
• Understand and be able to discern the effects of various leg positions, foot conditions and shoeing on movements and gaits.