The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a working knowledge of the structures and functions of the equine digestive system.  This plays a vital role in the horse’s health and soundness.  Knowing how the horse’s digestive system is designed, the way it works, and the problems associated with many current horse keeping practices and traditions helps shed light on many health, behavioral and other issues that are all too common with domesticated equines.

The purpose of this course is to examine what is currently known about equine diets.  There is still much research that needs to be done, but a thorough understanding of diffferent food sources and how they affect the horse in every facet of his life is a key component to health.  There are many common feeding protocols that work against the horse.  This course is obviously tied closely to the Digestive Anatomy course in explaining the cause and effects of diet.

This course explains the reasons why dentistry is necessary and the effect the teeth have on the entire horse.  Their importance cannot be overstated.  It also explores the different practices and philosophies and the inherent implications of each.  Once again, many conventional practices have been found to have harmful effects – this course explains what those are and why.

In the field, hoof care professionals inevitably work with vets, or work on horses under vet care.  This course explains some of the more common vet practices, the thought process behind them and how they affect the horse and his feet.  The course also teaches about various diagnostic tools and their value in the field.  This and an understanding of vet terminology is essential in developing a good working relationship with the vet community.

This course is gives an overview of herbology, essential oils, homeopathy and other complementary therapies.  There are many alternatives to allopathic medicine in dealing with equine problems, or just as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Understanding how these work and when they may be indicated provides another avenue in dealing with health issues.

The course builds on the introduction course and focuses heavily on laminitis. Laminitis is an extremely common and often unrecognized disease, but one that can be crippling or fatal.  The class also compares traditional/conventional treatments and protocols to more holistic approaches in trimming, diet, lifestyle and other aspects of horse care and management.