OUR PROGRAM
The ESA offers both an Equine Sciences Degree and Certification in Natural Hoof Care. The Degree is part of the Hoof Care Certification program, but is also offered as a stand alone program for those looking for an education or career in a discipline other than hoof care.
We are unique in many ways. We offer the most comprehensive programs available. Our classes are presented in a non-conventional format. Courses are not one teacher and a textbook, rather they are a compilation of information and resources from a wide variety of professionals in the equine world. This format presents students with a comprehensive overview of available information both conventional and non-conventional. Our goal is to guide students to thinking critically as they evaluate and distill information, not to teach any one viewpoint or source.
We do not believe that any one person or organization is "the" source or has all the answers. We believe that knowledge is a dynamic collective work - one we should all contribute to, draw from and share.
ESA Equine Sciences Degree
Whatever your area of interest in working in the equine industry, this program is designed to give you a thorough, fundamental understanding of all the key aspects of horse husbandry in today's world, and the tools to apply what you have learned to equine care and management. This knowledge base is extremely important for any given discipline.
The Academy is founded on the belief that the practice of focusing on one aspect of a horse's body, environment, habits etc. without due consideration of the other possible mitigating factors in his life is inherently flawed.
Recognition and assessment of these factors requires a broad understanding of their implications and effects. This can only be gained through study of the "Whole Horse." (see About Us)
The goal of the typical equine sciences degree program is to prepare students to seek enjoyment and employment as trained professionals in the horse industry, and focus on riding, training, breeding and facility management. The emphasis is on how the horse can best serve our needs.
We believe that Equine Sciences, as a field of study, should be based on the species specific requirements of the horse, and how we can best serve his needs. We envision a day when future graduates in ANY college or university Equine Sciences degree program enter their various careers with a foundation in natural equine management, as opposed to many of the conventional practices now taught in most schools. We look forward to the time when this becomes the "typical equine sciences degree program."
"A good question is never answered. It is not a bolt to be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landscape of ideas."
~ John Anthony Ciardi (1916-86) American poet, critic
ESA Natural Hoof Care Certification
The ESA Hoof Care Certification is the most comprehensive available.
Most hoof care issues do not originate in the hoof. If you have the education and experience to be able to assess a horse, help determine where the problem originates and recommend the appropriate professional (chiropractic, saddle fit, dental, etc.) to address the issue, not only will your job with the feet be much easier, but you will gain the respect and trust of your community including other equine professionals. If you fail to recognize mitigating factors that are adversely affecting the hooves, your trimming skills will be called into question when the feet don’t improve. The ESA gives you the education needed to properly evaluate and address complex issues in the field, and is the most comprehensive natural hoof care certification program offered anywhere
..... Simply learning to trim is not enough.
As such, the Equine Sciences Degree is an integral part of the Certification program. Students who complete this program will have earned both the degree and the certification.
An orthodoxy is produced in regard to all the great doctrines of life. It consists of the most worn and commonplace opinions which are common in the masses. The popular opinions always contain broad fallacies, half-truths, and glib generalizations.
~ William Graham Sumner, 1906
ESA Junior Program
The curriculum and program for Juniors is the same, but there are a few stipulations.
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
- Applicants must have parental consent in writing. (Applicant must submit a hard copy of the ESA Parental Consent Form signed by a custodial parent or legal guardian.)
- Applicants must have some horse experience.
- Juniors may finish the program at their own pace.
- Juniors who are pursuing Hoof Care Certification are only eligible for full certification once they turn 18. Juniors would be able to work trimming as a student and/or intern as many do (based on experience and comfort level) but would not receive the certificate until their 18th birthday.
- Students pursuing the Degree Only program are not required to wait until they are 18 to receive their degree certificate.
Please feel free to browse the site for more detailed information on the program.
OVERVIEW - How The Programs Work
The Equine Sciences Degree program is entirely a distance learning format. The required courses are all onine and practical horse experience is verified through video and submitted materials. There are 18 online courses separated into three different terms. Degree students will get all the classes relating to hoof care, but no practical instruction in hoof care. All six classes in each term must be passed before advancing to the next term. Classes are completed on your own schedule, however in order to stay on "Active" status, you must complete at least three classes in six months. Students on "Inactive" status are still enrolled, and can continue with classes at any time, but will not be eligible for special active student discounts and access to some chat rooms. Once all classes are completed, the student applies for graduation, and upon verification of completion of all necessary requirements will be awarded The Equine Sciences Degree.
For more detailed information, see the Curriculum below.
The Hoof Care Certification program is separated into two parts. The first part includes completion of all 18 online courses as described above and three practicums. Practicums are held in the instructors home town. Students travel to various locations to visit different instructors. After completing the first part of the program, the student has earned the Equine Sciences Degree. To earn Hoof Care Certification, the student must then continue on to the second part of the program which includes three case studies and two more practicums. Case studies can be done concurrently and the students can progress at their own pace, but requirements for active status are the same as above. Once all requirements are completed, the student applies for Certification, and upon verification is issued the certificate.
For more detailed information, see the Curriculum below.
CURRICULUM
The ESA Hoof Care Certification Program is two part program as outlined below. Completion time will vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, your schedule, ability to pass all required elements before progressing, prior experience etc. The program is flexible and is designed to accommodate different schedule requirements.
Anyone enrolled in the program may challenge and "ACE" (Academy Course Exemption) an online course and receive credit with a passing grade. If you have prior experience, this may allow you to complete the program in a shorter time frame. All practicums are still required.
The first part of the program includes three terms of online courses and three practicums. You may register for each term as a complete module, or take courses individually. Online course work is then done at your own pace, and practicums are scheduled with an instructor at the appropriate time. Once you have completed all the requirements for the the first term, you may register for the second and so on. Upon successful completion of these requirements you will have earned the Equine Sciences Degree. (This is offered as a stand alone program for those not wanting certification in hoof care)
The second part of the program includes three detailed case studies, verifiable ongoing field work and two practicums. Upon successful completion of these requirements you will have earned the Hoof Care Practitioner Certification.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it"
~ Aristotle
EQUINE SCIENCES DEGREE ONLY OUTLINE (Student)
First Term - Online Courses
- Critical Thinking
- Foundations of Natural Hoof Care
- Understanding Farrier Science and practices
- Equine Anatomy - Distal Limb
- Hoof Pathology - Part 1
- Equine Behavior
Second Term - Online Courses
Passing all First Term classes is a pre-requisite.
- Equine Anatomy - Digestive System / Internal Organs
- Fundamentals of Equine Nutrition
- Fundamentals of Equine Dentistry
- Understanding Veterinary Science and practices
- Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 1
- Hoof Pathology - Part 2
Third Term - Online Courses Passing all Second Term classes and second practicum are a pre-requisite.
- Equine Anatomy - Musculoskeletal
- Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 2
- Equine Bio-mechanics
- The Effects of Environment on Equine Health
- Business Basics
- Hoof Pathology - Part 3
Graduation Application The Academy will verify eligibility based on completion of all requirements.
Graduation If your graduation application is verified, you will then have earned your Equine Sciences Degree.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
HOOF CARE CERTIFICATION OUTLINE - PART 1 (Student)
First Term - Online Courses
- Critical Thinking
- Foundations of Natural Hoof Care
- Understanding Farrier Science and practices
- Equine Anatomy - Distal Limb
- Hoof Pathology - Part 1
- Equine Behavior
First Practicum – Three day practical instruction, location varies – in instructor’s home area. The first practicum can be taken any time during or after completion of first term courses, but before beginning second term classes.
Second Term - Online Courses
Passing all First Term classes is a pre-requisite.
- Equine Anatomy - Digestive System / Internal Organs
- Fundamentals of Equine Nutrition
- Fundamentals of Equine Dentistry
- Understanding Veterinary Science and practices
- Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 1
- Hoof Pathology - Part 2
Second Practicum – Three day practical instruction, location varies – in instructor’s home area. The first practicum can be taken any time during or after completion of second term courses, but before beginning third term classes.
Third Term - Online Courses Passing all Second Term classes and second practicum are a pre-requisite.
- Equine Anatomy - Musculoskeletal
- Complementary Equine Health Care - Part 2
- Equine Bio-mechanics
- The Effects of Environment on Equine Health
- Business Basics
- Hoof Pathology - Part 3
Third Practicum – Three day practical instruction, location varies – in instructor’s home area. The third practicum can be taken any time during or after after completion of third term courses, but before beginning Part 2 of Hoof Care Certification.
Graduation Application The Academy will verify eligibility based on completion of all requirements.
If your graduation application is verified, you will then have earned your Equine Sciences Degree and be ready to start Part II of the Hoof Care Certification program.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
HOOF CARE CERTIFICATION OUTLINE - PART 2 (Intern)
Case Studies You will be required to complete three separate case studies. Minimum of six months on each horse. You may do these studies concurrently if you wish. Each will require a case history of a client horse with pathology that includes detailed notes, pictures, actions recommended and taken and outcome assessment. The format for the study will be provided by the Academy and be mentored.
Internship Practicum - Three day practical instruction with review of case study progress. Location varies - in instructor's home area. This practicum should be taken at approximately three months into your case studies.
Final Evaluation The final practicum can only be taken upon completion of all case studies. Details will be provided during Intern studies.
Hoof Care Certification Application The Academy will verify eligibility based on satisfactory completion of all requirements.
Certification If your certification application is verified, you will be Certified as an ESA Hoof Care Practitioner.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!
