Care and Management in Equine Science: Selection, Environment, Handling, and Health

Stallion

An intact (not castrated) adult male horse.

Mare

An adult female horse.

Gelding

A castrated male horse.

Foal

A young horse of either sex, commonly used from birth until weaning.

Colt

A young male horse.

Filly

A young female horse.

Weanling

A young horse that has been weaned from its mare.

Yearling

A horse approximately one year of age.

Broodmare

A mare kept primarily for breeding purposes.

In foal

Pregnant horse.

What is the primary concern when managing a stallion?

Stronger fencing and experienced handling are often necessary.

What should you monitor for a late-gestation broodmare?

Safe turnout and minimizing stress and injury.

Assess the term "two-year-old colt." What considerations should this bring to mind?

Growth phase, training limits, and increased risk-taking behavior.

Name one abiotic factor affecting an equine environment.

Temperature.

What is considered a biotic factor for horses?

Internal parasites.

What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involve?

A combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods.

How does sanitation differ from disinfection?

Sanitation removes organic material; disinfection involves killing pathogens on cleaned surfaces.

What is a common misconception about closed barns?

That they keep horses healthy, whereas they might trap irritants instead.

Why is unique animal ID important?

It supports traceability for health, ownership, performance, and breeding.

What is the primary goal of carrying capacity assessment?

To determine the number of animals a facility can support without degrading resources.

What is a common outcome of exceeding carrying capacity?

Overgrazing, leading to weeds and erosion.

How should one prioritize care for a senior horse?

Watch body condition, teeth function, and overall comfort.

What is one method for monitoring habitat quality?

Checking stall and shelter conditions for cleanliness and moisture levels.

In terms of grooming, what is the purpose of using a curry comb?

To loosen dirt and stimulate skin oils.

What common issue can arise from poor hoof care?

Lameness or soundness problems.

What is a key difference between welfare grooming and show grooming?

Welfare grooming focuses on health and cleanliness; show grooming emphasizes presentation.

Why might you choose different grooming tools for different horse coat types?

To avoid causing coat breakage or skin irritation.

How can dental problems affect a horse’s nutrition?

They can lead to difficulty chewing, resulting in weight loss.

What is a sign that a horse may need dental care?

Dropping partially chewed feed.