Introduction to Equine Management gateway

Introduction to Equine Management

Overview

This document introduces the core concepts and job roles within the equine management sector. It aims to educate individuals on various aspects of horse care, including job responsibilities, horse breeds, terminology, and basic requirements for keeping equids.

Learning Objectives

1. Acknowledge various job roles in different equine enterprises.

2. Recognize common breeds in the United Kingdom and their uses.

3. Be conversant with common terminology relating to horses and the equine industry.

4. Describe the general requirements of keeping equid species.

Job Roles in Equine Enterprises

Categories of Job Roles

Job roles within equine enterprises can be divided into two main categories:

• Activities Involving the Use or Ownership of Horses

  • Professional Riding

  • Semi-Professional Riding

  • Leisure Riding

• Suppliers to the Equine Industry

  • Veterinarians

  • Farriers

  • Feed Suppliers

  • Livery Yards

Common Job Roles

1. Yard Manager

   • Responsible for deliveries, marketing activities, and managing emergencies. Also schedules veterinary, farrier, and dental visits.

2. Yard Groom

   • Ensures the well-being of horses through routine checks, feeding, field inspections, and exercise.

3. Farrier

   • Handles hoof care, including trimming and shoeing horses.

4. Equine Dentist

   • Responsible for dental check-ups and procedures like rasping and tooth removal.

5. Equine Physiotherapist

   • Implements treatments such as massage therapy and rehabilitation programs.

6. Equine Veterinarian

   • Conducts medical diagnostics, administers drugs, and performs surgeries.

7. Registered Equine Nurse

   • Assists in initial exams and prepares horses for surgeries.

8. Jockey

   • Rides racehorses while adhering to strict weight limitations.

9. Show Manager

   • Organizes equestrian events, manages schedules, and awards prizes.

10. Horse Trainer

    • Trains horses for riding, focusing on their strength and skill development.

Horse Breeds in the UK

Common Breeds and Their Uses

• Shetland: Known for its role as a child's pony and for therapy.

• Thoroughbred: Primarily used in racing and show jumping.

• Shire Horse: Often used for heavy hauling and forestry work.

• Welsh Section B: Serves as a child’s pony or for recreational riding.

• Clydesdale: Used in ceremonial parades and as pleasure horses.

Common Equine Terminology

• Pony: Height of less than 14.2 hands.

• Horse: Height of at least 14.2 hands.

• Filly: Young female horse under 4 years.

• Colt: Young male horse under 4 years.

• Foal: Horse under 1 year.

• Weanling: A weaned foal.

• Yearling: Horse between 1 and 2 years.

• Mare: Female horse aged over 4 years.

• Stallion: Intact male horse aged over 4 years.

• Gelding: Castrated male horse of any age.

General Requirements for Keeping Equids

Daily Care

To ensure the health and well-being of horses, the following must be considered:

• Clean water and nutritional requirements met through feed and pasture.

• Regular mucking out of stables and hoof checks.

• Application of fly sprays and rugs if necessary.

• Maintaining horses' condition through regular monitoring.

Nutrition

Horses require a diet rich in fiber, predominantly from:

• Forage: Fresh grass, hay, alfalfa, and chaffs.

• Concentrates: For when energy requirements aren’t met by forage alone, especially in young or working horses.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Essential for maintaining health and metabolism, especially important during different life stages.

Stabling and Pasture Management

Stabling Requirements

• Adequate drainage and ventilation.

• Sufficient stable size to accommodate the horse.

• Appropriate bedding materials.

Pasture Management

• Rotating fields to maintain nutritional value.

• Regularly cleaning fields to prevent parasitic burdens and harmful plants.

Summary and Importance

Understanding the fundamental roles, nutrition, and care for horses plays a significant role in animal health and welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability. Proper equine management practices reduce the likelihood of disease and promote a healthier ecosystem.