Horse Science Courses
We are proud of having one of the most comprehensive horse programs in the nation. We accomplish this by offering courses that cover riding skills as well as equine health and management. All classes have hands-on, experiential learning components as well as traditional classroom theory.

Laboratory Riding Courses
ABAS 2110. Basic Horsemanship-Equitation. One credit. No Prerequisites. Preparation and Orientation for all students interested in taking horse science courses with an animal handling component. Topics include facility safety, horse control and handling, grooming, saddling, daily care considerations and facility maintenance. Fall and Spring semesters. Kayser.
ABAS 2400. Fundamentals of Horsemanship. Three credits. Prerequisite ABAS 2110 or proof of qualification. First course in a three-part series. Concepts and applications of behavior; communication, and control of the riding horse. Understanding and influencing the equine athlete; basic control skills; use of equipment. Fall and Spring semesters. Brzezicki.
ABAS 3400. Intermediate Horsemanship-Equitation. Three credits. Prerequisite ABAS 2400 and consent of intstructor. Second course in a three-part series. Understanding, recognizing and producing lateral control in the horse. Lateral exercises, developing balance and body control, track, gait, pace, impulsion, rhythm. Fall semester. Brzezicki.
ABAS 4400. Advanced Horsemanship-Equitation. Three credits. Prerequisites ABAS 2400, 3400 and consent of instructor. Third course in a three-part series. Understanding, recognizing and producing longitudinal flexion in the horse. Collection, extension, stride control. Spring semester. Brzezicki.
ABAS 4460. Behavior and Training of Horses. Four credits. Prerequisites ABAS 2400, 3400, 4400 and consent of instructor. The psychology, theory and practice of training and behavior modification in horses. Students assigned a project horse for the semester. Fall semester. Brzezicki.
ABAS 4450. Techniques of Teaching Horsemanship. Three credits. Prerequisites ABAS 2400, 3400, 4400 and consent of insstructor. Development of the communication, evaluation and presentation skills for teaching horsemanship. Spring semester. Brzezicki.
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Equine Health and Management Courses
ABAS 3040. Stable Management. Three credits. Prerequisite: ABAS 2110 or approval of instructor. A discussion of specific management practices and the operation of an equine facility. Laboratory exercises provide students and opportunity to practice management skills. Fall semester.
ABAS 3300. Equine Health. Three credits. This course will prepare students to manage horses more effectively by becoming familiar with normal physiologic parameters and how to recognize and deal with health issues of horses. Topics include: Care of the pregnant broodmare, foal care, routine health maintenance, infectious diseases, commonly used medications, dentistry, lameness, neurological diseases, colic, parasites, ophthalmology, dermatology, reproduction, geriatrics and alternative therapies. Spring semester. Haffner.
ABAS 3410. Horse Breeds and Genetics. Three credits. A review of the history of the horse with a focus on the development and contributions of horse breeds in the US and state horse industry. Roles of breed associations, principles of genetics, selection of desired traits, genetic abnormalities associated with specific breeds, matching breed to discipline. Fall semester. Hoffman.
ABAS 3430. Horse Production. Three credits. Prerequisites: ABAS 2110 or 2400 or approval of instructor. Scientific principles relevant to production requirements of horses as related to exercise physiology and performance, growth, reproductive physiology and state, age and clinical support. Facilities management, marketing, legal aspects of horse ownership and career opportunities will also be covered in effort to link scientific aspects of horse production with practical applications in equine enterprises. Spring semester. Hoffman.
ABAS 3900. Horses and Horsemanship. Three credits. Basic requirements of horse ownership, care and associated expenses, inherent risks and safety around horses, and resources available in the horse industry. For non-horse science majors.
ABAS 4040. Equine Event and Facility Management. Three credits. Prerequisites: ABAS 3040 or 3440 or approval of the instructor. Fundamentals of managing equine and other livestock events and facilities covered. Involves active participation in preparing for and conducting equine events held on campus. Kayser.
ABAS 4090. Equine Reproduction and Breeding. Three credits. Prerequisites: ABAS 2110 or 2400 and ABAS 3040 or 3430 or approval of instructor. Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion and mare as they relate to modern breeding practices. Vocational training in semen handling, artificial insemination and neonatal care. Spring semester. Kayser/Haffner.
ABAS 4170. Equine Industry. Three credits. Prerequisites: ABAS 2130 or 3130 and 3040 or approval of instructor. Operational strategies and management issues facing the equine enterprises. Financial, legal, and taxation issues as it pertains to the U.S. and international equine industry. Fall semester. Haffner.
ABAS 4440. Equine Nutrition and Feeding. Three credits. Prerequisites: ABAS 1410 and CHEM 1010 or 1110 and CHEM 1020 or 1120, or approval of instructor. The course will focus on equine digestion and utilization of nutrients, appropriate feeds and feeding management, and diseases with a nutritional component. Nutrient requirements for the horse at various stages, including maintenance, reproduction, growth, performance, age and clinical support will be discussed. Hoffman.
ABAS 4480. Equine Evaluation and Selection. Three credits. Individual parts, conformation, and gaits of the horse as they relate to selecting and judging horses for production, recreation, and sport. Fall semester. Whitaker.
ABAS 4540. Equine Assisted Therapy. Three Credits. Prerequisites ABAS 2110 or 2400 or approval of the instructor. Orientation to the selection, training and use of horses in therapeutic horse programs. Management of a therapeutic horse program is also emphasized.
ABAS 4580. Advanced Judging of Horses. Three credits. Prerequisite: ABAS 4480. Systems of judging for current horse show disciplines and exercises for students who aspire to become professional judges. Ethics, contracts with management, and procedures for becoming a judge are part of the focus. Whitaker.
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