Program

Associate of Applied Science in Equine Health and Complementary Therapies

The Equine Health and Complementary Therapies Program focuses on the health care component of the horse industry.  The program was developed to meet the industry demand for qualified horse care technicians.  You will develop skills in traditional health care such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, broodmare and foal care and non-traditional complementary therapies.

In addition to traditional health care, Hocking’s program includes the newer disciplines of equine acupressure and massage.  This unique component teaches you proper massage techniques for applying pressure to and kneading muscles that are prone to fatigue and stress.  Courses such as equine business management, equine marketing and brochure development and accounting provide you with a solid business background.

You will gain valuable hands-on experience throughout the program.   In broodmare classes, you will find yourself scheduled on an all-night foal watch.  In health care, you will be performing many of the functions of a veterinarian assistant.  The campus is home to more than 50 horses, enabling students to gain hands-on massage experience.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Equine Health and Complementary Therapies:

• Provide advanced horse health care including preventative health care;
• Properly identify feeds and feeding requirements of equine at all ages and levels of performance;
• Demonstrate a variety of equine massage techniques;
• Competently perform therapeutic-based massage for specific equine conditions;
• Demonstrate a variety of equine acupressure techniques;
• Perform basic shoeing techniques;
• Provide proper broodmare and foal care;
• Demonstrate an understanding of equine reproduction and breeding;
• Identify, maintain, and use safety procedures with horses, tack, and related equipment;
• Perform safety inspection procedures in daily operations;
• Properly feed/water horses, groom/bathe horses, and clean stalls;
• Apply knowledge of horse anatomy, conformation and color, health care, teeth identification and floating, and emergency shoeing and trimming;
• Manage horses unmounted, to include leading, tying, trailer loading, transporting, approaching, catching, haltering, and ponying;
• Use a computer for word processing and storing of data; and,
• Communicate professionally with coworkers and with the public.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Equine Health and Complementary Therapies program are prepared for employment in a wide variety of jobs in the equine industry, such as a breeding farm, boarding operation, rehabilitation facility, or as a veterinarian assistant.

Occupation Profile