Equine Care and Management Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
Associate Diploma in Equine Care and Management is a unique program perfect for equine enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into a career. In this program students learn about equine nutrition, reproduction, health, conditioning, and management. They gain extensive equine theory combined with applied knowledge and broaden their equine business, finance, and management skills. This program prepares students to enter key sectors of the equine industry, including competition, recreation, rehabilitation, and racing operations.
University of Guelph Advantage
The Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) of the University of Guelph is internationally renowned for its research, teaching and knowledge extension. Students begin their studies at REACH Huron, a nationallevel competition facility, where they are fully immersed in both hands-on and theoretical equine learning. They learn how to work with performance horses of varying temperaments, and the ins and outs of managing an “A” level facility. Students expand their knowledge and abilities in horse care and managing an equine-related business. A 140 hour industry externship at the end of the second year provides students with the opportunity to practice newly acquired skills, and work with equine management practices common to the industry.
The co-op work term is scheduled after the second academic semester, providing a foundation on which to build the work experience.
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Combine in-depth equine theory and applied business courses
Deep Understanding
Develop relevant skills to national standards through the use of live horses in practical labs and experiential learning opportunities
Application
Strong knowledge of industry-specific proficiencies, including equine welfare, behaviour, health and safe handling practices
Equine Care and Management Co-op Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Work |
| TWO | Academic | Academic |
Equine Care and Management Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 Associate Diploma Calendar. Please see the current Associate Diploma Calendar for more information.
Fall
- Introduction To Co-operative Education
- Communications & Software Applications I
- Practical Equine Care I
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology
- Introduction to Equine Health
- Introduction to Equine Nutrition
- Equine Behaviour And Handling
Winter
- Communications & Software Applications II
- Equine Facility Management and Design
- Equine Conformation and Lameness
- Equine Health and Welfare
- Practical Equine Care II
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
- Introduction to Business Management
- Advanced Horse Nutrition
- Equine Forage Management
- 0.50 Restricted Elective
- Equine Industry Management and Care
- Equine Complementary Therapies
Winter
- Financial Management Marketing
- One of: marketing OR Sales and Sales management OR Leadership OR Human Resource Management
- Rider Conditioning
- Equine Business Venture
- One of: British Equine Study Tour OR International Equine Industry Practices
Restricted Electives
Students must select 0.50 credits from the following:
- Applied Plant Science
- Livestock Systems
- Applied Mathematics
- Environmental Science and Issues
- Environmental Law and Ethics
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship
- Landscape Management
- Plant Identification I
- Greenhouse Management
- Machinery Maintenance
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.