The Open College of Equine Studies

Senior Horsemaster's Course 2

Aims of the course:

• This course covers much of the BHS Stable Manager Certificate (BHSSM).
• To build upon the knowledge gained during SHM1. Please note that it is not mandatory to complete SHM1 before starting SHM2.

SHM2 is ideal for:

• Any student upon completion of Senior Horsemaster's Course 1.
• Preparation for BHS Stage 4 or equivalent, or for BHS Stable Manager Certificate.
• The experienced student wishing to improve their depth of knowledge.

Module 1 - Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1.1 - The Skeletal Structure and Musculature
Composition, formation and functions of bone, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Unit 1.2 - The Circulatory System
Structure and functions of the circulatory system, composition and functions of blood, effects of exercise on the circulatory system. Disorders of the circulatory system. Structure, functions and disorders of the lymphatic system.

Unit 1.3 - The Respiratory System
Structure and functions of the respiratory system, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, respiratory disease.

Unit 1.4 - The Nervous, Sensory and Endocrine Systems
Structure and functions of the nervous and sensory systems. The endocrine system, glands, their hormones and effects. Nervous disorders and disorders of the sensory systems.

Unit 1.5 - The Urinary System
Structure, functions and disorders of the urinary system.

Module 2 - Horse Management

Unit 2.1 - Equine Behaviour
Inherent behaviour. The effects of domestication on the horse. Management of the horse to minimise stress.

Unit 2.2 - Grassland Management
Soils, drainage, fertilisation, grasses, weed control, general pasture management and improvement programmes.

Unit 2.3 - Conformation
Static and dynamic conformation. The effect of conformation on soundness. How the horse moves. Suitability of horses for specific disciplines.

Module 3 - Equine Nutrition

Unit 3.1 - The Nutrients and Digestion
The nutrients and their functions. The digestive system and digestive process, how nutrients are utilised, energy production.

Unit 3.2 - Feedstuffs and Rationing
The nutritional value of different feedstuffs. How to calculate the nutritional requirements and daily rations for different types of horses.

Module 4 - Health and Fitness

Unit 4.1 - Equine First Aid
Definition of emergency, accident and illness prevention, first aid kit, patient assessment, initial stabilisation and subsequent treatment, bandaging and splinting, wound treatment.

Unit 4.2 - Health and Disease
The horse in health, signs of ill health, bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Maintaining health, vaccination. Management of the sick horse. Miscellaneous ailments and treatments.

Unit 4.3 - Fittening for Performance
Exercise physiology. Fittening programmes - interval training and traditional programmes. Appraising the fitness of a horse.

Unit 4.4 - Lameness
Diagnosing lameness - nerve blocking, radiography, scanning. Causes and treatments of lameness. Therapeutic shoeing techniques.

Module 5 - Equine Reproduction

Unit 5.1 - Selection of Breeding Stock
Heredity and basic genetics, cell structure and division, inherited disorders. Suitability of mares and stallions for breeding purposes.

Unit 5.2 – Reproductive Anatomy
Anatomy and functions of the mare's and stallion's reproductive systems. Sperm production, the oestrus cycle.

Unit 5.3 - Covering Procedure
Swabbing, teasing, certification, covering, artificial insemination, embryo transfer.

Unit 5.4 - Pregnancy
Pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancies, stages of pregnancy, development of the foetal membranes, milk production, care of the in-foal mare, problems in late pregnancy, pregnancy failure and disorders of the reproductive tract.

Unit 5.5 - Foaling
Preparation for foaling. Labour, problem foalings. Care of the mare and foal, post-foaling problems in the mare.

Unit 5.6 - Management of Youngstock
Care of the foal in the first year, weaning, castration. Nutrition and management of yearlings, two and three year olds.

Module 6 - Equestrian Business Management

Unit 6.1 - Business Planning
The business plan, financial forecasts, market research.

Unit 6.2 - Financial Management
Keeping records, cash flow, budgeting, accounting systems, taxes.

Unit 6.3 - Business and the Law
Health and Safety at Work Act, employing people, the law of contract, the law of tort, Acts of Parliament which affect equestrian businesses. Insurance, wages.

Unit 6.4 -Yard Management
Skills of the yard manager, staff management, organisation of the yard and office.

There are 17 work assignments in this course.

Optional End of Course Examination
This is sent out with the marked Assignment 17 work and assessment sheet and is completed at home without the use of course material or books.