ASC
310: Equine Anatomy and Conformation:
Detailed study of equine leg anatomy with emphasis
on structures involved in common lamenesses associated
with various activities. Some of the specific lamenesses
discussed include: navicular syndrome, bowed tendons,
bone spavin, osteochondrosis, angular limb deformities
of foals and laminitis. Course material also covers
the bone, tendon, ligament and joint structures involved
in movement and support and how these structures
are affected by conformation defects. Students practice
conformation evaluation with emphasis on identification
of characteristics important to performance and soundness.
The course includes lecture and laboratory segments.
ASC
311: Advanced Equine Evaluation:
Conformation, pedigree and performance criteria for
horses of various breeds and activities including:
Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Standardbreds, Saddlebreds,
hunters, reining and dressage. Course includes field
trips to local sales, horse shows and farms.
ASC
320: Equine Management:
In-depth study of the nutritional, health and housing
needs of horses and the considerations involved in
managing private and commercial horse facilities
and businesses. Course material includes the study
of normal and abnormal horse behavior, optimal feeding
practices, first aid, routine health care procedures,
and farm business considerations. The course also
includes discussion of common breeds of horses and
their uses in the horse industry.
ASC
410: Equine Science:
An advanced horse production course for students
that have completed courses in genetics, animal nutrition,
animal reproductive physiology and equine management.
Course material focuses on the application of nutrition,
reproduction and genetic sciences to the production
of horses. Course material covers the management
of all classes of horses from birth, to performance,
to reproduction. Discussion of types of facilities
and management practices best suited to different
types of equine operations. Course includes lecture
and laboratory segments. Several laboratory sessions
include field trips to area farms involved in the
commercial production of horses for sale, racing
or showing.
ASC
688: Equine Nutrition:
For graduate students and advanced undergraduate
students that have completed at least one class in
animal nutrition and one class in horse management.
A class in biochemistry is recommended. Material
focuses on the nutritional requirements of horses
for growth, reproduction and work. Discussion of
the advantages and disadvantages of common feedstuffs
used for horses. Emphasis on understanding how to
meet nutritional requirements within real-life situations
and how to apply new research in nutrition and the
related sciences to the solution of practical management
and production problems.
ASC
399 (also EXP 399):
Experiential Learning (internship credit):
By enrolling in ASC 399 or EXP 396, students can
obtain college credit for work-learn experiences
in the horse industry. Students must work with a
faculty member or the Experiential Learning Center
to develop a learning contract that describes the
type of educational experience the student will obtain
through their internship. Internships can be designed
to meet individual needs. An internship may be used
to obtain hands-on horse skills in such areas as
foaling, breeding, training, or sales preparation.
Internships are also useful in helping students identify
possible career paths within the horse industry in
sales, communications, organization management, veterinary
medicine or farm management. Within the horse area,
internships are usually arranged between the student
and one of the faculty responsible for equine courses.
Numerous opportunities are available on area farms.
However, in recent years, students have also completed
internships with a therapeutic riding program, equine
magazines, equine breed organizations and equine
sales agencies as well.
ASC 395:
Special Problems in Animal Sciences: Some
students may wish to pursue a special area of study
though the “Special Problem” Course.
In many cases this course involves conducting research
or working within an on-going research program. The
Department of Animal Sciences has an active equine
nutrition research program and students can become
involved in this program through ASC 395. Students
may also develop their own research idea with the
help of a faculty member, if resources (laboratory
equipment, funding for supplies) are available. Another
option available under ASC 395 is credit for participation
on the Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team. Students
that practice with the team in the Spring semester
are eligible to enroll in ASC 395: Horse Judging
in the Fall semester.
There are
many Animal Science (ASC) courses that cover information
on the physiology, genetics, and nutrition of all animal
species, including horses. Educational experiences
are also available through extracurricular activities
associated with the UK Horse Racing Club, the Block
and Bridle Club, the Horse Judging Team and the UK
Equestrian and Dressage Teams. Other courses of interest
include:
Domestic
Animal Biology
Applications of Animal Science
Livestock, People and Their Interactions
Animal Genetics
Animal Physiology
Reproductive Physiology
Animal Nutrition and Feeding
Capstone for Animal Agriculture
The specific
courses required to complete a B.S. degree vary with
program. Most degrees require 120 credit hours for
graduation. Students select courses in consultation
with an advisor to meet the requirements of their major
and the student’s personal goals.
