Course Syllabus

AGBS 2700 Western Riding Skills II

Course Description

This course is designed for the intermediate rider and will allow students to further practice and develop riding skills. Students will concentrate on improving control and execution of aids, collection and control, and interpreting horse behavior. Students will also be introduced to more advanced equitation maneuvers and patterns as they are encouraged to develop skills useful for training and showing horses. Instruction will review and improve knowledge and skills in barn safety, horse health care, and riding techniques. There will be mounted as well as un-mounted (classroom) lessons. Students must have or arrange for their own horse.

Justification

This course is a continuation of Western Riding & Horsemanship I. The course will further advance a student's knowledge and skill as it applies to working with horses and working in the equine industry. This course will give students more advanced skills that will make them more marketable in the equine industry. Students completing this course will have a riding foundation that they can draw upon to further their education in an equine program, use to gain employment, or further entrepreneurial opportunities.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand and implement good, sound, and safe practices around horses.
2. Students will demonstrate advanced maneuvers in training horses (including, but not limited to, side pass, pivot, spin, lead changes, etc.).
3. Students will demonstrate proper riding position and understand how changing position affects the center of gravity.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of proper care and handling of horses.
5. Students will perform smooth transitions on specific gaits.
6. Students will participate in a competition or class event on a project horse used in class.

Course Content

Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with exposure to the following concepts and learning experiences: Stress and practice safe horse handling skills; Provide a foundation for students to understand and practice more advanced maneuvers used in riding and training horses. Including proper use of aids; Heighten awareness of horse’s center of gravity and rider position; Provide the opportunity for students to practice gaits and gait transitions proficiently; Introduce students to a variety of training techniques and riding disciplines; Practice riding skills necessary to progress to horse training classes or to gain experience necessary for certain industry jobs; Increase knowledge of horse care and handling.