Equine Studies is an academic and applied field focused on the study, care, and management of horses. This major includes a variety of topics such as equine biology and physiology, nutrition, training, husbandry, veterinary health, and facility management associated with horses. This specialty aims to improve the welfare of horses, enhance athletic performance, and support the equestrian industry in general.

Fields of study in equestrian studies:
Equine Biology and Physiology:

• Equine Physiology: The study of how the horse’s body works, including the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system.
• Genetics: Understanding genetics and breeding horses to improve genetic traits and performance.

Equine Nutrition:

• Nutrition needs: Study the nutritional requirements of horses and develop balanced feeding programs.
• Performance Nutrition: Customizing diets to improve athletic performance and fitness in horses.

Equine Health and Veterinary Science:

• Common Diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of common diseases in horses.
• Veterinary care: developing prevention and comprehensive health care programs.

Training and Breeding:

• Training techniques: Applying effective training methods to improve the performance of horses in various activities such as racing, show jumping, and recreational equestrianism.
• Breeding programs: Designing breeding programs to improve breeds and achieve specific goals such as athletic performance or beauty.

Equine Facility Management:

• Farm and Facilities Management: Developing and managing facilities that house horses, such as breeding farms, training centers, and stables.
• Safety and Security: Implement procedures to ensure the safety of horses and facility workers.

Equine Behavior Science:

• Natural Behavior: Understanding the behavior of horses in natural and controlled environments.
• Human-horse interaction: Studying how to improve the interaction between rider and horse to achieve better performance.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of biology, chemistry, zoology, and veterinary medicine.
• Analytical and research skills: the ability to analyze data and conduct field research.
• Technical abilities: to use modern tools and techniques in caring for and training horses.
• Project management skills: to plan, implement and manage equestrian projects effectively.
• Communication skills: to transfer knowledge and interact with educators, trainers, and facility owners.

Work fields:

• Breeding farms and training centers: managing and training horses and improving breeds.
• Veterinary clinics: providing health care, diagnosis and treatment for horses.
• Regulatory Bodies: Work with equestrian organizations to develop policies and standards.
• NGOs: Participate in horse conservation and welfare programs.
• Scientific research: Working in universities and research centers to conduct advanced studies on horses.
• Education: Teaching equine science and related subjects in schools and universities.

The importance of equestrian studies:

• Improving the well-being of horses: It contributes to improving the care and general health of horses.
• Enhancing sports performance: Supports the development of effective training techniques to improve performance in sports competitions.
• Preserving breeds: Supports breeding programs to improve genetic traits and preserve rare breeds.
• Developing the equestrian industry: It contributes to developing commercial and administrative practices to improve the equestrian industry in general.

Equine Studies Applications:

• Sports Horse Training: Developing customized training programs to improve the performance of horses in racing and other sports.
• Veterinary health care: Providing comprehensive veterinary services that include prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative care.
• Equestrian Facilities Management: Improving the management of farms and training centers to ensure a safe and healthy environment for horses.
• Research and Development: Conduct research to improve understanding of the biology, behaviors and training techniques of horses.

The Equine Studies major combines scientific knowledge with practical applications to improve the care and management of horses, making it a highly influential field in the equine industry and enhancing the welfare and performance of horses.