EE Stables

Horsemanship I

Date: Fall Semester, 2007.  August 7th through December 11th

Click here to download this syllabus and the registration form in Word Format

Purpose

The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basics of owning their first horse.  Topics covered will help prepare the student for the realities of horse ownership and care.  We will learn about horse anatomy and health, basics of horse psychology, choosing a good horse, equipment and supplies you will need, as well as the financial aspect of horse ownership.

Target Age Group

We will accept students ranging in age from 14 through 18 years old for Horsemanship I.

Textbook

“First Horse” by Fran Devereux Smith, copyright 1995

Topics and Timeline for the course

Week 1:    Chapter 10- Handling Your Horse
Week 2:    Chapter 11- Grooming Your Horse
Week 3:    Chapter 12- Saddling Up
Week 4:    Chapter 13- Lets Ride – Introduction to Riding
Week 5:    Chapter 1- What Do You Want In Your Horse – Horse Breeds
    Chapter 2- Who Can Help You Find Your Horse
Week 6:    Chapter 3- What To Look For When You Shop – Basic Horse Anatomy
Week 7:    Chapter 6- Where To Keep Your Horse
    Chapter 7- Where To Ride Your Horse
Week 8:    Chapter 4- How To Test Ride Your Horse
Week 9:    Chapter 5- What You’re Willing To Pay – Begin Project Ledger
Week 10:    Chapter 8- The Gear You Need
Week 11:    Chapter 17- Hauling Your Horse – Trailer Demonstration
Week 12:    Chapter 9- Partnering Up
Week 13:    Chapter 14- Common Problems
Week 14:    Chapter 18- Feeding Your Horse
Week 15:    Chapter 19- Health Care For Your Horse – Routine Care
Week 16:    Chapter 20- Hoof Care – Farrier Day
Week 17:    Chapter 15- Lessons And Trainers
    Chapter 16- Advanced Maneuvers
Week 18:    Review For Final Exam
Week 19:    Final Exam – Project Due

Projects

Students will keep a ledger book throughout the semester that will track the financial impact of a fictitious horse that they “buy”.  Each week the instructor will describe a real life scenario and the financial impact of it to the students.  Students will record that event and the costs and will record it in their ledger.  At the end of the semester students will write a small report about the actual cost of their horse taking into account regular recurring costs as well as unexpected costs.

Assessment

The final grade will be a combination of the students homework average (10%), in class quizzes (15%), in class tests (25%), Skills test (15%), participation score (15%), and the ledger project (20%).  No riding test will be given in Horsemanship I.

Suggested Credits

North Carolina home-school law allows the parent to determine the number of credits and towards what course of study those credits count.  EE Stables suggests one course credit in the area of Physical Education for successful completion of this course.  However, due to elements like the anatomy and physiology chapters as well as the ledger project and emphasis on finance and accounting, we feel it would be safe to count the course as either a Science or Math elective as well.

Price, Availability and Registration

The cost is $500 and includes the course textbook and financial ledger the students will use.  Students will need to supply their own helmet for riding activities.  Other required supplies include a 3 ring binder with dividers and loose lined paper. 

Two classes will be offered with a maximum of three students per class.  Registration closes on August 3rd, 2007.  There is a deposit required in order for your registration to be confirmed.  To register, download the course registration form and follow the directions in the document.

Classes meet once per week for one and a half hours.  The first class session will begin on August 7th and will meet every Tuesday through December 11th for a total of 19 class sessions.  The final exam will be given on December 11th during the normal class time.