Horse care is becoming more popular as more and more people purchase or lease horses. Whether you are a horse owner, trainer, farrier, or veterinarian, knowing how to care for horses is essential. The anatomy and physiology of horses is one of the most important subjects to learn to be effective in caring for horses.

This course provides an introduction into terminology off horses, as well as the anatomy and physiology of various systems of the horse. It will include the skeletal system, conformations, tendons and ligaments, hoof physiology, and digestion of the horse. Since the majority of horse lameness occurs in the hooves and lower legs, an emphasis is placed on these areas. The course will incorporate power point presentations and video clips developed by the College. This Internet course is a three credit hour college course that may be taken for credit or as an audit.

The instructor is Nathan Allen. His Master of Science degree is in Equine Growth from Colorado State University, and he has earned the Equine endorsement through the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Mr. Allen is also an endorsed educator by the Registry of Professional Farrier Educators and a Certified Journeyman Farrier through the American Farriers Association.

This the first course in Animal Science/Farrier Science offered by Mesalands Community College. The College is currently developing more courses in Animal Science/Farrier Science to be offered on the Internet.

For information about the course content or procedures or other Animal Science/Farrier Science courses contact Nathan Allen at natea@mesalands.edu or (575) 461-4413, ext. 158.