For many, the issue of global equine welfare can stir conflicting emotions. What may appear to be a lack of common sense to some, can be regarded as a commonly accepted practice to others.
A good way to learn about the issues of welfare for horses is travelling the globe with Equine Guelph’s new online course, “Global Perspectives in Equine Welfare.”
To be offered in January 2014 for the first time as part of Equine Guelph’s equine welfare certificate, officials say this 12-week course will provide students with the opportunity to explore different practices of equine welfare used worldwide while focusing on the horse’s perspective.
“Equines are used for a variety of different purposes around the world, whether for pleasure riding or competition, kept as pets, or used for research, as working animals and in some countries, as food animals,” said course instructor Dr. Nicki Cross of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in New Zealand.
“The versatility of the horse in all these sectors means that an in-depth look into their welfare under these different conditions proves complex and stimulating.”
As a result of being interested in animals from an early age, Cross has an M.Sc in neuroscience and a Ph.D in neuroscience and animal behaviour, and has worked in the field of animal welfare for the past 10 years.
“This course is designed to encourage those involved with horses to develop their own views on the use of the horse in equine related areas and industries globally, and to develop their own ideas on how welfare may be improved in each sector,” said Cross.
Students will also examine current issues regarding wild horse management, working horses in developing countries, racing and sport horse practices, and slaughter legislation and will learn to compare standards of equine management practice in Canada, the U.S. and worldwide.
Upon completion of the course, students will have a good knowledge of the issues affecting horses globally, which will enhance their skills in the contribution to the fast-growing world of equine science and welfare.
“Global Perspectives in Equine Welfare” is part of the equine science certificate continuing education program and will be included in Equine Guelph’s Winter 2014 online lineup.
Other course offerings include management of the equine environment, equine behaviour, growth and development, health and disease prevention, the equine industry, marketing and communication in the equine industry, and advanced equine health through nutrition.
The winter semester runs from Jan. 13 to April 5.
For more information, email info@OpenEd.uoguelph.ca, call 519-767-5000 or visit www.equinestudiesdiploma.com.
