Equine
Studies Program Director
manema@aaechighschools.com
The Equine Studies Program
provides unique, challenging, broad-based educational opportunities for
students having a special interest in horses and the horse industry. Modeled in both content and rigorousness
after university Equine Science programs, the AAEC-PV curriculum is
unparalleled at the high school level, and offers numerous equine-related
options to engage students. The Equine
Studies Program and the Veterinary Science Program (new in 2010-2011), are both
Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are designed to prepare
students not only for further university study, but also for the industry. The AAEC-PV Equine Studies Program is
recognized nationally, and received the 2009 AYHC Partnership award for
innovative programs that “connect kids through horses.”
Equine Studies Certificate
Horse Judging and Evaluation
Community Service Opportunities
University Recruitment
Student Horsemen’s Association
Equine Extravaganza
FFA
Veterinary Science Certificate
Internships
Course Descriptions
FAQs
Instructor Credentials
Equine Studies Certificate: The
Certificate of Completion in Equine Studies acknowledges those students who
have a special interest in horses, intend to seek careers in equine industry,
or pursue post-secondary programs in Equine or Veterinary Science. Certificates are awarded to graduating
students who, in addition to meeting graduation requirements, have also
completed the Equine Studies program and earned at least a “C” in the required
and recommended courses.
Required
Courses
Equine Science 1 (Intro to EqSc) Equine
Science 2 (Equine Industry)
Animal Anatomy/Physiology 1 Animal
Anatomy/Physiology 2
Equine Science 3 (Eq Herd Health Mgt) Equine
Science 4 (Eq Nutrition)
Equine Science 5 (Eq Repro) Equine
Science 6 (Eq Sports Medicine)
Horse Evaluation Intro
to Business (GBS 151 - PVCC)
Recommended Courses
Animal Production Systems
1(Intro to AnSc)
Intro to Veterinary Science 2
Applied Genetics
Internship
Horse Judging and Evaluation: The primary
goal of the AAEC Horse Judging and Evaluation program is to advance students’
knowledge in selection and management practices of horses. For those who are not involved with horses,
Judging offers the chance to become more familiar with horses, especially with
basic equine structure and competitive events.
For others who are active with horses, Horse Evaluation offers the
challenge of learning new skills that enhance knowledge of the show industry,
strengthen understanding of breed and performance standards, and improve
equitation skills. In both instances,
individuals who are learning to judge can increase their ability to correctly
identify and select horses with more desirable traits. Students enrolled in Horse Evaluation are
also encouraged to participate in competitive judging contests at FFA and breed
events at the district, state, and national levels.
AAEC-PV
Horse Evaluation Awards:
Black Canyon/Estrella District FFA Champion Horse CDE Team 2006, 2007, 2010
National
FFA Horse Evaluation – Silver Emblem Team 2006,
2009
National
FFA Horse Evaluation – Gold Emblem Team 2004,
2007
Community Service Opportunities: AAEC-PV
students are provided many opportunities to perform school required hours of
community service in the horse industry.
AAEC-PV sponsors or participates in several volunteer-based events
through the Equine Studies program, FFA and SHA chapters. These events include hosting the 4H State
Horse Judging Contest, hosting the ANLS 4H/FFA Horse Show and Youth Horse
Judging Contest, hosting the Maricopa County 4H Hippology
contest, conducting horse education sessions at the Arizona Equine Youth &
Career Fair, serving as balloon setters at Mounted Shooting matches, helping
show management at national breed shows, and conducting educational
demonstrations. Many students get
involved by serving at area horse rescues such as the Luv
Shack or Dreamchaser.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of unique community
service opportunities through Horses Help. Horses
Help provides weekly recreational and therapeutic horseback riding sessions
to all ages of people who have a wide variety of physical, mental, and
emotional disabilities.
AHSRA Events
Bull
Riding Saddle Bronc Bareback
Bronc Team
Roping
Barrel
Racing Goat Tying Cutting Calf Roping
Breakaway
Roping Pole Bending Steer
Wrestling
University Recruitment: Many students
who attend AAEC hope to successfully pursue university and professional degrees
in Equine Science or Veterinary Medicine.
To provide these students an advantage, AAEC-PV has established
recruitment relationships with four nationally acclaimed universities having
outstanding Animal Science, Equine Science and Pre-Veterinary programs. These university partners are excited with
the AAEC-PV Equine Studies Program and actively recruit students enrolled at
AAEC. [EFOAScholarshipApplication]
“
AAEC Equine Extravaganza: The Annual
AAEC Equine Extravaganza, held every year around the first of April, presents
an active and full day of demonstrations and seminars open to the general
public. Different breeds of horses and
disciplines of riding are presented in demonstrations that showcase the riding
skills and abilities of AAEC-PV students.
Seminars regarding health care and management for horse owners are also
presented. The AAEC-PV FFA state horse
judging team presents a workshop on basic horse judging techniques, and
attendees are encouraged to participate.
Student generated displays offer information on topics such as general
horse knowledge, horse industry organizations, areas of interest in the Horse
Industry, and career options. The
Extravaganza is a great opportunity to learn more about horses and the horse
industry as well as get a glimpse into the AAEC-PV Equine Studies Program.
Student Horsemen’s Association: The Student Horsemen’s
Association (SHA), is a means by which interested students are provided greater
access to the horse industry. In
addition to attending monthly meetings, active members are encouraged to
establish contacts with private-sector businesses and individuals; to
participate in service and community projects; and to build positive
relationships with like-minded peers.
Some examples of activities sponsored by the AAEC-PV SHA chapter are:
Guest speakers from the industry Breed and discipline field
trips
Competitive
event hosting Inter-Campus
Stick-Horse Funkhana
Affiliation
with the AHC AZ
Equine Youth & Career Fair participation
Breyer
Model Horse Show Equine-related
Community Service Opportunities
AAEC-PV FFA: The National
FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), is a
student organization that connects students through agriculturally- linked
activities. Any student who is enrolled
in an agriculture or CTE (Career and Technical Education) class is eligible to
join. Activities are designed to help
students become more familiar with the expansiveness of the agriculture
industry and develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth
and career success through Agricultural Education. AAEC CTE courses include all Agriscience,
Equine Science, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, and Natural Resource
classes. Students and encouraged to
participate in monthly meetings, CDE (Career Development Events; i.e. Horse
Judging, Livestock Judging, Job Interview, Prepared Public Speaking, Wildlife
CDE, Agriscience Fair), field trips, leadership events (i.e. FFA COLT, Peoria
Mini-Camp), competitive events (i.e. AZ State Fair, Maricopa County Fair, FFA
Field Day, ANLS), and community service (Christmas Charity Shopping Spree,
State 4H Horse Judging Contest, ANLS 4H/FFA Horse Show). Students who become active in FFA are
eligible for degree and scholarship awards.
Veterinary Science Certificate
The Veterinary Science
Certificate is a new program implemented in the 2010-2011 academic year. Designed to meet the interests of students
pursuing a veterinary medicine career, the VSC program is a four-year program
that introduces students to the field of veterinary medicine, opportunities for
veterinarians, animal anatomy/physiology, basic disease practices and clinical
veterinary techniques. The courses are
modeled after university and professional curricula, and are designed to
prepare students for rigorous study at undergraduate and graduate levels. Upon satisfactory completion of the required
courses, students will receive a Veterinary
Science Certificate.
Required Courses
Intro to Veterinary Science 1 (Intro to AnSc) Intro
to Veterinary Science 2 (Intro to VetSc)
Animal Anatomy 1 Animal
Anatomy 2
Animal Diseases 1 Animal
Diseases 2
Clinical Veterinary Techniques 1 Clinical
Veterinary Techniques 2
Recommended Courses
Equine Science 3 (Eq Herd Health) Equine
Science 4 (Eq
Nutrition)
Equine Science 5 (Eq Repro) Equine
Science 6 (Eq Sports Medicine)
Animal Production Systems 2
(Animal Industry) Livestock
Evaluation
Internship
Internships
The purpose of an AAEC internship is to provide
students an opportunity to explore career interests in a real-life setting with
real-life responsibilities. Student
interns work for businesses, organizations or individuals in the industry to
develop vocational skills, apply knowledge gained in classes, and investigate
opportunities in their interest field.
Internships are available to qualifying juniors, and require 90 hours
minimum “on the job” hours, a satisfactory site evaluation, and a reflective
essay describing their internship experience and how it affected their career
goals. Internships are intended to
enhance the student’s high school program, and successfully completed
internships are awarded 0.25 elective credit.
Different internship types include agriculture (i.e. dairy, wildlife, agronomy), equine science or management, and Ag-Discovery
(USDA/APHIS summer program). Examples of
internships that have been completed by AAEC students include equine
veterinarian, assistant trainer (several disciplines and breed specialties),
show clothing retailer, horse farm management, tack store merchant, equine
reproduction, swimming rehabilitation, and Ag-Discovery. [InternshipPacket]
EqSc/AnSc/VetSc
Course Descriptions:
Equine Science 1 - Introduction to Equine Science (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course introduces students to a broad spectrum of topics in EqSc. Lectures cover the development, domestication,
and use of the horse; as well as the economic impact and future trends of the
horse industry. Major emphasis is placed
upon studying breeds, basic anatomy, colors, markings, functional anatomy,
gaits, teeth and age determination, hoof anatomy and care, and equine
behavior. (Prerequisites: none) [EqScSyllabus]
Equine Science 2 - Equine Industry (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Class explores the size and scope of the equine industry, as well as different
business aspects and career opportunities within the horse industry. Emphasis is on marketing, effective skills in
communication, analysis of career goals, and development of skills necessary
for career success. Students are also
involved in the organization, marketing, and presentation of the annual AAEC
Equine Extravaganza. (Prerequisites: EqSc 1, Intro to
Business recommended) [IndustrySyllabus]
Equine Science 3 - Equine Herd Health Management (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course emphasizes the practical applications of equine herd health management
and disease prevention. Lectures review
disease principles and transmission; common diseases of the respiratory,
digestive, integumentary, and nervous system;
management of internal parasites; health assessment and common guidelines for
illness detection and first aid.
(Prerequisites: EqSc 1, Anatomy/Physiology) [HerdHealthSyllabus]
Equine Science 4 - Equine Nutrition (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course discusses the unique digestive anatomy and physiology of the horse. Lectures cover basic principles of equine
nutrition and the proper selection, evaluation, and utilization of feeds for
the different types and uses of horses.
Emphasis is on the nutrient content of various rations;
nutrition-related diseases; and general health aspects of feeding management. (Prerequisites: EqSc 1,
Anatomy/Physiology) [NutritionSyllabus]
Equine Science 5 – Equine Reproduction (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course presents a study of the reproductive physiology of livestock and equine
species. Topics include gamete
production, reproductive anatomy and endocrinology, causes of reproductive
failure, utilization of breeding soundness exams, management of broodmares and
stallions, principles of semen evaluation, and practical applications of
artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
(Prerequisites: EqSc 1, Anatomy/Physiology, EqSc
3) [ReproSyllabus]
Equine Science 6 - Equine Sports Medicine (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor) An informative overview of the field of Equine Sports
Medicine and the role it plays in the life of the equine athlete. Discussions include an investigation into the
scope of Equine Sports Medicine, the horse as an athlete, significant risks and
injuries to the equine athlete, musculoskeletal anatomy/physiology; prevalent
lameness issues and farrier science; respiratory and
cardiovascular function; and conditioning of the athletic horse.
(Prerequisites: EqSc
1, Anatomy/Physiology, EqSc 3) [ESMSyllabus]
Horse Evaluation 1 & 2 (0.25 credits/semester; two semester course; M.
Anema, instructor) Course presents the
basic principles, criteria and methodology of horse judging; as well as the
breed, conformation, and performance standards used for evaluating competitive
stock horses, Arabian, Morgan, Hunter, and Saddlebred
horses. Emphasis is placed on critical
evaluation and subsequent ranking of horses, presentation of oral reasons and
guidelines for competitive horse judging.
Course participants are eligible for competitive opportunities.
(Prerequisites: none, EqSc 1 recommended) [HorseJudgingSyllabus]
Animal Production Systems 1 (Introduction to Animal
Science) (0.5 credits; semester
course; M. Anema, instructor) An overview of the
fields of animal science and animal agriculture. Primary topics include the importance and
development of Animal Science, as well as general aspects of animal welfare,
animal classification, animal behavior, animal nutrition, and animal health
management. Discussion topics also
include an overview of different animals used for the production of food and
fiber. This class is cross-titled as
Intro to VetSc 1. (Prerequisites: none) [AnScSyllabus]
Animal Production Systems 2 (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course discusses significant animal production industries (specifically beef,
swine, sheep, dairy, and poultry production).
Topics include various segments of the industries, parties involved in
the industries, animals and products relevant to the industries, production
methods, and government regulations of industries. (Prerequisites: Animal Prod Systems 1 recommended) [AnAgSyllabus]
Livestock Evaluation 1 & 2 (0.25 credits/semester; two semester course; M.
Anema, instructor) Course provides practical application of livestock
evaluation criteria and methods used in judging production livestock species
(beef cattle, sheep, hogs, and meat goats).
Emphasis is placed upon the ranking of animals according to set
standards and the oral defense of those placings. Students will also become familiar with
production livestock breeds, as well as selection and management practices in
livestock production. Course
participants are eligible for competitive opportunities. (Prerequisite: none, Animal Prod Systems 1 &
2recommended) [LvstkSyllabus]
Applied Genetics (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor) An advanced course in the practice and application of basic
concepts of genetics and heredity in livestock production. Includes a review of relevant topics such as
meiosis, understanding chromosomes, Mendelian
genetics, principles of phenotypic expression,
population genetics, and principles of selection (qualitative and quantitative
genetics). (Prerequisites: EqSc 1 or Animal
Prod Systems 1 & 2, Equine Reproduction, Biology) [GeneticsSyllabus]
Introduction to Veterinary Science 1 (Introduction to
Animal Science) (0.5 credits;
semester course; M. Anema, instructor) An overview of
the fields of animal science and animal agriculture. Primary topics include the importance and
development of Animal Science, as well as general aspects of animal welfare,
animal classification, animal behavior, animal nutrition, and animal health
management. Discussion topics also
include an overview of different animals used for the production of food and
fiber. This class is cross-titled as
Animal Production Systems 1. (Prerequisites: none) [VetSc1Syllabus]
Introduction to Veterinary Science 2 (0.5 credits; semester course; M. Anema, instructor)
Course previews academic curricula and opportunities for students considering
the pursuit of a degree and career in veterinary medicine. Emphasis will be placed upon the introduction
of different careers available in animal health care; as well as the
prerequisites and qualifications for admission into professional veterinary
medical programs. Additional topics
include principles of disease, basic diagnostic procedures, professional
vocabulary, animal welfare and veterinary ethics. (Prerequisites: Intro to VetSc 1 or
Animal Prod Systems 1, EqSc 1recommended) [VetSc2Syllabus]
Animal Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 (0.5 credits/semester; two semester course; M. Anema,
instructor) Course involves the study of the structure and function of
mammalian physiology and especially livestock animals (horse, cow, sheep, and
hog). Topics include an introduction to
the field of comparative anatomy and physiology; a review of cells and life
processes; primary tissues; temperature regulation; body fluids and water
distribution; blood and the cardiovascular system; principles of locomotion;
skin and associated structures; nervous system and sensory perception;
reproductive and endocrine system; digestive system; respiratory system; and
urinary system. (Prerequisites: EqSc 1, VetSc 1, or Animal Prod
Systems 1) [AnatPhysSyllabus]
Animal Diseases 1 & 2 (0.5 credits/semester; two semester course; Dr. Dean
Rice, DVM, instructor) An overview of
the principles of disease and preventive medicine. Topics to be covered include physical
examinations and diagnostics; nutritional impact in animal disease; parasitology; clinical pathology; pharmacology; zoonotic diseases; specific diseases for different species
(canine, feline, equine, bovine, avian, and exotics); and disease agents and
bioterrorism. (Prerequisites: Intro to VetSc 1
& 2, Animal Anat/Phys 1 & 2). [DiseasesSyllabus]
Clinical Veterinary Techniques 1 & 2 (0.5 credits/semester; two semester course)
Presentation of practical procedures in veterinary medicine. Material presented will include history
taking and records; physical exams; triage; medical emergencies; care and
restraint techniques; laboratory procedures; bandage and cast applications; surgical
preparations; nursing care; and veterinary office management. (Prerequisites: Intro to VetSc 1
& 2, Animal Anat/Phys 1 & 2; Animal Diseases
1 & 2) **Course to be introduced Fall 2012
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to
finish the Equine Studies Certificate?
The Equine Studies
Certificate program is designed as a four-year program. Students pursuing their Equine Studies
Certificate should take 1-2 designated classes per semester in addition to
their core classes and other required classes.
Incoming sophomores can easily get up to speed in the program even
though they have to catch up on the introductory classes. A few students who have carefully planned
their high school classes and taken full class loads have been able to earn
both their Equine Studies Certificate and PVCC Associates Degree within four
years. In some instances, incoming
juniors have completed the program in their last two years at AAEC, but were
not able to take as many college classes.
Ambitious juniors caught up by taking up to three Equine Studies courses
per semester, and were still able to take their core classes and a few college
classes.
How will an Equine Studies
Certificate benefit me?
A student completing the
Equine Studies Certificate program will have taken classes that include all
aspects of equine science and management (health/disease management, nutrition,
reproduction, sports medicine, business and industry). Students coming out of the program will not
only have a sound general knowledge foundation, but will also be more prepared
to enter the horse industry. In fact,
AAEC students who take the ADE end-of-program assessments have consistently
earned the highest scores in the state for meeting industry proficiency
standards in Animal Systems. Students
going on to pursue a four-year or veterinary degree will not only have
developed broad-based prior knowledge, but will have become familiar with
post-secondary teaching methods, similar college learning strategies, and
expectations. Students not having their
own horses will learn a great deal about horses and the industry. Finally, students already involved with
horses will have gained immediately useful skills in the care and management of
their own horses.
Do the Equine Studies
Certificate credits count as college credits?
Although the classes are
modeled after university courses and are taught in a similar manner, they do
not earn college credit. They are high
school CTE (Career and Technical Education) classes, and earn high school
elective credit. However, notes,
lessons, and material learned in the Equine Studies classes are very useful for
university classes, and are designed to have practical applications. Students going on to rigorous university
programs have been more than adequately prepared, and have found university
classes in Animal/Equine Science programs much easier after taking AAEC
Animal/Equine/Veterinary Science classes.
Do I have to take all the classes
in the Equine Studies Program?
All of the Animal Science,
Equine Science, and Veterinary Science classes are electives, and students
choose to take them. Students can take
as many or as few classes as they choose.
Some of the classes do have prerequisites. However, in order to get either the Equine
Studies Certificate or Veterinary Science Certificate, students must take all
the required classes. Recommended classes on the Certificate lists are not
required, but will enhance the basic programs.
How will the agriculture
classes help me if I’m not interested in pursuing a veterinary or equine
science career?
In addition to learning
relevant information about animal science (i.e. nutrition, health management, disease
transmission, anatomy/physiology, business principles, behavior, ethics,
physics, current industry issues, economics, animal welfare, legislative
impact), students will become more aware of the importance and impact of
agriculture. Students who learn how to
successfully manage the Equine Studies classes will develop effective note
taking skills, study skills, critical thinking, communication skills, and time
management skills – skills that are useful in every other academic class. Not only do most of the classes meet
What kinds of “hands-on”
experience can I get with horses?
The AAEC-PV campus is
currently in a transition phase, and although we have had horses and
horsemanship classes in the past, we unfortunately do not have horses on campus
or stabled nearby at the present time.
Every year, we consider re-introducing the horsemanship program, and
hope to restore the AAEC-PV stable in the short-term. In the meantime, several opportunities exist
for students to become more familiar with horses. Students have volunteer options where they
can learn basic horse handling and grooming skills – while working towards
earning their required 30 hours of community service! These volunteer opportunities include local
horse rescues (e.g., Luv Shack and Dreamchaser), and a nearby therapeutic riding center,
Horses Help. The Student Horsemen’s
Association (SHA) plans field trips and community service events into the
industry where students can learn more about horses, training, and
opportunities in the horse industry. Finally, students can pursue internships
where they can gain direct “hands-on” experience with horses.
What extracurricular
opportunities are there for a student interested in horses?
Students involved in the
Equine Studies Program are typically involved in FFA (Future Farmers of
Instructor Credentials:
ADE CTE Teacher Certification
Master of Science –
Bachelor of Science –
Bachelor of Science –
ASAA Certified Equine
Appraiser
Owner/operator commercial
cow-calf ranch and horse breeding operation (Nebraska and Idaho)