Course: Equine Science. Unit Title: Animal Handling TEKS: 130.5(C)(3)(B) Instructor: Ms. Hutchinson. Objectives:

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1 Course: Equine Science Unit Title: Animal Handling TEKS: 130.5(C)(3)(B) Instructor: Ms. Hutchinson Objectives: After completing this unit of instruction, students will be able to: A. Locate the blind spot on a diagram of a horse; B. List likes and dislikes for livestock in regards to animal handling; C. Define flight zone; D. Explain how to tell what a horse is trying to communicate; E. List clothing and equipment that is needed when handling and riding a horse; and F. List safety tips for leading a horse and general handling of the horse.

2 Interest Approach: Curriculum & Instruction: Curriculum Domestic Livestock: All domestic livestock have contact with humans at some point in their lives. Reducing stress during these interactions makes livestock more productive by reducing stress hormones that can negatively impact economic factors such as growth rate and feed efficiency. Calm animals are less likely to injure themselves & have carcass damage Viewing human-animal contact from an animal's point of view makes handling less stressful Animal Reactions: An animal's reaction to people depends on prior experience and the animal's genetic makeup. Past unpleasant associations with people make animals skittish when they are moved or handled. Good experiences with people make the livestock easier to handle. However, some animals are genetically programmed to be more cautious and nervous. A. Locate the blind spot on a diagram of a horse; The Way They See: Horses have wide-angle vision, they see most of the world surrounding them Blind Spots: Directly behind (goes about 10ft) Directly in front (goes about 4ft) Underneath Instruction PPT Slide 3-4 What is the advantage of a calm animal? PPT Slide 5-7 PPT Slide 8-11 Where are a horse s blind spots? What kind of vision does a horse have?

3 Binocular vision: Seeing with both eyes Monocular vision: Seeing with one eye field of vision does not overlap Right eye sees what is happening on the right side Left sees what is happening on the left What is binocular vision? What is monocular vision? B. List likes and dislikes for livestock in regards to animal handling; Likes and Dislikes: Livestock generally avoid and dislike: loud noises strong wind changes in flooring type or elevation moving from light into darkness Most livestock are social animals, preferring to move in groups PPT Slide 13 List 4 things that livestock generally avoid and dislike. PPT Slide Define flight zone. C. Define flight zone; Flight Zone: Livestock also have a "flight zone" or personal space When a person enters this area, animals will retreat The point of balance is at the animal s shoulder Entry into the flight zone from one side will cause the animal to retreat in the opposite direction. Entering a flight zone from the rear of the point of the shoulder will generally cause animals to move forward. Flight zone entry ahead of the point of the shoulder generally causes animals to turn. In a flight zone, where is the point of balance on livestock? What will cause the animal to move forward? What will cause the animal to turn?

4 PPT Slide 19 PPT Slide 20 Entering the Flight Zone: When the handler enters the flight zone the animals will turn away Leaving the Flight Zone: When the handler is outside the flight zone the animals will turn and face the handler, and maintain a safe distance. D. Explain how to tell what a horse is trying to communicate; Body Language: Swishing tail = irritated Ears: Flat against head = aggression Pricked forward = focused on something in front of him Turned back = focused on something behind him Just there = he s not worried General Body Position: Tense muscles, erect head & neck = unsure of something & on high alert Lowered head & relaxed body = comfortable & not expecting danger Cocked leg = either he is resting or if other body language suggests tension, he is taking aim (you need to have a plan) PPT Slide What does a swishing of the tail mean? If a horse s ears are flat against their head what does this say? If a horse s ears are pricked forward what does this say? Back? What do tense muscles, and erect head and neck indicate? What does a cocked leg indicate? How Is This Horse Communicating?

5 Ears upright Head up Neck tight Eyes wide Trying to look away-rope taut This Horse is Likely Somewhat frightened erectness of body eyes, ears, neck and posture Defiant not willing to give to the rope Attentive but not cooperative How is this horse communicating? Ears back notice profile in shadow Nose rounded Roman Nose Neck stiff Looking down its nose at person Lips somewhat pointed This Horse Is Likely. Angry Bossy Threatening the holder Similar posture as last photo- notice horse already close to holder and willing to step

6 How is this horse communicating? This Horse is Likely: Frightened Anxious - defecation Starting to pay attention to the holder How is this horse communicating? Head down Leg up Tail down Ears attentive Rope slack This horse is likely.. More relaxed Cooperative Attentive The same disrespectful horse from the earlier photos after 1-2 hours training. How is this horse communicating? PPT Slide 38 Why should the handler be calm with working with the horse?

7 PPT Slide 39 What are some clothing and equipment needed when handling a horse? Riding a horse? Ears erect - forward Head and neck up Face angled slightly down Rope slack Muzzle not pointed nor tight Nostril wide open This horse is likely Trying to determine what the handler wants Willing to cooperate Not threatening handler Somewhat frightened PPT Slide Name 6 general handling tips. Name 4 handling tips when leading. Your Body Language: Be calm! If you are confident then your horse will be too Horses are always observing how you react to him and your surroundings E. List clothing and equipment that is needed when handling and riding a horse; and Clothing and Equipment: Handling Gloves Close-toed/Protective boots Long sleeved shirt Durable pants Riding HELMET! Boots with a heel Tall boots or pants to prevent chaffing Properly fitted and well-maintained tack F. List safety tips for leading a horse and general handling of the horse. Safe Handling Tips: Leading Properly fitted halter and rope Do not lead without a rope! Stay to the side of the horse alongside the neck Prevents getting stepped/trampled on Give enough head room, but not so much he can jerk free Never coil the end of the lead around your hand!

8 Tie horse no lower than his withers Learn to use a quick release knot Never duck under the horse s neck Don t put yourself between the horse and a wall Never stand directly behind a horse Do not kneel when working around or with the horse s legs Review & Instruction: Objectives will be reviewed before examinations. Exams will be developed based on objectives as taught in class. Instructional Support: A. References a. b E10FAC354A8CBF6D5EC71D08CB3557B5&first=0&FORM=IDFRIR c. d. B. Teaching Aids & Equipment: C. Facilities: a. Agriculture classroom