2021 - 2022 
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Equine Studies 
Career Cluster:	Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

AS	
CIP Number	1101050701	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	60 credit hours	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	45-1011 - First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to prepare students for employment in equine industry occupations under one of two different specializations.  Equine Farm Management includes careers such as entry level equine farm supervisory and management positions, assistant farm manager, broodmare/foal manager, yearling manager in a variety of equine enterprises, or First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers (45-1011.08).  Additional positions include entry level managerial positions in equine retail sales, managerial positions in service based sectors of the equine industry or entrepreneurial opportunities in the equine industry.  Equine Exercise Physiology trains students in the emerging field of equine athletic management, providing students with expertise in conditioning techniques, management of the equine athlete and rehabilitation techniques.  Graduates will be employed as assistant trainers, rehabilitation technicians, grooms for high performance horses or independent contractors in horse care.

The content for both specializations includes instruction to individuals in the areas of planning, organizing, directing and controlling of an equine operation with dual emphasis on:

•	The science and care of equine species and the knowledge and understanding necessary for managing equine operations and husbandry and disease. 
•	Business skills such as financial management, marketing, employee relations, computer applications and business plan development.

The Equine Studies Associate in Science degree program should include the requirements specified in the statewide Articulation Manual.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 60 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

A.	Equine Science Core Learning Outcomes:

01.0	Identify veterinary terminology and illustrate equine health practices.
02.0	Analyze equine nutrient requirements and evaluate equine diets.
03.0	Identify, analyze and apply basic concepts related to normal and abnormal equine behaviors.
04.0	Perform safe horse handling techniques. 
05.0	Evaluate equine management systems for appropriate animal welfare, including housing, care and regulations.
06.0	Demonstrate employability skills including interpersonal skills, ethics, communication and responsibility through work based learning activities and a portfolio. 

B.	Business Management Specialization Learning Outcomes:

07.0	Identify equine industry sectors and business opportunities in a business plan.
08.0	Demonstrate techniques in evaluation, selection and breeding of horses.
09.0	Demonstrate ability to plan, schedule and maintain records and contracts, using appropriate technical information systems. 
10.0	Perform equine marketing and sales management functions.
11.0	Demonstrate leadership and effective communication in employee management. 

C.	Exercise Physiology Learning Outcomes:

12.0	Design and manage physiological conditioning programs for the equine athlete.
13.0	Apply manual therapies for maintenance and therapeutic applications.
14.0	Identify and apply rehabilitation techniques using state-of-the-art equipment. 
15.0	Evaluate hoof care, tack and equipment for different equine athletic endeavors.

2021 - 2022 
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Equine Studies
CIP Number:	1101050701
Program Length:	60 credit hours
SOC Code(s):	45-1011

Refer to Rule 6A-14.030 (4), F.A.C., for the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Equine Science Core Learning Outcomes:	
01.0	Identify veterinary terminology and illustrate equine health practices. The student will be able to: 	
01.01	Understand equine diseases and establish appropriate wellness programs for equine populations. 	
01.02	Comprehend equine anatomy and form to function concepts.	
01.03	Anticipate typical problems of performance and reproductive horses to prevent injury or poor health; effectively follow veterinarian orders to restore health and productivity.	
01.04	Identify and describe equine anatomy, with special emphasis on physiology and function.	
01.05	Provide first aid for horses.	
01.06	Identify equine medications and demonstrate ability to administer as per veterinarian instructions.	
02.0	Analyze equine nutrient requirements and evaluate equine diets. The student will be able to: 	
02.01	Evaluate equine diets according to nutrient requirements for different classes of horses (working, growing, lactating). 	
02.02	Determine economic impact of feedstuff purchasing decisions.	
02.03	Maintain safe feeding management programs for enhanced equine health.  	
02.04	Prepare a typical diet for horses of different classes.	
02.05	Understand feed manufacturing techniques and feed analysis systems.	
03.0	Identify, analyze and apply basic concepts related to normal and abnormal equine behaviors. The student will be able to: 	
03.01	Understand and recognize natural horse behaviors.   	
03.02	Identify and resolve abnormal equine behaviors.  	
03.03	Utilize horse learning behaviors to improve management and safe handling of horses. 	
04.0	Perform safe horse handling techniques. The student will be able to: 	
04.01	Safely catch, lead, tie, groom, restrain and work around horses of various levels of training. 	
04.02	Safely administer health and medical practices, such as leg wraps, vital signs, injections and restraint for such treatments.  	
04.03	Evaluate safe transportation techniques and equipment for transportation.	
04.04	Evaluate training equipment and demonstrate application of training equipment.	
05.0	Evaluate equine management systems for appropriate animal welfare, including housing, care and regulations. The student will be able to: 	
05.01	Describe housing designs for different equine management systems.  	
05.02	Identify appropriate levels of care and welfare for equines. 	
05.03	Develop a health care program for an equine farm including vaccination protocols, deworming schedules/programs, biosecurity and first aid. 	
06.0	Demonstrate employability skills including interpersonal skills, ethics, communication and responsibility through work based learning activities and a portfolio. The student will be able to: 	
06.01	Demonstrate punctuality, initiative, courtesy, dependability, flexibility and honesty. 	
06.02	Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team. 	
06.03	Conduct a job search, write a resume and practice interview techniques.	
06.04	Understand legal requirements for employees including hiring, firing, and documentation.	
06.05	Develop managerial skills such as mentoring, management by objectives, balanced feedback, critical appraisal and promotion.	
Business Management Specialization Learning Outcomes:	
07.0	Identify equine industry sectors and business opportunities in a business plan. The student will be able to: 	
07.01	Identify breeds of horses and describe typical uses.    	
07.02	Understand evolution and the role horses have played in history and cultural development.    	
07.03	Develop awareness of critical issues to the horse industry such as legislative, regulatory, ethical and environmental responsiveness.  	
07.04	Identify business opportunities in various equine sectors by evaluating market opportunity and profit potential.	
07.05	Develop a business plan for a typical equine business specifically aimed at a financial institution for funding.	
08.0	Demonstrate techniques in evaluation, selection and breeding of horses. The student will be able to: 	
08.01	Evaluate equine conformation according to use and purpose.  	
08.02	Understand basic genetics and selection techniques for effective animal breeding. 	
08.03	Show ability to manage reproductive health and efficiency.	
08.04	Develop appropriate management techniques for equine breeding farm, including stallion management, estrus detection, breeding, foaling and foal management.	
09.0	Demonstrate ability to plan, schedule and maintain records and contracts, using appropriate technical information systems. The student will be able to: 	
09.01	Maintain and analyze equine records and basic business records (health, breeding, inventory, equipment, purchases, and depreciation). 	
09.02	Understand contract language and different types of contracts. 	
09.03	Maintain machinery, equipment and facility inventory records.	
09.04	Understand legal requirements, rules and regulations concerning horses and agribusiness.	
09.05	Manage farm inventory (horses, feed, equipment) for optimum efficiency and profitability.	
10.0	Perform equine marketing and sales management functions. The student will be able to: 	
10.01	Perform market analysis and collect market information.  	
10.02	Develop a marketing plan, including advertising, communications, promotional goals and budget.  	
10.03	Actively participate in marketing activities, such as public speaking, demonstrations, clinics, shows, group activities and community service.	
11.0	Demonstrate leadership and effective communication in employee management. The student will be able to:  	
11.01	Demonstrate punctuality, initiative, courtesy, dependability, flexibility and honesty.	
11.02	Select and hire farm managers who will work with various levels of farm workers, work well in a team environment and care about equine.	
11.03	Develop effective oral and written communication skills.	
Exercise Physiology Learning Outcomes:	
12.0	Design and manage physiological conditioning programs for the equine athlete. The student will be able to: 	
12.01	Understand and apply different training/conditioning techniques for various equine athletics.	
12.02	Understand equine biomechanics and how they influence equine performance.	
12.03	Develop optimum conditioning programs to minimize risk of injury to the horse.	
13.0	Apply manual therapies for maintenance and therapeutic applications. The student will be able to: 	
13.01	Understand different manual therapies that can be applied by non-veterinarians for the health and well-being of the horse.	
13.02	Develop expertise in the application of different manual therapies for the horse.	
14.0	Identify and apply rehabilitation techniques using state-of-the-art equipment. The student will be able to: 	
14.01	Understand concepts of rehabilitation for horses, including different therapeutic modalities and equipment.	
14.02	Work in a rehabilitation center to gain familiarity with different equipment and rehabilitation strategies.	
15.0	 Evaluate hoof care, tack and equipment for different equine athletic endeavors. The student will be able to:   	
15.01	Understand different farrier techniques for various equine athletic endeavors.	
15.02	Understand action of bits and hackamores in the control and training of horses.	
15.03	Evaluate saddle fit.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

Planned and supervised occupational activities may be provided through directed laboratory experience, practicum or cooperative experience. whenever the cooperative method of instruction is offered, the following is required for each student:  a training plan, signed by the student, teacher and employer which includes instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experiences; a work station which reflects equipment, skills and tasks which are relevant to the occupation which the student has chosen as a career goal.  The student may receive compensation for work performed. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Certificate Programs

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.). This AS degree program includes the following College Credit Certificates:

Equine Assistant Management (0101050701) – 24 credit hours
Equine Technician (0101050703) – 15 credit hours
Standards for the above certificate programs are contained in separate curriculum frameworks.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml