Equine Studies is the study of the horse as a living organism as well as in its relationship to society. Equine Studies combines theory and practice, enabling learners to apply specific principles when working with horses in various contexts and for various purposes that have economic, aesthetic, social and/or cultural value. Equine Studies will equip the learner with the skills and knowledge of horse care and management to internationally accepted standards and will introduce learners to the diverse equine and equestrian industry in South Africa. The Equine Studies curriculum consists of the following:

Management skills: knowledge and skills regarding the planning, organising, guiding, controlling and evaluation of the factors of care and production in order to achieve sustainable equine and equestrian enterprises.

Entrepreneurial skills: imparting entrepreneurial skills applicable to the equine industry to the next generation of equine and equestrian practitioners.

Equine production: equine genetic resources; breeding; specific feeding and planning of rations; equine health and welfare; production systems; production facilities; risk management; and financial aspects.

Scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills: Equine Studies introduces the learner to the essential skills, arts and techniques of basic scientific research. The skills that learners develop and use in Equine Studies allow them to solve problems, think critically, make decisions, find answers and satisfy their curiosity.

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Application

The subject opens the gateway to the world of work by equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required in the equine and equestrian industry and includes equine breeding enterprises, equestrian sports, horse racing, equine health care, equine transportation, equine nutrition, equestrian tourism, equestrian security and law enforcement, equestrian event management, equine/equestrian equipment manufacture, equine welfare and equine/equestrian education services.

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