Course Overview
Owning a horse can be a highly rewarding experience, but success begins with matching the right horse to an owner’s goals and skill level. Once that connection is made, both the enjoyment and responsibility begin. Horse ownership requires a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources to support daily care, including feeding, exercise, and maintaining safe housing. Routine health care—such as vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and hoof care—is also essential. With consistent care in place, owners can build a meaningful partnership with their horse through riding, driving, or groundwork.
Each unit consists of an overview, informative topics including pictures and short video clips, plus optional activities. It is estimated to take 4 hours to complete the course.
Course Format
This self-paced online course provides participants with six months of access to all course materials starting from the purchase date.
Price
FREE
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of the course, participants receive a downloadable certificate of completion. This course is not eligible for university credit.
Questions
For general questions about course access, course content, etc. please email msue.online@msu.edu. Questions relating to the registration process can be directed to the MSU IT Help Desk at 517-432-6200 which is available from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday except for University holidays.
Outline
Course topics include:
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Matching horse and rider
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Shopping for a horse
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Behavioral problems to avoid
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Sales contracts
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Pre-Purchase exams
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Facility management
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Basic equine nutrition
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Basic equine health
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Equipment selection
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Match horses with rider goals and skill levels
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Evaluate and select a horse for purchase
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Recognize behavioral concerns and understand pre-purchase exams
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Explain basics of sales contracts
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Apply fundamentals of facility management
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Describe basic equine nutrition and health care
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Choose appropriate equipment for horse and rider
Course Instructor: Dr. Christine Skelly
The Biosecurity for Horses course is based on the knowledge of equine experts at Michigan State University and nationally recognized equine professionals. For questions regarding this course, please contact Dr. Christine Skelly at skellych@msu.edu.
