Hippology: Understanding Horse Health, Care and Management

Overview

A 4-H hippology project is an educational activity focused on horses, often combining both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Here’s a comprehensive project plan for a 4-H hippology project, suitable for various ages and skill levels.

Project Objectives:

To educate 4-H members about the basic principles of horse health and care.
To develop practical skills in daily horse management and routine care.
To foster an understanding of the importance of good health practices in maintaining a horse’s well-being.

Materials Needed:

Record-keeping materials (journals or spreadsheets)

Meeting #1: Introduction to Horse Health

Activities:

Classroom Session:
- Overview of horse anatomy—Integumentary, Digestive, Endocrine, Nervous, Respiratory and Urinary Systems.
- Discussion on the importance of regular health checks and vaccinations.
Hands-On Activity:
- Learn to identify different body parts and understand their functions.

Materials:

Anatomy charts

Meeting #2: Common Health Issues, First Aid and Anatomy

Activities:

Workshop:
1. - Identifying signs of common health problems (colic, laminitis, etc.).
  - Basic first aid skills (bandaging, wound care).
  - Circulatory System
Role Play:
1. - Respond to mock scenarios of horse health issues.

Materials:

First aid kits
Health issue checklists

Meeting #3: Nutrition, Feeding & Anatomy

Activities:

Educational Session:
- Basics of horse nutrition and types of feed.
- Importance of a balanced diet and hydration.
- Reproductive System
Practical Exercise:
- Prepare a sample feeding plan and learn to assess a horse’s body
- condition.

Materials:

Feed samples
Nutrition charts

Meeting #4: Grooming, Daily Care and Anatomy

Activities:

Demonstration:
- Proper grooming techniques (brushing, hoof care, mane/tail care).
- Start Musculoskeletal System
Hands-On Practice:
- Each member practices grooming on a horse.

Materials:

Grooming kits
Horses for practice

Meeting #5: Exercise, Fitness and Anatomy

Activities:

Lecture:
- Importance of exercise for horses.
- Types of exercises and their benefits.
- Musculoskeletal System
Practical Exercise:
- Create a basic exercise routine for a horse.

Materials:

Exercise plans
Equipment for exercise demonstrations

Meeting #6: Horse Breeds, Markings, General Information & Anatomy

Activities:

Session on Record Keeping:
- How to maintain health records, vaccination schedules, and feeding logs.
- Finish Musculoskeletal System
Practical Exercise:

Set up a sample record-keeping system.

Materials:

Record sheets or software
Sample records

Week 7: Review

Activities:

Review Session:

Review key concepts learned throughout the project.

Week 8: Presentation and Reflection

Activities:

1. Project Presentation:
  - Each member presents their learning experience and any findings or

improvements they made. This will not be Mandatory to complete the project. I will most likely let the members pick something that interests them more about Hippology and present on that.

1. Reflection:
  - Discuss what was learned and how it will be applied in future horse care.

Materials:

- - Presentation supplies (posters, slides, etc.)

Goals:

Participation and engagement in activities.
Demonstration of practical skills.
Understanding of horse health and care concepts.
Quality of final presentation and reflection.
Attend a Horse Show (???)

NOTE:
As of right now everything will be hands off. We might opportunities to visit one or two horse farms but no riding and hands on care will be involved.