Teaching

The programs are concerned with practical knowledge and skills in riding, horse breeding and management as well as a solid foundation in the main subjects of rural economy; agriculture, animal husbandry and economics. The aim of the programs is to train people for a professional vocation in the horse industry. The programs are meant to further progress in horse breeding, better training methods and management of horses, better riding skills and enhanced profitability in the industry. 

Hólar College has a formal collaboration agreement with The Icelandic Horse Trainers Association regarding further development of the programs and quality control of the education. 

Year 1. Equine studies and basic riding instruction 

Entrance requirements: At least 18 years of age. 65 credits at the Icelandic secondary level or equivalent educational background. Understanding of Icelandic. Good practical experience (a riding test).

Objectives: The program is concerned with a solid foundation in the main subjects of horse breeding, land management and economics. Main emphasise is on theoretical knowledge and practical skills in horse management, principles of riding/training the Icelandic horse and the basics in riding instruction. The aim is to make the student capable for a vocation in the horse industry, such as horse breeding/farming, horse tourism, riding schools/seminars for beginners etc.

Courses:
 

1. Semester
2. Semester
Feeding and nutrition (2) Economics (2)
Agriculture I (1) Genetics and breeding of horses (3) 
Anatomy and physiology (2) Horse health (2)
Behaviour and starting the young horse (2) Judging horses (2)
Hoof care and shoeing (2) Agriculture II (2)
Stables, facilities and environment (2) Feeding, nutrition and management (2)
Computers (2) The history of the horse (1)
Riding I (4) Riding instruction (4)
Riding II (7) .
Practical assignments in feeding and management (3)

Year 2. Young horse trainer 

Entrance requirements: Equine studies and basic riding instruction. 

Objectives: To enhance theoretical knowledge and practical skills in starting young horses and in further training of Icelandic horses. To make the student capable for a professional vocation in the horse industry, such as a young horse trainer.

Courses:
 

3. Semester
4. Semester
Young horse training I (6) Young horse training II (8)
Training and riding I (5) Training and riding II (5)
Exercise physiology (1) Extra course (2)
Hoof care and shoeing (2) .
Business management (1) .

Year 3. Trainer and C riding teacher 

Entrance requirements: Young horse trainer 

Objectives: To prepare students to conduct courses in riding skills and be able to train and show horses in exhibitions and competitions.

Courses:
 

5. Semester
Riding instruction (7)
Training the competition horse (6)
Sport judging qualification (2)


HRB 112 
1. Semester 
Feeding and nutrition 2 units 

A basic course in feeding and nutrition. The main categories of nutrients in feed are covered. Carbohydrates, fat, proteins, minerals and vitamins, their structure and characteristics as well as their biological functions individually and as a whole. The measurement of ingredients and nutritional value of feed is covered, the basics of metabolism in the horse such as breakdown of carbohydrates, protein and fat. The premises of systems for assessing quality of feed are introduced, the Scandinavian feed unit and the French system of feed assessment for horses.

HRJ 101 
1. Semester 
Agriculture I 1 unit

The main chemical and physical properties of soil are introduced. Nutrition of plants is explained and the main types of fertilisers available are covered. Methods of planning fertilisation of soil are taught.

HRB 132 
1. Semester 
Anatomy and physiology 2 units 

Cell physiology and structure, the functions of the main organs of domestic animals. Emphasis on skeleton, joints and tendons, muscular and nervous systems, heart, blood and circulation, digestive tract, respiratory organs, urinary organs and reproductive organs. 

HRÞ 112 
1. Semester 
Behaviour and starting the young horse 2 units

Discussion of the sensory organs, reflexes and behaviour patterns of the horse from a developmental and evolutionary perspective. A particular emphasis is placed on the ways in which horses learn and the major methods used with managing and training horses in a beneficial and efficient manner. The student gets basic training in the first steps of starting the young horse.

HRÞ 122 
1. Semester 
Hoof care and shoeing 2 units

The structure of the lower part of the leg with particular attention to the hoof, its characteristics and care. Shoes and tools for shoeing are introduced. Students receive substantial training in shoeing.

HRT 102 
1. Semester 
Stables, facilities and environment 2 units

Introduction to the basics of building and maintenance of buildings. Insulation, lighting and ventilation of stables are discussed. Common building materials are introduced and the design of stables and their environment discussed. An emphasis is placed on designing stables with the comfort of the animals and efficient working conditions in mind, facilities for training and riding instruction; fences, riding halls, floors and tracks. The building of fences and enclosures and installation of electric fences is covered. Practical assignments in building and maintaining fences.

TÖL 102 
1. Semester 
Computers 2 units 

Instruction in the Windows software; Word 6.0 for word processing and Excel 5.0 spreadsheets. Emphasis on practical assignments, preferably in connection with other coursework. E-mail and Internet will be introduced. 

HRB 213 
1.-2. Semester 
Practical assignments in feeding and management 3 units

The course involves independent work under instructor supervision. 1. Feeding and care of horses in stable. 2. Monitoring the feeding of own horse (November-June) and a young horse (January-March). Assessment of condition weekly and weighing fortnightly (own horse) as well as decision making in regard to feeding based on condition and use of the horse. 3. General care of mares, colts and foals belonging to the college farm twice a year (fall and spring). This includes hoof care, trimming of mane and tail and administration of vermicide as well as weighing and measuring the young horses. 

HRÞ 214 
1. Semester 
Riding I 4 units

The basics in riding are covered as well as the nature and purpose of dressage and lunging. Principals of and basic training in jumping.

HRÞ 217 
1. Semester 
Riding II 7 units

Coverage of basic training of riding horses, the development of stamina, training in hand and lunging. Instruction in the use of various types of bits and reins. Emphasis on dressage. The design of training plans for different types of horses. In-depth work on training the gaits and preparing of the horse for exhibition. Coverage of exhibition techniques and students participate in competition (fourgaited/fivegaited). 

HAG 102 
2. Semester 
Economics 2 units 

The objective is to familiarise students with the main concepts and content of economics and running of a business. Means of planning, such as investment plans, financial plans, payments and profit. Assessment of investment options, prioritisation of tasks, estimation of duration and efficiency and scope of investment. An overview of the export market for the Icelandic horse and the structural changes over the past. Marketing of the Icelandic horse and horse products are discussed as well as the role of the Icelandic horse in tourism and rural development. Discussion of horse breeding and horsemanship as a vocation, profitability and prospects. 

HRB123 
2. Semester 
Genetics and breeding of horses 3 units 

The Mendel principle is introduced and the basic concepts of genetics discussed. An emphasis is placed on particular visible characteristics in horses such as colours. Coverage of the main concepts and principles of breeding such as phenotype, measurable and visible characteristics, environmental effects, genetic effects, variance, heritability, breeding methods, selection, generation time and genetic progress. Overview of the organisation of breeding improvements of Icelandic horses with an emphasis on the breeding assessment system (BLUP) and the ways in which breeders can utilise the system. Furthermore the record keeping and registration of breeding horses and the Fengur data system is covered extensively.

HRB 232 
2. Semester 
Horse health 2 units

Introduction to common diseases known to affect the Icelandic horse. Special emphasis is placed on preventive measures and students ability to recognise early symptoms of different diseases. Reproductive physiology and fertility of stallions and mares and the major influences on fertility are discussed. The basics of training physiology are discussed. 

HRB 222 
2. Semester 
Judging horses 2 units

Rules of exhibition and competition and the criteria of evaluation of breeding are covered. Emphasis on practical assignment in judging the conformation and riding abilities of horses. 

HRJ 202 
2. Semester 
Agriculture II 2 units 

Discussion of the biology of grasses and the qualities of the perennial grasses which are grown for feed in Iceland as well as the main grazing plants. The main factors that determine the feed value of plants are explained. Discussion of the management of cultivated land, weeds, composting and recycling. Emphasis on grazing and controlled grazing of cultivated land and uncultivated pasture. 

HRB 222 
2. Semester 
Feeding, nutrition and management 2 units 

Introduction to feed evaluation systems for horses. Discussion about hay; quality, types and haymaking. In-depth discussion of the nutritional requirements of horses for maintenance, growth, work, lactation, pregnancy etc. Riding horses, mares with foal, lactating mares, foals and stallions are covered. The feeding time and feed consumption of horses is discussed. The general care of horses through the seasons is explained, such as the need for worming, monitoring of hoof and hair growth, access to drinking water and shelter for horses in the winter. The growth and development of foals to full grown horses is explained with reference to sex and age. The main types of feed and their qualities as horse feed are covered and the basics of making feeding plans. Students make a feeding plan for two horses with different needs such as a riding horse vs. a mare with foal or a young horse.

HRS 101 
2. Semester 
The history of the horse 1 unit 

The origins and evolution of the horse world wide, environmental factors affecting its qualities. The distinction of horses into breeds based on various qualities and the common breeds, their qualities and uses. The origin and evolution of the Icelandic horse and the effects of the climatic conditions and natural environment. Extensive coverage of the history of breeding improvement with reference to differing emphasis in the use of the Icelandic horse, the development of a system of professional guidance and advice, social structure, breeding shows and a system for evaluation of breeding. The history of export and the present state and prospects. The social organisation of horse breeding and horsemanship both vocational and recreational, the functions of the social organisation and its structure.

HRK 104 
2. Semester 
Riding instruction 4 units

Principles of teaching; design of courses, preparation, methods, use of teaching aids and methods of evaluation are discussed. The student makes plans of instruction. The relationship between instructor and pupil is discussed. Students are trained in speaking and presenting materials. The awareness of hazards and to facilitate prevention of accidents and to train students in confident administration of first aid. Practical training in riding instruction. 


3. semester
Young horse training I 
theoretical and practical 6 units

To enhance the theoretical knowledge of horse behaviour and principles in starting the young horse. Students get extensive training in the fundamentals of learning the young horse, such as lunging, leading and preparation for riding. Then the riding the young horse and preparation for further training is covered. Each student trains 2 young horses provided by the college.

3. semester
Training and riding I 
theoretical and practical 5 units

The enhance the knowledge and riding skills to train horses according to the levels of classical riding. A substantial part of the course is devoted to lunging, training in hand and dressage. An important part of the course is evaluation of fitness and general health, making a training plan and keeping a training record. Further training of 2 horses.

3. semester
Exercise physiology 
theoretical and practical 1 unit

The principles of exercise physiology and the application of findings in this field for practical horse training.

3. semester
Hoof care and shoeing 
theoretical and practical 2 units

Students receive substantial training in shoeing. The correlation between movements and gaits vs. length/angle of hoofs and weight of shoos is covered. Introduction to all types of shoos and material for hoof protection and repair. Introduction to methods to repair damaged hoofs.

3. semester
Business management 
theoretical 1 unit

Business management in the horse industry. Book keeping, economic plans, insurance, marketing.

4. semester
Young horse training II 
practical 8 units

The student trains five young horses for 10 weeks. Students receive substantial training in starting and riding young horses. An important part of the course is making a training plan and keeping a training record . The student will use 3 of these young horses for a final test.

4. semester
Training and riding II 
practical 5 units

The student trains five horses for 6-8 weeks. Students receive substantial training in training different types of horses. An important part of the course is making a training plan and keeping a training record . The student will use 3 of these for a final test.

4. semester
Extra course 
practical/theoretical 2 units

The student will choose an extra assignment (practical or theoretical) in consultant with supervisor. 


5. semester
Riding instruction
theoretical and practical 7 units

Students are trained in speaking and presenting materials as well as in demonstrating riding skills in public. The design of courses, curriculum, preparation for teaching, teaching methods, use of teaching aids and methods of evaluation are discussed. The student makes plans of instruction. The relationship between instructor and pupil is discussed with emphasis on the ability to assess the level of both horse and rider. Basic routes, commands and exercises in dressage are covered as well. Substantial part of the course is practical training where the students teach under the supervision of their instructor. 

5. semester 
Training the competition horse
theoretical and practical 6 units

The student has two horses to work with, one four gaited and the other five gaited and are to train those horses according to the levels of classical riding and the use of gaits with competition and exhibition in mind. Showing techniques for different types of horses is covered. A substantial part of the course is devoted to dressage and gait training, including participation in a show. An important part of the course is making a training plan and keeping a training record. Discussion of the common riding gear and aids for training, their use as well as benefits and faults. Clothing, footwear and safety gear for the rider are discussed. Facilities for training, equipment and safety measures for instructional purposes are discussed. Students train and prepare horses for shows. They will participate at least in a fourgait and fivegait show. Evaluation is based on achievement in competition, the training plans and training records. 

5. semester
Sport judging qualification
theoretical and practical 2 units

Coverage of show regulations and exhibition techniques for the Icelandic horse. Qualification in sport and gæðinga competition.