2005-2006 University of Guelph Diploma Program Calendar

XI. Certificate Programs

Kemptville College

Equestrian Program

Equine Management Program

OCAS Program Code K108 - Two Semesters

The Equine Management Certificate Program is designed for the individual who wants a job working with horses on a day-to-day basis in the equine industry. This program starts in September. Students often combine this certificate with one of our other Equestrian Certificates (Riding, Coaching & Horsemanship or Standardbred).

Semester 1 - Fall
DAGR*1001 [0.50] Stable Management I
DAGR*1800 [0.50] Equine Anatomy and Physiology
DAGR*3810 [0.50] Horse Conformation and Lameness
DAGR*4810 [0.50] Horse Health
DAGR*3930 [0.50] Equine Alternative Therapies
CER*0060 Stable Duty I
Semester 2 - Winter
DAGR*2820 [0.50] Change to Stable Management II
DAGR*3820 [0.50] Horse Feeds and Feeding
DAGR*4820 [0.50] Equine Reproduction and Selection
DAGR*4800 [0.50] Equine Conditioning
CER*0120 Stable Duty II
During Semester 2 students may also choose to take the following 2 courses:
DAGR*1750 [0.50] Coaching Techniques
DAGR*4830 [0.50] Care and Management of an Equine Business

The following equestrian certificates are primarily designed for students enrolled in either our Diploma in Agriculture - Equine Option or our Equine Management Certificate Program. Depending upon space availability students enrolled in one of these two full time programs may choose one of the following certificates. From time to time, space may be available in these programs as separate stand alone certificates.

Riding Certificate

OCAS Program Code K203

This equestrian program offers students enrolled in either our Diploma in Agriculture - Equine Option or our Equine Management Certificate Program the opportunity to develop their riding skills utilizing one of the school horses. It also develops the knowledge and experience required to care for horses. This program is very skills oriented, and students learn "by doing". The Kemptville College environment is challenging and encourages team work. Training is provided to assist the student to progress to the next level of rider certification as approved by the Equine Canada. Students are placed in groups for semester long training according to their current recognized riding level. Highlights of the program include:

  • Two hours of riding instruction weekly throughout the semester.

  • One hour of theory instruction on a weekly basis.

  • Students may specialize in English or Western riding.

Staff members are qualified to perform rider level testing accredited by Equine Canada and its Provincial Equestrian Federations. Since the program is very skills oriented, enrolment is limited. The physical demands of this program include lifting, shovelling and riding. Therefore, it is essential that students applying be physically able to participate in these activities.

Coaching & Horsemanship Certificate

OCAS Program Code K293

This equestrian program offers students enrolled in our Diploma in Agriculture - Equine Option or our Equine Management Certificate Program the opportunity to develop both their riding and coaching skills while utilizing their own horse. It also develops the knowledge and experience required to care for horses. This course is very skills oriented, and students learn "by doing". The Kemptville College environment is challenging and encourages team work. Training is provided to assist the student to progress to the next level of rider certification as accredited by Equine Canada and the Provincial Equestrian Federations. Students are placed in groups for semester long training according to their current recognized riding level. Students also have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and foundations required to pursue their Instructor and Coaching Levels. Highlights of the program include:

  • Three hours of riding instruction weekly throughout the semester.

  • One hour of riding theory instruction on a weekly basis.

  • One hour of coaching theory instruction on a weekly basis.

  • Students are entitled to participate in a minimum of three weekend clinics per semester.

  • Students will also receive training in Standard First Aid (St. John's or equivalent) as well as the "Learning to Teach" Course (provided by KC in cooperation with the Ontario Equestrian Federation) - where certification or re-certification needs exist.

  • Students may specialize in English or Western riding.

  • Rider level testing recognized by Equine Canada can be completed at an added fee for certification.

  • Opportunities of completing Coaching Certification exist, where numbers permit, and Equine Canada pre-requisites are met.

Since the program is very skills oriented and requires that the student bring their own horse, enrolment is limited. The physical demands of this program include lifting, shovelling and riding. Therefore, it is essential that students applying be physically able to participate in these activities.

Standardbred Industry Certificate Courses

This equine program offers students enrolled in our Diploma in Agriculture - Equine Option or our Equine Management Certificate Program the opportunity to develop knowledge and experience associated with the rapidly expanding Standardbred Industry. Organizations are seeking front line workers and management candidates who have strong race track industry skills and who also have strong business leadership skills. In year 1 of the program, the student will acquire the skills set needed to work as a groom, on the front lines in the Standardbred industry. The practicum includes stable management skills related to Standardbreds and general horse husbandry and handling skills. In year 2 the student will continue to learn about exercising and training programs leading to a potential career as a trainer or driver in the Standardbred Industry. Graduates of the certificate program will be extremely desirable to prospective employers.

Course Offering: An Introduction to the Standardbred Industry (offered fall and winter)

This practical course 2 semesters in length introduces the student to various aspects of Standardbred husbandry with a focus on care and handling of racing Standardbred horses. The course also includes information on harness and equipment fitting for training and racing and the care of the horse before and after work. Practice jogging sessions will be included in this portion of the course. At the end of this course the student will have the option of completing the Standardbred Grooms licence accredited by Standardbred Canada and the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA).

Course Offering: Standardbred Training (offered fall and winter)

This practical course 2 semesters in length continues to educate the student in a practical manner on the care, conditioning and training needs of Standardbred race horses. The course includes information on horse handling on the track with a focus on daily training programs, determination of training distances, equipment fitting, etc., in relation to conditioning programs for the Standardbred race horse. Also included is: preparing the horse for race night, evaluation of the horse behaviour and physical condition during racing and training, feeding, soundness and shoeing for race horses. At the end of this session, the candidate may opt to apply for further licencing through Standardbred Canada and OHHA.