Module Identifier RD28310  
Module Title EQUINE PERFORMANCE SCIENCE  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr John H Harries  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Sarah Pinnell  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours 20 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   3 Hours 1 x 3 hour practical  
  Other   4 Hours 1 x 4 hour visit  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam1.5 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3  40%
Semester Assessment Assignment: Physiology of training assignment. Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  60%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Outcome 1
Understand the physiology of exercise.
Performance criteria:
a. The structure and function of the cardiovascular system is explained in relation to exercise and training.
b. Muscle physiology is explained in relation to exercise.
c. The structure and function of the skeleton is explained in relation to training.
d. The energetic basis of exercise is explained.
Ranges:
Warmblood, hotblood
Equine performance sports

Outcome 2
Investigate the selection and training of the equine athlete
Performance criteria:
a. The suitability of various fitness regimes for different horse types are distinguished.
b. An equine fitness programme to meet a set performance requirement is devised.
c. Methods for predicting performance potential are identified.
d. Methods of fitness assessment are evaluated.
Ranges:
Traditional/continuous, interval/intermittent
Equine performance sports.

Outcome 3
Recognise how the equine athlete can compete safely under differing conditions.
Performance criteria:
a. Adaptations to allow the horse to perform under various climatic conditions are described
b. The reasons why horses break down are explained.
c. The welfare of the performance horse is examined.
Ranges:
Physiological, management
Equine performance sports

Brief description

Rationale
An understanding of exercise physiology and the effects of training is central to the successful management of the performance horse. The development of appropriate fitness regimes with due regard for the adaptive responses required by different activities will go a long way to enabling a fulfilling competitive career with the minimum of injury.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5