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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2016; 6(11); 69; doi: 10.3390/ani6110069

The Challenges of Using Horses for Practical Teaching Purposes in Veterinary Programmes.

Abstract: Students enrolled in veterinary degrees often come from an urban background with little previous experience in handling horses and other large animals. Many veterinary degree programmes place importance on the teaching of appropriate equine handling skills, yet within the literature it is commonly reported that time allocated for practical classes often suffers due to time constraint pressure from other elements of the curriculum. The effect of this pressure on animal handling teaching time is reflected in the self-reported low level of animal handling competency, particularly equine, in students with limited prior experience with horses. This is a concern as a naive student is potentially at higher risk of injury to themselves when interacting with horses. Additionally, a naive student with limited understanding of equine behaviour may, through inconsistent or improper handling, increase the anxiety and compromise the welfare of these horses. There is a lack of literature investigating the welfare of horses in university teaching facilities, appropriate handling procedures, and student safety. This article focuses on the importance for students to be able to interpret equine behaviour and the potential consequences of poor handling skills to equine and student welfare. Lastly, the authors suggest a conceptual model to optimise equine welfare, and subsequently student safety, during practical equine handling classes.
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Publication Date: 2016-11-11 PubMed ID: 27845702PubMed Central: PMC5126771DOI: 10.3390/ani6110069Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article emphasizes the importance of teaching appropriate equine handling skills within veterinary degree programs, given the challenges faced due to time constraints within curriculums and students’ limited previous experience with horses. It explores the potential consequences for both horse and student welfare and suggests a conceptual model to enhance these aspects.

Importance of Equine Handling Skills

  • The research recognizes that most veterinary students come from urban backgrounds with little to no experience handling horses or other large animals.
  • Despite the importance veterinary programs place on equine handling skills, they often have to suffer due to time pressures from other elements of the curriculum. This can lead to a decreased competency among students, which in turn, raises concerns about safety.
  • Without appropriate training, inexperienced or so-called naive students are at higher risk of injury while interacting with horses. This situation also compromises the welfare of the horses, as mishandling can cause undue stress and anxiety for them.

Existing Deficiencies and the need for Further Study

  • The article reports that there is a dearth of literature investigating the welfare of horses in university teaching facilities, appropriate handling procedures, and student safety.
  • The findings of this research could potentially fill that gap and contribute to improving the teaching and learning experience in veterinary programs.

Conceptual Model for Optimizing Equine Welfare and Student Safety

  • The authors of the paper propose a conceptual model aimed at optimizing equine welfare and student safety during practical equine handling classes.
  • This model could serve as a guide for veterinary programs, helping to ensure the optimal use of practical classes and the development of essential equine handling skills, resulting in improved safety and animal welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Gronqvist G, Rogers C, Gee E, Bolwell C, Gordon S. (2016). The Challenges of Using Horses for Practical Teaching Purposes in Veterinary Programmes. Animals (Basel), 6(11), 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani6110069

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 11
PII: 69

Researcher Affiliations

Gronqvist, Gabriella
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. G.Gronqvist@massey.ac.nz.
Rogers, Chris
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. C.W.Rogers@massey.ac.nz.
Gee, Erica
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. E.K.Gee@massey.ac.nz.
Bolwell, Charlotte
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. C.Bolwell@massey.ac.nz.
Gordon, Stuart
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. S.J.G.Gordon@massey.ac.nz.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Guinnefollau L, Gee EK, Norman EJ, Rogers CW, Bolwell CF. Horses Used for Educational Purposes in New Zealand: A Descriptive Analysis of Their Use for Teaching. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 1;10(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10091547pubmed: 32882976google scholar: lookup
  2. Guinnefollau L, Gee EK, Bolwell CF, Norman EJ, Rogers CW. Benefits of Animal Exposure on Veterinary Students' Understanding of Equine Behaviour and Self-Assessed Equine Handling Skills. Animals (Basel) 2019 Aug 28;9(9).
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  3. Gronqvist G, Rogers C, Gee E, Martinez A, Bolwell C. Veterinary and Equine Science Students' Interpretation of Horse Behaviour. Animals (Basel) 2017 Aug 15;7(8).
    doi: 10.3390/ani7080063pubmed: 28809810google scholar: lookup
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