EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The American Youth Horse Council (AYHC) and the American Horse Council (AHC) have partnered to update the list of educational resources currently available through nonprofit associations, equine organizations, and academic institutions. The information and pricing have been provided by the publisher of each resource and will be updated annually. Please use the link in the "Where to Order" column for additional, up-to-date information.
Horse Smarts: An Equine Reference & Youth Activity Guide
American Youth Horse Council
Designed for adults who teach youth about horses, this must have resource has 70 chapters, new activities and more than 700 photos or illustrations. 1,342 total pages.
All Levels
All ages
Selection & Use; Management; Health & Disease; Nutrition; Genetics & Reproduction; Leadership
SUBJECT AREAS
$122.49 - $144
Equine Science - for Horse Crazy Youth & Horse Owners
American Youth Horse Council
Whether you own a horse, ride at a boarding stable, are enrolled in a youth horse organization or an equine-studies program, this is the reference guide for you. Accompanying the easy-to-understand text this publication includes charts, illustrations, photos and lists of references.
Beginner
All ages
Origin of the Horse; Equine Basics, Coat Colors, Senses, Gaits, Genetics, Nutrition, Health & Disease, Anatomy
SUBJECT AREAS
$12.99 - $29.99
Horse Industry Handbook
American Youth Horse Council
An encyclopedic volume with contributions by over 200 national experts with more than 800 pages of peer-reviewed articles. It provides practical and applicable information on caring for your horse.
All Levels
Grades 6-9 and above
Ownership, Selection and Use, Facilities and Waste Management, Health Management, Foot Care, Diseases, Nutrition and Feeding Management, Exercise Physiology, Reproduction, Using Genetics in Breeding, Tack & Equipment, Training, Business Management
SUBJECT AREAS
$32.99 - $98
Tying a Horse Safely
American Youth Horse Council
There are two basic knots that every horse person should know. This pamphlet demonstrates both of those knots and how to use them.
Beginner
All ages
Horse Safety
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Starting a Youth Horse Club
American Youth Horse Council
So you have a group of horse loving kids and they want to start a horse club. Now what? This pamphlet will give you some basics for starting a new youth horse club and information on where to go to get more details.
Beginner
All ages
Equine organizations
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Careers in the Equine Industry
American Youth Horse Council
Tips to prepare for a career in the horse industry
All levels
All ages
Careers
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Various
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
IEA offers multiple resources for online learning and beginning to ride. Online Hippology course access is $35/youth member. Lesson barn listings available on website as well as introductory program to showing horses.
Beginner, Intermediate
Grades K-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Anatomy; Animal Welfare; Breeds; Careers; Colors and Markings; Disciplines; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); Gaits; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Judging; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; Reproduction and Genetics; Riding Instruction Safety; Tack and Equipment; Entry Level-Advanced Competitions
SUBJECT AREAS
Hippology Course $35 / Other resources-FREE
Mare and Foal Workshop
Texas A&M University
Horse owners and managers will learn about managing broodmares and foals. You will learn about the foaling process including predicting and preparing for foal arrival, postpartum placental evaluation, proper nutrition for your pregnant mare and foal, and vaccination programs for the broodmare and foal along with vaccination administration guidelines.
All Levels
Collegiate or older
Reproduction and Genetics
SUBJECT AREAS
$75
Texas A&M Equine Reproductive Management Online Short Course
Texas A&M University
Designed for owners and breeding managers who want to learn the most efficient methods for ensuring the success of their breeding programs. This course has been approved for 14 CEUs for the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS).
All Levels
Collegiate or older
Reproduction and Genetics
SUBJECT AREAS
$300
University of Connecticut Equine Extension
University of Connecticut
Info on the CT 4-H Horse Program; Environmental Activities for youth; videos about horse books, horse movies and model horses; webinar/talk on trail etiquette and horse nutrition; Horses and Humans for a Healthy Habitat pdf, UConn Horse Judging Online.
All Levels
All ages
Judging; general horse knowledge
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Equine Extension Fact Sheets
University of Connecticut
Fact sheets on best practices, horse nutrition, horse health, horse selection and horse management
All Levels
All ages
Facility Management; Health and Disease; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; Safety
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Canter Curriculum: Equine Nutrition Module
University of Connecticut
This short course introduces the learner to the basics of the nutrition needs of the horse.
All Levels
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding
SUBJECT AREAS
$50
Canter Curriculum: Skeletal System and Disorders Module
University of Connecticut
This short course introduces the learner to the basics of the equine skeletal system and its related disorders.
All Levels
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Anatomy
SUBJECT AREAS
$50
Equine Internal Parasites
The Ohio State University
A factsheet describing the common parasites of horses with photos.
Beginner; Intermediate
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Health and Disease
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
A Guide To Careers In Horse Racing
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
30 pages with brief description of careers in flat and harness racing; full color
Intermediate; Advanced
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Careers
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
HHYF Activity Box
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
box is full of 44 different fun fact sheets, word puzzles, games and more most of which have a harness racing theme
Intermediate; Advanced
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12
Anatomy; Business Management; Careers; Exercise Physiology; Gaits; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Reproduction and Genetics; Tack and Equipment
SUBJECT AREAS
$35
Two Gaits in Harness Racing
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
short video showing difference between trotting and pacing, the two gaits of harness racing
All Levels
All ages
Gaits
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Harnessing Safely
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
Short video highlighting safety when harnessing and hitching a horse
All Levels
All ages
Safety; Tack and Equipment
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
HARNESS HEROES trading cards
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
Collectible card set featuring harness racing champion horses and drivers. New set produced each year since 1991.
Grades K-5; Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12
Biography, History
SUBJECT AREAS
$25
Various digital resources
Amplify Horse Racing
Amplify Horse Racing offers a hybrid mentorship program, downloadable and online resources, a job and internship board, and a podcast, all accessible from our website for youth and young adults to learn about educational opportunities and careers in the Thoroughbred industry.
All Levels
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Careers; Thoroughbred industry
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Equine Education and Career Network
SaddleUpNY!
Information and and resources on colleges and careers related to the equine industry are available for free on the education resource page of SaddleUpNY!. Resources include articles, links to scholarship opportunities and a link to the Equine Education Network (EEN)- a searchable database of US colleges and universities with equine academic programs and collegiate riding options. Veterinarian programs and graduate equine programs are also listed. The EEN is hosted on the EQUUS Foundation website:
All Levels
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Careers
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
East Coast Equestrian
Pennsylvania Equestrian LLC
Equestrian newspaper serving readers in the mid-Atlantic region with the news they need to know. Now in our 30th year.
All Levels
All ages
Animal Welfare; Disciplines; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); Health and Disease; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; current news
SUBJECT AREAS
$20 subscription
UC Davis Center for Equine Health
UC Davis Center for Equine Health
Variety of up-to-date equine health resources for owners, riders and trainers
All Levels
Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, Collegiate or older
Introduction to Horse Ownership;Anatomy;Animal Welfare;Careers;Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB);Exercise Physiology;Health and Disease;Hoof Care;Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding;Reproduction and Genetics;Safety
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
USEF Kids Club
US Equestrian
Sign your child up to receive quarterly themed coloring pages, fun activity pages, exciting activities for your child to do to learn about horses, fun facts and more!
Beginner
Pre-School or younger;Grades K-5
Breeds; Colors and Markings; Disciplines; Tack and Equipment
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
USEF Learning Center
US Equestrian
US Equestrian’s Learning Center is your source for knowledge and information: a vast library of educational videos featuring elite athletes, trainers, and industry experts—plus extra resources.
All Levels
All ages
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Anatomy; Animal Welfare; Breeds; Business Management; Careers; Colors and Markings; Disciplines; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); Exercise Physiology; Facility Management; Gaits; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Judging Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; Safety; Tack and Equipment
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
The Pegasus Podcast
Pegasus App
Conversations and interviews about the global equestrian industry, including equestrian macro and micro-economic trends and opportunities
All Levels
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Animal Welfare; Business Management; Careers; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); Facility Management
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Management Considerations for the Cribbing Horse
Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute
An overview of cribbing, causes, implications, prevention, physiology, and management.
Advanced
Collegiate or older
Health and Disease
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Evaluating Body Composition of Horses
Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute
Nutrition and feeding management support all aspects of a horse’s health and welfare. Regular evaluation of the horses in your care can help you identify potential issues before they develop further, as well as monitor progress toward a healthy physique. This fact sheet details how to measure and evaluate equine body weight, fat storage (i.e., body condition scoring), and muscling.
Intermediate; Advanced
Grades 9-12, Collegiate or older
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Animal Welfare; Health and Disease; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Equine Assisted Services Research
Equine Assisted Services Research Report
A quarterly interactive digital directory lists and links to new peer-reviewed research in equine assisted services and horse-human interaction. The index sorts research notifications into more than 50 EAS and horse-human interaction topics. Designed for mobile and computer use, the index is ideal for higher education, professional, or personal reference.
All Levels
Collegiate or older
Careers; Equine-assisted services; horse-human interaction; research
SUBJECT AREAS
$100/year (4 issues)
HoofSearch: Equine Foot and Lameness Research Report
Hoofcare Publishing
A monthly interactive report links subscribers to new peer-reviewed articles, academic theses, patents, and conference proceedings from around the world related to equine lameness and hoofcare. Retrievable from smartphones, tablets, and computers, the interactive document covers 15 topics, including hoof science, anatomy, biomechanics, diagnostics, laminitis, rehabilitation, and breed/sport injuries.
Advanced
Collegiate or older
Anatomy; Gaits; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Equine Research, Equine Lameness
SUBJECT AREAS
$119/year (12 issues)
Adult Horse Vaccination Chart
American Association of Equine Practitioners
A chart that provides guidance on the administration of selected core and risk-based vaccines to horses over one year of age. All vaccination programs should be developed in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
All Levels
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Animal Welfare; Health and Disease
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Foal Vaccination Chart
American Association of Equine Practitioners
A chart that provides guidance on the administration of selected core and risk-based vaccines to horses under one year of age. All vaccination programs should be developed in consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
All Levels
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Animal Welfare; Health and Disease
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Horse & Human Research & Education
Horses & Humans Research Foundation (HHRF)
HHRF offers free webinars and the recordings are on www.youtube.com/@horsesandhumansresearchfd for viewing.
All Levels
Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Animal Welfare; Health and Disease; Research and Education on Horse and Human Interaction & Equine well-being
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
EquiMania! Youth Initiatives
Equine Guelph
EquiMania! Online makes learning fun with a series of online interactive activities. Adopting Stop Think Act initiatives, serious accidents can be prevented by taking the time to think about the possible dangers and to prepare for them. Youth learn safety practices from drawings illustrating smart protective gear choices to use while riding, how to be safe around farm equipment and when handling horses. Handling horses and understanding a bit about their behaviour go a long way in preventing injuries. For example, by learning more about how horses see and hear, youth develop an understanding of how the prey animal is likely to react differently than humans to the stimuli around them.
Kids can become danger detectives with an online scavenger hunt to identify hazards on the horse farm by visiting EquiMania.ca. These are just a few of the interactive games young horse enthusiasts can complete while going for a Safety Pledge Certificate.
All Levels
Grades K-5; Grades 6-8
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Anatomy; Animal Welfare; Breeds; Careers; Colors and Markings; Facility Management; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; Safety; Tack and Equipment; Equine Behavior
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Horse Behaviour & Safety online course for youth
Equine Guelph
Learn Horsemanship through Understanding Behaviour – Take action to create a safe environment for you and your horse.
Course Goals:
Understand horse behaviour and how to speak their language
Learn smart, practical horse handling skills
Reduce physical risks on your horse’s farm
Course Topics:
Horse Behaviour – Wild vs Stabled
How Horses See and Hear
Herd Behaviour – How Horses Interact with Each Other
Horse Handling – Basic Safety Around Horses
Rider/Helmet Safety
Safe Trailering – Basics
Fire Safety
Safety around the Barn and Paddocks
Returning from an Injury
All Levels
Grades 6-8
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Animal Welfare; Health and Disease; Safety; Horse Behavior & Handler Safety
SUBJECT AREAS
$25 CAD
USPA E-Learning Platform
United States Polo Association
E-learning platform (available to USPA members), USPA You Tube channel - FREE, online magazines (Free -uspolo.org)
All Levels
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Animal Welfare; Exercise Physiology; Facility Management; Health and Disease; Hoof Care; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding; Riding Instruction Safety; Tack and Equipment; How to play, Rules of the game
SUBJECT AREAS
Free or free with USPA membership
Florida Horse Farm and Service Directory
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Association
The annual Florida all equine industry farm and service directory lists key providers, services, farms in Florida, along with specialized services for Thoroughbreds
All Levels
Grades 6-8; Grades 9-12; Collegiate or older
Breeds; Careers; Tack and Equipment; Farms and service providers
SUBJECT AREAS
Free upon request, printed copies while supplies last
The Florida Horse podcast
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Assn
The podcast features interviews of people from all segments of the Thoroughbred industry
Intermediate
Collegiate or older
Introduction to Horse Ownership; Business Management; Careers; Exercise Physiology; Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Florida Thoroughbred History Moments
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Assn
The Florida Thoroughbred History moment videos feature Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racehorses in 30 second to 1 minute videos - great conversation starters and good for students to research and learn more about each horse, looks like old newssreels
All Levels
All ages
Disciplines; History of famous racehorses made simple with video
SUBJECT AREAS
Free
Florida Thoroughbred History Map and Classic Winners
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Assn
The poster features Florida-bred winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes along with a 1958 map with famed farm locations in Ocala, Fla, USA.
All Levels
All ages
Breeds; History
SUBJECT AREAS
Free to classrooms/students within the USA, digital worldwide
