Equine Science is the study of horses, including their biology, physiology, behaviour, nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and overall management. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines aspects of veterinary science, animal husbandry, biomechanics, and sports science to improve horse health, performance, and welfare. It can cover both the exercised and non-exercised horse. It may also be referred to as horse science, equine studies, or equitation science, and these are broadly covering the same area, but with some important differences.
Equine Science is essential for improving horse health, performance, and welfare while advancing knowledge in breeding, training, and veterinary care. It also plays a key role in the global equine industry, which spans sports, therapy, agriculture and recreation. Unheard of in the 1970’s, many universities and colleges offer Equine Science degree programs for careers in veterinary medicine, equine nutrition, training, rehabilitation and research. Courses cover HND, diploma, degree, masters and PhD level.
Courses vary from academic subjects focussing on equine health to courses aimed at those involved with equine industry and business to those focussing on equine behaviour or sports performance.
Just some of the institutions in the UK offering equine science courses include:
- Oxford Brookes University
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh
- Hartpury University
- Royal Agricultural University
- University Centre Bishop Burton
- ARU Writtle University
- University Centre Sparsholt
- Warwickshire College
- University Centre Myerscough
- University of Central Lancashire
A full list of equine science courses in the UK can be found here https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/
Horse science and equine science are often used interchangeably. Whilst equine science focusses on academic areas such as Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition & Health, Reproduction & Genetics, Biomechanics & Sports Science, Behaviour & Welfare and Veterinary Science, horse science courses may be more applied and focus on practical horse care with areas covered such as Stable Management & Nutrition, Horse Training & Handling, Riding & Performance Management and
Equine Business & Facility Management.
Which type of course is best? If you’re interested in veterinary medicine, teaching, research or equine health, Equine Science is the better option. If you’re looking for a career working with horses, for example in horse training, stable management or practical horse care, Horse Science courses may be more appropriate.
Equitation science is a field that has grown out of both equine science and horse science in the past 20-30 years. Equitation Science is the study of horse training and riding using evidence-based, ethical and scientific principles. It combines learning theory, biomechanics and psychology to improve horse welfare and performance while minimising stress and confusion in training. Helps reduce confusion and stress in horse training. Equitation science can help improves rider effectiveness and communication, prevent behavioural problems caused by poor training methods and promote welfare-friendly riding techniques. Equitation Science is important as it is influencing how horses are trained and ridden, ensuring that training methods are ethical, effective and backed by science rather than solely on tradition.
There are a number of scientific journals publishing research related to equine science. These include the International Journal of Equine Science, Animals, Journal of Animal Science, Animal Behaviour and the Journal of Equine Science (published by the Japanese Society of Equine Science). Veterinary journals may also publish relevant equine or horse science research, including the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (JEVS), the Equine Veterinary Journal and Veterinary Research. Many non-veterinary science journals will publish equine science or equitation science or horse science related research if it is of interest and of a sufficient standard. These include Journal of Applied Physiology, Nature, The Journal of Physiology, American Journal of Physiology and Acta Physiologica.
