Good Monday morning everyone!

I hope you have been able to complete some of the readings for Unit 1 and are ready to finish the rest this week. Please make sure you are completing the Activities and the Digital Learning Objectives (DLOs) as you progress through the unit.  I understand that some of you with horse experience may find some of the material repetitive; however, reviewing can be beneficial. As new information emerges, what we once thought was correct may have been proven wrong!

It is thought that horses were first domesticated approximately 5,000 years ago, with the Botai people in what is now Kazakhstan likely using them for their milk and meat.  It’s fascinating to note that the management and training of horses has changed surprisingly little over those 5,000 years. In fact, more research into horse care, training and welfare has been conducted in the last 25 years than in the previous 5,000! As we progress in this new millennium, it is our responsibility to ensure our horse care practices reflect this advancement.

Let’s all embrace a spirit of curiosity and a desire to learn, no matter how long you have been around horses! This is especially important in the equine industry, where tradition often dominates. Be sure to question the information you come across online. Anyone can create a website or blog, but it’s essential to consider how qualified they are to discuss the topics related to care and training methods.

Now onto Week 2!

Cheers, Cathy