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For More Information or to Register, Please Contact
Fort Lewis College Continuing Education
Phone: (970) 247-7385
FLC Equine Program
Academic Classes (FLC college credit granted)
Developing the Young Horse - Building the Foundation (noncredit)
Work and Performance in Middle Aged Horses - Dealing with the Stress (noncredit)
Working with the Older Horse - Turning Back the Clock (noncredit)
Four Corners Equine Academy
Director Jennifer Thurston, MA
Click here to read Jennifer's Bio
The FLC Equine Program includes courses for academic credit through Fort Lewis College, as well as noncredit classes and workshops. Our academic courses are also offered to the general public as individual classes or as part of a noncredit certificate program. Scholarships are available for credit-based academic coursework.
Credit-Based Courses:
Scholarship Announcement
Anatomy and Physiology
Equine Genetics
Equine Lameness and Alternative Therapy
Hoof Anatomy
Riding Principles
Training Techniques
Our college level courses are open to Fort Lewis College students and the general public. We combine the classical principles of balanced riding and gentle training with the most up to date scientific discoveries in anatomy and physiology, feeds, nutrition, hoof management, genetics and reproduction science. Our students are exposed to all aspects of horse management and training while experiencing the unique capabilities of the Iberian horses. School horses are provided for the use of students during classes.
Equine Studies is a thriving field that offers over 1.4 million full-time jobs in related occupations. There are specialties in everything from Equine Nutritionists, Behaviorists, Research Scientists and Advocates to Farriers, Stable Managers and Magazine Reporters and more.
To discuss this exciting program with Jennifer call (970) 385-4063 or (970) 769-0007. Or, for additional information, please visit 4cequineacademy.org.
Noncredit Classes:
Equine Performance: Community Workshop Series (scroll down to view details)
Listing of Credit-Based Courses:
Classes begin January 11, 2010 |
Click here to read more complete course descriptions.
Anatomy and Physiology Level I, II and III
(3 credits), 45 classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
Prerequisite: H.S. Biology, Anatomy and Physiology I
The introductory coursework is designed to give an in-depth introduction to equine anatomy and physiology as they relate to nutrition, reproduction, athletic ability, unsoundness and control of diseases and parasites. During this term the Skeletal System, the Nervous System, and the Muscular System will be covered. Emphasis is placed on practical application of class topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working understanding of equine anatomy and physiology.
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063, or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
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Equine Genetics
(3 credits), 30 classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063, or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
Equine Lameness and Alternative Therapy
(3 credits), 45 Classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
An interactive lecture exploring diagnosis and prevention of lameness as well as current standard and alternative therapy options.
Lameness is one of the most common problems in horses, and a primary reason why horses fail to perform to their owner's expectations. This course will overview equine anatomy and focus on lameness diagnosis. Emphasis on training methods for avoiding lameness in the working horse will be explored. Students will explore and evaluate approaches to healing beyond "traditional" cures and ways of improving horses' performance without stress. This is a rapidly growing field in the equine industry, corresponding to an increased interest in alternative, non-pharmaceutical treatments for horses. Knowledge gained in this course will enhance the skills of any career area in the horse industry that students may wish to pursue.
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063, or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
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Hoof Anatomy and Management
(3 credits), 45 classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
Prerequisite: H.S. Biology, Anatomy and Physiology I
An interactive lecture focusing on the relationship of hoof anatomy and conformation, diseases of the hoof, and hoof care and management.
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063,
or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
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1. Bulbs of Heels
2. Frog
3. Sole of Hoof
4. Bars
5. Apex of Frog
6. Central Sulcus of Frog, or Lateral Furrow of Frog
7. White Line
8. Hoof Wall
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Riding Principles Level I and II
(3 credits), 45 classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
Prerequisite: H.S. Biology
The introductory course concentrates on the theory of riding principles: a balanced seat, a feel for and influence of the horse’s movements and reactions, and communication with the horse. Emphasis is placed on horse care, equipment, position development and strengthening, and riding theory. Upon completion, students should be able to efficiently care for horse and tack, explain a balanced position, understand aids, and discuss riding theory.
Riding Principles II continues a practical application of the balanced riding theory taught in Riding Principles I. Academy school horses will be utilized to develop a student’s balanced position for any riding discipline. Application of natural and artificial aids to guide the horse as well as to develop a well-balanced and supple horse that may be used in any riding discipline. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a balanced position for any riding discipline and the application of natural and artificial aids to contribute to a well-balanced horse and rider.
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063, or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
Training Techniques Level I and II
(3 credits), 45 classes
Fee: $345 for 3 credit hours + $350 per semester administration fee
Class Schedule: Flexible According to Students' Needs
Location: Weaselskin Equestrian Center's indoor facility at 12629 Hwy 550 S.
(Behind Snowcap Sod - please drive slowly)
Prerequisite: H.S. Biology, Training Techniques I and II (only if the student wants level II or III)
Training Techniques I, II, and III are available, depending upon the student's level of education and experience.
In the introductory class, practical training skills using a yearling or a two-year old will include: in-hand, restraint, ground driving, lunging, and first rides. This course covers training young horses and reschooling older horses at a basic level. Topics include early handling, halter breaking, long lining, saddling and bridling through riding. Different training methods will be covered and practiced as appropriate. Upon completion, students should be able to explain various training theories and practices.
Training Techniques II will continue a realistic application of theories and methods covered in Training I. Hands-on opportunities utilizing case studies for specific ages and stages of equine will be the basis from which the class is taught. Training Techniques III will be a continuation of methods learned in Training Techniques II.
For more information call Jennifer Thurston, 4-Corners Equine Academy: (970) 385-4063, or go to the website at 4cequineacademy.org.
Jennifer Thurston is President and Head Instructor/Trainer for the 107 acre Weaselskin Equestrian Center, Inc., and is responsible for the management and breeding of 45 horses. Jennifer also offers private and group riding instruction, as well as horse training. She has been involved in the agriculture and equine management business for over 25 years and has won numerous awards for superior training of championship horses. For more information about the Four Corners Equine Academy, please go to 4cequineacademy.org .
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Equine Performance: Non-Credit Workshop Series
Workshop Fee: $40 per section or $100 for all three
Jennifer Thurston, M.A.
This is a three-part workshop series on how to 1) identify common equine injuries, 2) design work/training routines either to rehabilitate or prevent injuries, and 3) how to construct balanced diets for individual horses. The sections are based on age groups of horses and contain two classes each: a lecture and a field trip. The lectures will be held on Fort Lewis College campus, and include overviews of age, pertinent anatomy/physiology, and nutrition. The field trips will take you to the indoor arena of the Weaselskin Equestrian Center, and include hands-on diagnostics with a discussion of common and alternative therapies. Equestrian Center horses will be used for demonstrations of therapeutic exercises. Jennifer Thurston is the Director of the Four Corners Equine Academy (FCEA), and is committed to using her 40+ years of competing in dressage, eventing, show jumping, fox hunting, Pony Club, Modern Pentathlon, and breeding of Iberian horses to achieve the mission of educating horse enthusiasts in holistic equine management.
Building the Foundation: Developing the Young Horse
Fee: $40, 2 classes
Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
October 1
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
October 3
Thursday evening Lecture on the topics of Anatomy (Genetics, Reproduction, and Growth Points) and Nutrition (Feeding to Encourage Best Growth not Fastest Growth).
Saturday Fieldwork: When is a Young Horse Ready? Designing a Plan for Long-Term Success with your Horse
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Dealing with the Stress:
Work and Performance in Middle-Aged Horses
Fee: $40, 2 classes
Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November 5
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
November 7
Thursday Lecture on Anatomy (Circulatory, Neurology, Endocrine, Digestive) and Nutrition (Feeds for Energy not Hotness)
Saturday Fieldwork: Riding Warm-up, Stretches, and knowing when your Horse is ready for Performance or Extreme Work
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Turning Back the Clock: Working with the Older Horse
Fee: $40, 2 classes; receive a 50% discount on this class fee when you enroll in all three workshops in this series
Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
December 3
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
December 5
Thursday Evening Lecture: Anatomy (Muscles, Skeletal, Digestive) and Nutrition (Adapting for Metabolic Changes)
Saturday Fieldwork: Ground Work and Riding Exercises for Suppling and Therapy
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