Equine Students Enjoy Amazing Experience

Level 3 Year 2 Horse Management students enjoyed an amazing and unusual opportunity recently when they had the chance to visit a local farm to watch a castration procedure on a yearling sport horse. Level 3 students take modules in biology and equine health, and this was a brilliant live demonstration that tied into both these course units giving a broader understanding of classroom learning.

Students were talked through the process in detail by Sarah from North West Equine Vets including a detailed discussion around anatomy, the benefits of the procedure, sedation techniques, how the operation is conducted and good recovery practice. Students were even given hands-on experience in holding a sedated animal during a procedure. The farm visit finished with a very enjoyable session of lamb-cuddling – thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff alike!

Following the procedure, students then visited the North West Equine Vets’ Yorkshire Clinic at Rathmell surgery enjoying a tour of the practice including the operating theatre and dispensary areas.

Sarah gave students a fascinating insight into the career pathways they might consider in the veterinary industry and how to achieve these goals.

Amelia Fawcett, Equine Events Coordinator said, “The reason behind this visit is that these procedures are a key part of a young horse’s life, most of our horses are geldings at College and it’s important for students to understand how that procedure happens. If students are planning to follow a career into stud work or breeding it is a key procedure that takes place.

“This visit gave students the opportunity to watch a very invasive veterinary procedure that is relatively common, but most don’t ever get the opportunity to witness first hand.”

Find out more about Horse Management at Craven College!