About the Appaloosa Youth Association: Home Study Program
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Home Study Program


Join the AYA

The Appaloosa Series (APL 101 - 110) has been developed with the special interests of Appaloosa owners in mind. It combines horsemanship and equine science information with breed knowledge. There are 10 courses which are designed to be taken in sequence, starting with APL 101.

Apply for the Appaloosa Home Study Program today! Note: You may also begin with APL 105, Appaloosa Breed Basics. Once enrolled, you may purchase the entire series or individual courses.

APL 101 — Horse Safety: gets you off to the right start by teaching you how to work around your horse safely and enjoyably, beginning with how the horse views the world. Lessons include:

  • Equine Eyesight
  • Be a Confident Handler
  • Safety Handling Tips
  • Tack Considerations
  • Trailering and Riding Safety
  • Safety Precautions

APL 102 — Psychology and Behavior Mother Nature provides horses with some powerful survival instincts. In this course you learn how to work with, rather than against, your horse’s basic nature. Lessons include:

  • Equine Senses
  • Equine Behavior
  • The Power of Instinct
  • Individual Differences
  • Normal and Abnormal Behavior
  • Equine Vices

APL 103 — Terminology helps you develop a good understanding of essential terminology. Lessons include:

  • Parts of the horse
  • Tack
  • Skeletal Form, Blemishes & Unsoundness
  • Nutrition
  • Parasites
  • Miscellaneous Equine Terms

APL 104 — Tack Care and Selection teaches you about the proper equipment that is essential for comfort and safety for Western or English riding. You will learn:

  • Saddle Construction
  • Proper Saddle Fit
  • Saddle Types
  • Bit Strategy
  • Accessory Items
  • Mechanics of Horsemanship

APL 105 — Appaloosa Breed Basics gives Appaloosa owners or riders insight into what makes the Appaloosa unique among equines. Lessons include:

  • History
  • Breed Characteristics
  • Appaloosa Versatility
  • Registration Requirements
  • Coat Colors and Patterns
  • Breeding Considerations

APL 106 — Conformation teaches you about how your horse is such an extraordinary athlete. This thorough lesson series looks at the horse’s internal and external body structures. Lessons include:

  • Skeleton of the Horse
  • Body Systems of the Horse
  • Limbs of the Horse
  • Equine Blemishes and Unsoundnesses
  • Horse Breeding
  • Movement of the Horse

APL 107 — Nutrition benefits both you and your horse as you learn to feed your horse economically and for maximum health and performance. Lessons include:

  • Understanding the Digestive System
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Selecting High Quality Feeds
  • Potential Poisons
  • Problems Associated with Feeding
  • General Feeding and Proper Management

APL 108 — General Health Care covers health care from the ground up and from the inside out. Lessons include:

  • Signs of Illness
  • Anatomy and Care of the Hoof
  • Equine Parasites
  • Equine Teeth
  • Before the Veterinarian Arrives
  • Signs of Good Health

APL 109 — Show Grooming helps getting you and your horse in tip top condition for the show ring. Lessons include:

  • Grooming Equipment
  • Nutrition and Coat Condition
  • Personal Appearance
  • Clipping Techniques
  • Show Day Preparation

APL 110 — Preparing for Horse Shows introduces you to the basics to make your first competitive experiences rewarding. Lessons include:

  • Horse Show Etiquette
  • Selecting Shows and Classes
  • Muscular Development for Riding
  • General Training Principles
  • General Class Requirements
  • The Horse Show Judge